edged deeper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "edged deeper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is becoming more intense or penetrating, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As the conversation progressed, the tension in the room edged deeper, making everyone feel uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Attack after attack edged deeper into the Germans' defensive position, and on the 11th day of the American offensive, the Germans recognized that they were outflanked and retreated to avoid capture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In recent years, survivalism has been edging deeper into mainstream culture.

The New Yorker

* As for the poverty of contemporary drama: After several generations of playwrights "pushing the edge" deeper into human pathology and leaching their dramas of moral content -- playwrights like David Mamet, Sam Shepard, Harold Pinter -- we now have their artistic grandchildren: conscience-free and impulse-driven.

Huffington Post

The warm counterpart panel is edged in deep pink; its central polygons are bright yellow.

The New York Times

This leads first to empty grassland edged by deep narrow inlets marking the edge of the island and criss-crossed by drainage ditches.

The Guardian - Travel

Each house centers on a two- or three-story pagoda-like central tower and is edged with deep, curved eaves that, at the lower level, form a veranda.

The New York Times - Travel

Then came a series of bad creative decisions, or perhaps just bad luck, which gradually began to edge Ryder deeper into a kind of Hollywood twilight.

The Guardian - Film

In a quiet moment at the gym last week, they sat on the ring's edge, deep in conversation.

The New York Times - Sports

He rooted out tall tops, buried the bright edge deep To scatter new potatoes that we picked, Loving their cool hardness in our hands.

The New York Times - Arts

These defect band states create a band tail extending from the lower of conduction band to deep down of band gap, and similarly, the defect states very near to the valence band also smear the valence band edge deep inside the gap.

International Nano Letters

At Goyt's Moss and Axe Edge, deep seams were worked and steam engines raised the coal and dewatered the mines.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "edged deeper" to describe the intensification of a situation or feeling, particularly when something gradually progresses to a more profound or critical stage.

Common error

Avoid using "edged deeper" in contexts where literal depth is more appropriate. Reserve it for situations where you want to convey a sense of gradual intensification or penetration, not physical depth. If you want to refer to literal deepness you may want to consider alternatives like "deep inside".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "edged deeper" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used metaphorically to describe the gradual intensification or progression of a situation, feeling, or action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "edged deeper" is a grammatically sound and usable verb phrase that describes a gradual intensification or progression. As noted by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedic entries, and scientific writing. Its usage is neutral in register, making it versatile for both formal and informal communication. While several alternatives exist, such as ""penetrated further"" and ""intensified gradually"", "edged deeper" offers a nuanced way to convey a sense of deepening or increasing intensity over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

penetrated further

Focuses on physical or metaphorical penetration to a greater extent.

advanced further

Highlights forward movement or progress to a greater degree.

moved incrementally deeper

Emphasizes the gradual and step-by-step nature of the progression.

progressed further inward

Specifies movement towards an interior or central point.

intensified gradually

Highlights the increasing intensity of a feeling, situation, or action.

delved more profoundly

Implies a more thorough or insightful exploration of a topic or subject.

cut more intensely

Emphasizes a more acute separation or sharp difference.

crept further in

Suggests a slow, subtle, and often secretive movement inward.

slipped further inward

Highlights a smooth and effortless movement toward the inside.

wormed its way more thoroughly

Implies a cunning and persistent progression toward an objective.

FAQs

How can "edged deeper" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "edged deeper" describes a gradual intensification or progression. For example: "As the debate continued, the disagreement between the candidates "edged deeper"."

What are some alternatives to "edged deeper"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "penetrated further", "intensified gradually", or "delved more profoundly".

Is "edged deeper" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "edged deeper" is suitable for formal writing, especially when conveying a sense of gradual change or increasing intensity. However, ensure that the context aligns with the metaphorical use of the phrase.

What is the difference between "edged deeper" and "went deeper"?

"Edged deeper" implies a gradual and subtle progression, whereas "went deeper" suggests a more direct and immediate action. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the gradual nature of the change.