scratching the surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scratching the surface" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiom which is used to mean that one has just begun to address an issue or explore a topic, but has not gone deeply into it yet. For example: "This is just an introduction to the subject; we're only scratching the surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We're still scratching the surface".

The New York Times

We're just scratching the surface".

The New York Times - Science

That's just scratching the surface.

The New York Times

And that's only scratching the surface.

The New York Times - Food

And that's just scratching the surface.

The New York Times

"And we're just scratching the surface".

The New York Times

"We're scratching the surface," he added.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Scratch the surface.

Independent

That just scratches the surface.

The New York Times

Infant formula just scratches the surface.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional reports, follow this phrase with a transition to what the 'deeper' levels of the analysis would entail to provide clear value to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using this idiom in technical contexts where physical damage to a material is being discussed (e.g., 'scratching the surface of the glass') unless you intend to be literal, as it may confuse the reader regarding your intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scratching the surface" functions primarily as a verbal idiom in the continuous tense. It acts as the predicate of a sentence to describe an ongoing but limited action. According to Ludwig AI, it is standard English and is frequently paired with adverbs like 'just', 'only', or 'barely' to emphasize the limitation of the effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "scratching the surface" is a robust and versatile idiom used to characterize the beginning stages of an inquiry or the superficial nature of current knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and highly frequent expression across a wide range of elite publications. It is particularly effective in transitionary writing where a speaker acknowledges that while progress has been made, the vast majority of the subject remains to be explored. Whether used in a scientific context to describe new genetic research or in business to discuss market potential, it remains a clear and impactful way to denote that 'there is more than meets the eye'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only the tip of the iceberg

Uses a different metaphor to emphasize the massive size of the hidden portion compared to what is visible

touching on the basics

Less idiomatic and more literal, focusing on fundamental elements

making a dent

Suggests that while progress is small, it has begun to impact the overall problem

a preliminary look

Shifts the tone to a more formal or clinical assessment

only the beginning

Focuses on the temporal aspect rather than the depth of investigation

getting a glimpse

Implies a brief or limited visual understanding

scanning the exterior

More literal and suggests a lack of penetration into the core

a superficial overview

Provides a direct, formal critique of the depth of information

breaking the ice

Specifically refers to starting a social interaction or a difficult process

barely begun

A very simple, non-idiomatic way to express the same sentiment

FAQs

How do I use "scratching the surface" in a sentence?

You can use it to show that an investigation is in its early stages, for example: "The current audit is just "scratching the surface" of the company's financial issues."

Is "scratching the surface" too informal for business?

No, it is widely used in business and journalism. However, if you want something more formal, you can say "preliminary overview" or "initial assessment".

What is the difference between "scratching the surface" and "tip of the iceberg"?

While both imply there is much more hidden, "scratching the surface" often refers to the action of investigating, whereas "tip of the iceberg" refers to the visible part of the problem itself.

Can I say "scratch the surface" instead of "scratching the surface"?

Yes, you can use the base form "scratch the surface" depending on the tense of your sentence, such as in "We have yet to scratch the surface."