scratch the surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scratch the surface" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean a brief look or examination of something, that does not reveal all of its aspects. For example: "The mayor only gave a brief speech - it just scratched the surface of the real issues".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scratch the surface.

Independent

It didn't scratch the surface.

The Guardian

These ideas only scratch the surface.

The New York Times - Food

Scratch the surface, and ugliness pops up.

The New Yorker

These examples barely scratch the surface.

Independent

Icac hearings don't even scratch the surface.

The Guardian - Opinion

But basic characterizations only scratch the surface.

The New York Times

But these theories only scratch the surface.

The New York Times

But these factors barely scratch the surface.

The Guardian

It's true, but it doesn't even scratch the surface.

The New York Times

These examples just scratch the surface of the problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scratch the surface" when you want to convey that an initial examination or discussion only reveals a small part of a larger or more complex issue. It's useful for setting expectations or highlighting the need for further investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "scratch the surface" in contexts where a literal scratching action is intended. The idiom is specifically for metaphorical or abstract situations where a shallow understanding is implied.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "scratch the surface" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of superficially dealing with a subject or problem. It indicates a lack of depth or thoroughness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase conveys a brief look or examination of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Science

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scratch the surface" is a very common idiomatic phrase used to indicate that something has been dealt with in a superficial or incomplete manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing. Alternatives include phrases like "skim the surface" and "barely cover". When using this idiom, ensure that the context implies a metaphorical scratching and that the expression appropriately reflects a shallow understanding or involvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skim the surface

Replaces "scratch" with "skim", suggesting a lighter, more cursory examination.

touch the surface

Substitutes "scratch" with "touch", implying minimal contact or involvement.

only begin to address

Rephrases the idiom to focus on the initial stage of tackling an issue.

barely cover

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the coverage or understanding.

glance at

Implies a quick and superficial look, similar to a brief examination.

offer a glimpse

Suggests providing only a brief, incomplete view.

explore superficially

Highlights the lack of in-depth analysis or investigation.

present a superficial view

Focuses on the presentation of a shallow understanding.

delve slightly

Indicates a minor or shallow exploration of a topic.

make a preliminary examination

Highlights that it is a initial and not exhaustive research.

FAQs

How can I use "scratch the surface" in a sentence?

You can use "scratch the surface" to indicate that you've only addressed a small part of a larger issue. For example, "The presentation only "touched on" the key points; it just scratched the surface".

What are some alternatives to "scratch the surface"?

Alternatives include phrases like "skim the surface", "barely cover", or "only begin to address", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "scratch the surface" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. While it's an idiom, it's commonly understood and doesn't come across as overly colloquial.

What does it mean to "scratch the surface" of a problem?

To "scratch the surface" of a problem means to deal with it in a superficial way, without fully investigating or understanding its underlying causes or complexities. It implies that there's much more to the problem than what has been initially addressed.