lots of digs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lots of digs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to numerous remarks or comments that are often critical or mocking in nature. Example: "During the meeting, there were lots of digs at the management's decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

From the age of 15 to 17, the scorer of 800-plus goals in Devon schools football lived in three lots of digs.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's Greek for "lots of digging", right?

The Guardian

He has helped Tova select peony varieties and ground covers and has done lots of digging.

The New York Times

In archaeology a lot of digs use volunteers rather than paying graduates; so I thought I'd just pursue it as a hobby instead".

Independent

There is a lot of digging and dusting off.

The New York Times - Arts

An investigation is long overdue, though it shouldn't take a lot of digging.

The New York Times

"It was a lot of digging, I was amazed," Sky News Australia reports her saying.

Independent

It was a lot of digging, and a computer did it.

The New York Times - Tech

"It was a lot of digging, I was amazed," Carr told reporters.

The Guardian

"Do we have a lot of digging to do? Sure," he said.

The New York Times

STEP 3 The Bank of America tower requires a lot of digging, blasting and pounding, which makes the ground shimmy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lots of digs", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity between critical remarks and physical excavations. For clarity, contextualize the phrase with related terms, like "critical digs" or "archaeological digs".

Common error

Avoid using "lots of digs" when referring to significant praise or admiration. While "digs" can refer to living spaces, "lots of digs" typically implies criticism or excavation, not appreciation. Consider using "lots of compliments" or "much praise" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lots of digs" functions primarily as a noun phrase that can act as a subject or object in a sentence. Based on Ludwig, it can describe either multiple critical remarks or a series of archaeological excavations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lots of digs" is a versatile expression that can refer to both numerous critical remarks and multiple archaeological excavations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its usage is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "lots of digs" carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various communication styles. When writing, ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to criticism or physical excavation to avoid ambiguity. Depending on the intended meaning, consider alternatives like ""many criticisms"" or "plenty of excavations" for increased clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ample digs

Uses a different adjective to indicate quantity, maintaining the core meaning.

many criticisms

Focuses specifically on the critical aspect, omitting the potential for physical digging.

frequent barbs

Indicates recurring sharp criticisms, focusing on frequency.

numerous jibes

Highlights the mocking nature of the comments, differing slightly in tone.

plenty of excavations

Emphasizes the archaeological or physical digging aspect.

loads of insults

Replaces "lots" with "loads", indicating a large quantity of insults.

several taunts

Focuses on provocative or insulting remarks.

a barrage of sneers

Implies a continuous and overwhelming series of contemptuous comments.

a multitude of insults

Highlights the offensive character of the comments, changing the intensity.

considerable teasing

Emphasizes playful or light-hearted mockery.

FAQs

How can I use "lots of digs" in a sentence?

You can use "lots of digs" to refer to numerous critical or mocking remarks, as in, "During the debate, there were "lots of digs" at the opponent's policies."

What does "lots of digs" mean in the context of archaeology?

In an archaeological context, "lots of digs" implies numerous excavation sites or archaeological projects, indicating extensive digging and research efforts.

What are some alternatives to saying "lots of digs" when referring to criticism?

Instead of "lots of digs", you could use alternatives like "many criticisms", "numerous jibes", or "frequent barbs" to convey the same idea of receiving a barrage of mocking comments.

Is "lots of digs" a formal or informal expression?

"Lots of digs" leans towards being an informal expression. In more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "extensive criticism" or "numerous excavations" depending on the context.