just scratching the surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just scratching the surface" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that only a small part of a topic or issue has been explored or understood, suggesting that there is much more to discover. Example: "In our initial research, we are just scratching the surface of the potential impacts of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We're just scratching the surface".

The New York Times - Science

That's just scratching the surface.

The New York Times

And that's just scratching the surface.

The New York Times

"And we're just scratching the surface".

The New York Times

"I'm just scratching the surface," he says.

The Guardian

But this is just scratching the surface.

The Guardian - Books

"He's just scratching the surface," Haith said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're just scratching the surface on this".

The New York Times - Sports

The Swansea manager said: "Mo's just scratching the surface.

The Guardian - Sport

"You're just scratching the surface at the beginning.

The New Yorker

But I know I'm still just scratching the surface.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just scratching the surface" to indicate that a topic has much more depth and complexity than what has been presented so far. It's effective for setting expectations and hinting at future developments.

Common error

Avoid using "just scratching the surface" when you've actually covered a topic comprehensively. Misusing it can mislead your audience and undermine the thoroughness of your work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just scratching the surface" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something has been dealt with only superficially. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts to imply that a deeper, more thorough examination is needed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Tech

17%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Books

5%

Travel

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just scratching the surface" is a common idiom used to express that only a superficial examination of a topic has been made, with much more to explore. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, tech, and sports contexts. While versatile, more precise alternatives may be suitable for highly formal writing. The idiom serves to set expectations and hint at the need for deeper investigation. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is both accurate and useful in conveying a sense of incomplete exploration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely touching the surface

Emphasizes minimal engagement or exploration of a topic.

the tip of the iceberg

An idiom meaning that the apparent problem is much smaller than the real one.

only beginning to explore

Focuses on the initial stage of investigation or discovery.

only skimming the top

Implies a superficial understanding without deeper analysis.

only a superficial understanding

Highlights the depth (or lack thereof) of understanding.

merely hinting at

Suggests that something is being alluded to without being explicitly stated.

only addressing the basics

Indicates a focus on fundamental aspects without delving into more advanced concepts.

a glimpse into

Suggests a brief or fleeting view of something larger or more complex.

at the preliminary stage

Highlights the early phase of a process or investigation.

just getting started

Emphasizes the early stage of development or progress.

FAQs

What does it mean to say I'm "just scratching the surface"?

Saying you're "just scratching the surface" means you've only begun to explore a topic or issue and that there's much more to it than what you've covered.

How can I use "just scratching the surface" in a sentence?

You can use "just scratching the surface" to suggest that a topic is complex and you're only providing a brief overview. For example, "This report is "only scratching the surface" of the issue."

What are some alternatives to "just scratching the surface"?

You can use alternatives like "barely touching the surface", "only beginning to explore", or "the tip of the iceberg" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "just scratching the surface" in formal writing?

While "just scratching the surface" is generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "only a preliminary analysis" or "only addressing the basics".