dunk into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dunk into" is not standard in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It can be used in informal contexts, particularly when describing the action of immersing something into a liquid, often in a playful or casual manner. Example: "He decided to dunk into the pool to cool off on a hot summer day."

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Tear off a crisp corner, load up with chutneys, dunk into sambar: heaven.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"And thats when Dr. J really brought the dunk into focus.

The New York Times - Sports

As we got older going out gave me a quick dunk into a sea of new language.

The Guardian

Wadded into little balls and eaten with fingers is the customary way to enjoy it, the better to dunk into spicy saucy dishes.

The New York Times - Food

I dumped them all, sprayed the remnants with DEET-based repellent, then dropped a Mosquito Dunk into the sewer basin near my mailbox.

The New York Times

The newest iteration of the cookie looks more like a straw through which to drink milk than an object to dunk into it, and due to its new curvature, there is no emboss in sight.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Horrified, he watched his ball slam-dunk into Rae's Creek and what turned out to be a double-bogey five.

The Guardian - Sport

Canvas sacks full of that material are suspended from racks and dunked into pools of solvent.

The New York Times - Tech

These are perfect with roast chicken, and any leftovers can be served cold, dunked into mayo.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The churros are better at breakfast, dunked into thick hot chocolate.

The New York Times

O'Neal played huge, parlaying monstrous rejections and powerful dunks into a 22-point, 9-rebound game.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dunk into" to describe a quick and casual immersion, especially when referring to food or liquids. For example, "dunk the biscotti into your coffee".

Common error

Avoid using "dunk into" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "immerse" or "submerge" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dunk into" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of quickly immersing something in a liquid or substance. Ludwig examples showcase its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

14%

Lifestyle

11%

Less common in

Sports

3%

Tech

3%

Food

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dunk into" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the act of quickly immersing something in a liquid or substance, particularly in informal contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is acceptable, though it may not be suitable for formal writing. It's often employed in discussions about food and casual activities, as showcased in numerous examples from News & Media and Wiki sources. Related phrases include "dip into" and "immerse in", which offer varying degrees of immersion and formality. When using "dunk into", be mindful of the context and consider whether a more refined alternative might be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dip into

Implies a brief or partial immersion, suggesting a lighter touch than "dunk into".

immerse in

Suggests a more thorough and encompassing submersion, often used in a figurative sense.

douse in

Means to saturate something with a liquid quickly.

plunge into

Conveys a sense of suddenness and force when entering something.

submerge in

Describes being completely covered by a liquid or other substance.

sink into

Indicates a gradual descent or absorption into something.

infuse with

Means to pervade with a quality or idea.

steep in

Implies soaking something to extract flavor or color.

souse in

Suggests soaking something in a pickling solution or brine.

baptize in

Refers to a ritual immersion in water, often with religious connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "dunk into" in a sentence?

The phrase "dunk into" is generally used to describe the act of quickly immersing something in a liquid. For instance, you might say, "She likes to dunk her cookies into milk" or "They dunked the suspect's head into the water" (in a fictional context).

What are some alternatives to "dunk into"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "dip into", "immerse in", or "plunge into". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dunk into" considered formal or informal language?

"Dunk into" is generally considered informal. For more formal situations, consider using alternatives like "immerse in" or "submerge in".

When is it appropriate to use "dunk into" instead of "dip into"?

"Dunk into" suggests a quicker and often deeper immersion compared to "dip into". Use "dunk into" when the action involves fully submerging something, while "dip into" is suitable for a light or partial immersion.