plunge headlong

USAGE SUMMARY

"plunge headlong" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to: "rush or hurry into something without hesitation or forethought." Example: Despite knowing the risks, she plunged headlong into the new project, determined to make it a success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Patricia Camp Godalming, Surrey As we plunge headlong towards yet another relegation, we Coventry City supporters take our victories where we can.

The Guardian

Sophie Gee's handsome and wilful heroes plunge headlong into a whirl of hedonism and heady politics in a rollicking imagined prequel to Pope's most famous poem, "The Rape of the Lock".

The Economist

We either talk ourselves away from the precipice, or we plunge headlong over it.

Huffington Post

As we plunge headlong into 2014, there are now more mobile devices on the planet than people.

HuffPost

The spark in his life returns as they plunge headlong into discovering each other within this shared space of unfolding intimacy.

HuffPost

And this involves the enormous discipline of dropping your desires, your prejudices, your memories, your projections, your selective way of looking... a discipline so great that most people would rather plunge headlong into good actions and service than submit to the burning fire of this asceticism.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

One of them plunges headlong into the green tide and comes up spewing mullet.

The New Yorker

Late in the morning the council plunged headlong into a discussion of national health-care financing.

The New York Times

His Macbeth plunges headlong into savagery, going from good, loyal soldier to murderous despot in a flash.

The New York Times

While Mr. Wallace plunged headlong into Chinese culture — an experience he calls life changing — Mr. Chen took a different approach.

The New York Times - Arts

Since receiving my diagnosis of a rare type of vascular disease intimal fibromuscular dysplasia—I have plunged headlong into social media based advocacy.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plunge headlong" to vividly describe situations where someone acts impulsively or without hesitation. This phrase adds a sense of energy and urgency to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "plunge headlong" when careful planning and consideration are required. This phrase implies a lack of foresight, which may not be appropriate in all contexts.

Linguistic Context

"Plunge headlong" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action of entering into a situation or activity quickly and without careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show it often describes impulsive behavior or decisions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plunge headlong" is a verb phrase that vividly describes entering a situation quickly and without hesitation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the implication of impulsiveness and whether it aligns with the intended message. Alternatives like "dive in headfirst" or "jump right in" can offer nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dive in headfirst

This alternative emphasizes the enthusiasm and lack of hesitation in starting something.

jump right in

A more casual way to express starting something immediately and actively.

rush into

Focuses on the speed and lack of forethought in entering a situation.

leap into

Implies a sudden and energetic entry into something new.

throw oneself into

Highlights the complete commitment and energy投入into a task or activity.

embark impulsively on

Indicates starting a journey or project without careful planning.

launch wholeheartedly into

Suggests beginning something with full enthusiasm and dedication.

go all in

An informal expression meaning to commit completely to something, often with risk.

immerse oneself in

Focuses on becoming deeply involved or absorbed in something.

charge forward

Emphasizes moving ahead forcefully and rapidly, often without caution.

FAQs

What does "plunge headlong" mean?

The phrase "plunge headlong" means to rush or hurry into something without thinking carefully about the consequences.

How can I use "plunge headlong" in a sentence?

You can use "plunge headlong" to describe someone acting impulsively, such as: "She "plunged headlong" into the project despite knowing the risks."

What are some alternatives to "plunge headlong"?

Some alternatives include "dive in headfirst", "jump right in", or "rush into". Each emphasizes different aspects of impulsive action.

When is it appropriate to use "plunge headlong"?

Use "plunge headlong" when you want to emphasize the recklessness or enthusiasm of someone's actions. It's fitting when someone acts without considering the consequences.