seep into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seep into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something gradually entering or infiltrating a space, idea, or situation, often in a subtle or unnoticed way. Example: "Over time, the negative thoughts began to seep into her mind, affecting her overall mood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Such messages seep into the culture.

Independent

It's (seep ?) into a regional war.

The New York Times

Let the salt seep into your bones.

The Guardian - Travel

Surely the proppants won't seep into groundwater.

The New York Times - Books

Archie began to seep into my dreams.

The Guardian

Abundance really does seep into your soul.

The New York Times - Magazine

High-minded constitutionalism will not simply seep into society.

The New York Times

Tear gas began to seep into their cells.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Hore's beliefs do seep into her fiction.

Independent

"Reality will only seep into this project so much.

The New Yorker

Experimental drugs seep into the story from every direction.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seep into" when you want to describe a gradual and subtle process of something entering or affecting something else. Consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended nuance of gradual influence or penetration.

Common error

While "seep into" is widely used, it can sometimes sound too informal for certain academic or professional writing. In these cases, consider alternatives like "permeate", "infiltrate", or "penetrate" for a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "seep into" functions primarily to describe a gradual and subtle process by which something enters or affects something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a commonly used and well-understood phrase across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seep into" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb that describes a gradual and subtle process of something entering or influencing something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely accepted and versatile. While appropriate for most contexts, including news and general writing, more formal situations might warrant the use of synonyms like "permeate" or "infiltrate". Its frequency is high, appearing often in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and contextually appropriate use of "seep into" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permeate

Implies a more thorough and pervasive spread throughout something.

infiltrate

Suggests entering a space or organization, often with a negative connotation of being secretive or unwanted.

penetrate

Indicates a forceful entry or breakthrough into something.

filter into

Suggests a gradual process of something being refined or sorted as it enters.

trickle into

Implies a very slow and gradual entry, often in small amounts.

infuse

Suggests introducing a quality or element into something else, often to enhance it.

imbue

Implies saturating something with a particular quality or feeling.

suffuse

Means to gradually spread through or over.

percolate into

Implies a slow process of filtering or spreading through something.

mingle with

Suggests a mixing or blending of elements.

FAQs

How can I use "seep into" in a sentence?

You can use "seep into" to describe a gradual process. For example, "The influence of social media began to seep into political discourse."

What can I say instead of "seep into"?

You can use alternatives like "permeate", "infiltrate", or "penetrate" depending on the context.

Is "seep into" appropriate for formal writing?

While "seep into" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "permeate" or "infiltrate" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "seep into" and "filter into"?

"Seep into" implies a slow and gradual entry, while "filter into" suggests a process of refinement or sorting as something enters.