it is dug

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is dug" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action that has been completed in the past, particularly in a passive construction. Example: "The trench is now complete because it is dug to the required depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It is dug into our collective consciousness," says Professor Constantinos Tsoukalas, Greece's pre-eminent sociologist.

The Guardian

Vapor from the bitumen is released into the air when it is dug up in open pit mines and later as the oil is separated out.

The New York Times

That is partly because emissions accounting standards focus on where a fuel is burned, not where it is dug up; because the coal trade is a lucrative business; and because the labor-intensive mining industry creates jobs.

The New York Times

It is dug up on the Tibetan plateau, to the concern of environmentalists.In Chrysanthemum Village prices of caterpillar fungus, displayed in little bunches, run to more than 200 yuan ($30) a gram, close to the price of gold.

The Economist

It is dug or drilled wherever a gently dipping, permeable rock layer (such as sandstone) receives water along its outcrop at a level higher than the level of the surface of the ground at the well site.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Coral faces a heightened risk of fatal disease if the seabed near it is dug up, according to a landmark study that will reignite the debate over whether dredging projects near the Great Barrier Reef should take place.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It is digging its heels in, officials say, to prevent such radicals from seducing mainstream Malay opinion.

The Economist

And it is digging deeper into the services it's offering both landlords and renters.

TechCrunch

The first being stable and individually distinct, and the second being graded and correlating with the current behavior of the individual, whether it is digging, searching or moving.

BMC Biology

The body of former President Tassos Papadopoulos was reburied on Thursday, three months after it was dug up from its grave and stolen.

The New York Times

It's dug in the wrong place" he says, a smile wrapped around his face, "it's not ours, it was dug by the Looti Sarkar".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is dug", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. This prevents ambiguity and makes the sentence more precise.

Common error

While "it is dug" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider using the active voice when possible to create a more direct and engaging tone. For example, instead of "The hole it is dug by the team", try "The team dug the hole".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is dug" primarily functions as a passive construction, where the subject receives the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, indicating that something has been excavated or unearthed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is dug" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe something that has been excavated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is relatively rare and can often be replaced with more descriptive or active alternatives to improve writing clarity and impact. When using "it is dug", ensure the context clearly identifies what the "it" refers to to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been excavated

Uses 'excavated' which is a more formal synonym for 'dug', implying a more careful or scientific process.

it has been unearthed

Suggests discovery or revelation, implying something hidden was found by digging.

it was excavated

A simple past passive construction emphasizing the action of excavation.

it was trenched

Specifically refers to the digging of a trench.

it was burrowed

Implies digging a tunnel or hole, typically by an animal or machine.

it is quarried

Refers to the extraction of stone or other materials from a quarry.

it is mined

Indicates the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials.

it is dredged

Suggests removing sediment or other material from a body of water.

it is bored

Implies the creation of a hole using a drill or similar tool.

it is tunneled

Refers to the creation of a tunnel, often underground.

FAQs

How can I use "it is dug" in a sentence?

You can use "it is dug" to describe something that has been excavated or unearthed. For instance, "The foundation is now complete because "it is dug" to the required depth".

What are some alternatives to "it is dug"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "it has been excavated", "it was excavated", or "it has been unearthed".

Is "it is dug" formal or informal?

The formality of "it is dug" depends on the context. It is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal writing, though more formal alternatives like "it has been excavated" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "it is dug" and "it was dug"?

"It is dug" implies that the action of digging is relevant to the present state, while "it was dug" simply describes a past action. For example, ""it is dug" now, so we can proceed" versus "it was dug last week".