making a dent

USAGE SUMMARY

"making a dent" is correct and common usage in written English.
You can use it to describe an impact or impression that someone or something has made on something else, usually in a small or noticeable way. For example: "With their hard work and dedication, the volunteers were able to make a dent in the amount of litter left in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it is barely making a dent.

The Guardian

Making a dent in local poverty is important.

The Economist

Yet some countries are making a dent in youth unemployment.

The Economist

Why years of research are finally making a dent.

Harvard Business Review

"They could've shot a hundred without making a dent in how many hogs we've got here".

The New Yorker

I'm also personally interested in making a dent in certain social problems.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Making a dent in antibiotic resistance will require such international efforts.

The Guardian

Were he playing this year, he would indeed be making a dent in the shortfall but not erasing it.

The New York Times

"So the urban areas might be a little bit ahead in making a dent in the homeless population".

The New York Times

We need to cause a reaction – what Steve Jobs aptly referred to as making a "dent in the universe".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of course, I still can't keep up with my garden's production, but at least I'm making a dent.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making a dent" when you want to convey that progress is being made, but the problem is far from solved. It's useful for setting realistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "making a dent" when the impact is significant or game-changing. It's better suited for describing incremental improvements rather than revolutionary results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a dent" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as part of a verb phrase. It describes the action of having a noticeable, though not necessarily substantial, impact on something, as supported by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making a dent" is a correct and commonly used idiom to describe a noticeable, though often small, impact or progress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While frequently found in news and media, it is also used in academic and business contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives. Remember that while it indicates some progress, it doesn't imply a complete solution. The phrase effectively communicates that an initial impact is being made, setting realistic expectations about the scope of change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a slight effect

Focuses on the limited impact of the action.

having a modest impact

Emphasizes the moderate influence exerted.

making some progress

Highlights the advancement achieved, even if small.

making a small inroad

Suggests a gradual entry or advancement into something.

making a partial impression

Highlights the incomplete or limited effect.

achieving limited results

Indicates that the outcomes are not substantial.

starting to influence

Focuses on the initial stages of impact.

barely scratching the surface

Emphasizes the superficial nature of the impact, implying much more remains to be done.

making a beginning

Highlights the initial stage of impact.

having a marginal effect

Emphasizes how small or insignificant the effect is.

FAQs

How can I use "making a dent" in a sentence?

You can use "making a dent" to describe an initial impact or some progress in addressing an issue. For example, "The new policy is "making a dent" in the city's pollution problem".

What are some alternatives to "making a dent"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "having a slight effect", "making some progress", or "having a modest impact".

Is it appropriate to use "making a dent" in formal writing?

While "making a dent" is generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, you might consider more precise alternatives like "achieving limited results" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean to say that something is "barely scratching the surface" compared to "making a dent"?

"Barely scratching the surface" indicates an even smaller impact than ""making a dent"". While the latter suggests some progress, the former implies the impact is almost negligible.