getting deeper and deeper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting deeper and deeper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that is becoming more intense or complicated over time. Example: "As the investigation progressed, the mystery was getting deeper and deeper, leaving everyone more puzzled than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Debt & Finance

Personal Growth

Relationships

Technology

Travel

Arts & Culture

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

They are getting deeper and deeper in their cuts".

The New York Times - Sports

All the time I was getting deeper and deeper into the mud.

Independent

Negative patterns of thought can become entrenched, with the ruts getting deeper and deeper.

The Guardian

Ms. Armaza, said she and her friend noticed that "it kept getting deeper and deeper".

The New York Times

She then found herself getting deeper and deeper into debt and decided to take out a payday loan because she couldn't afford to pay her daughter's nursery fees.

The Guardian - Money

Danny Gardner, a final-year fine art student at Central Saint Martin's, says: "At the moment I'm getting deeper and deeper into debt.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"They get deeper and deeper over time.

The New Yorker

The water got deeper and deeper.

The New York Times - Travel

"The water just got deeper and deeper.

The Guardian

"Somehow the barrel just seems to get deeper and deeper.

The Economist

"Their depression begins to get deeper and deeper.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting deeper and deeper" to emphasize a progressive change, whether positive or negative. It's especially effective when illustrating a situation that's evolving gradually.

Common error

Avoid using "getting deeper and deeper" in situations where a simpler expression of change would suffice. For example, instead of "the water was getting deeper and deeper", simply say "the water was deepening" if the progressive aspect isn't crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting deeper and deeper" functions as a progressive descriptor, typically modifying a noun or situation to indicate a gradual increase in intensity, complexity, or depth. Ludwig provides examples where it describes mysteries intensifying or debt accumulating.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Sport

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting deeper and deeper" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that effectively conveys a sense of gradual intensification. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility across various contexts, from describing mysteries to personal debt. While generally neutral in register, more formal settings may benefit from more sophisticated synonyms. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is indeed correct and usable, making it a reliable choice for writers seeking to illustrate progressive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ever-deepening

A more poetic and concise way to express the same idea.

becoming more and more

A general alternative that emphasizes a gradual change.

growing more intense

Highlights the increasing strength or severity of something.

gradually intensifying

Combines the ideas of gradual change and increasing intensity.

increasingly profound

Focuses on the intellectual or emotional depth that is growing.

continually escalating

Focuses on the upward or increasing nature of something.

progressively complex

Indicates a gradual increase in complexity or intricacy.

constantly amplifying

Highlights a continuous increase in amplitude or magnitude.

steadily worsening

Emphasizes a continuous decline or deterioration.

spiraling downward

Suggests a rapid and negative progression.

FAQs

How can I use "getting deeper and deeper" in a sentence?

You can use "getting deeper and deeper" to describe a gradual intensification of a situation, feeling, or problem. For example, "As the investigation continued, the mystery was "getting deeper and deeper"".

What are some alternatives to "getting deeper and deeper"?

Some alternatives include "increasingly profound", "growing more intense", or "steadily worsening", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "getting deeper and deeper" in formal writing?

Yes, "getting deeper and deeper" is generally acceptable in formal writing, although more sophisticated alternatives like "progressively complex" or "gradually intensifying" might be preferred in certain academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "getting deeper and deeper" and "becoming deeper"?

"Getting deeper and deeper" emphasizes the ongoing and progressive nature of the change, while "becoming deeper" simply indicates a change in depth. The former suggests a more gradual and continuous process.