seep through

USAGE SUMMARY

"seep through" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "seep through" in a sentence when you are referring to something passing, usually slowly, through a substance, or to knowledge slowly becoming known. For example: The water seeped through the cracks in the dam and eventually caused it to break.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Water can seep through poorly sealed seams, shorting out components.

Forbes

Parallels to the interwar period seep through.

The Washington Post

An atmosphere of rage began to seep through the White.

The New Yorker

Simple, disquieting truths seep through their elaborate fictions.

The New York Times - Arts

In the international media, stereotypes have continued to seep through.

The Guardian

Line the basket with  plastic before you plant, so damp won't seep through.

Independent

It's often several days before the unintended consequences seep through from behind the big-number headlines.

Independent

Nafion, however, can be expensive and it allows some methanol to seep through, which wastes fuel.

The Economist

Global political realities seep through the show like a spreading stain, sometimes apparent, sometimes not.

The New York Times - Arts

Fragments of sound would seep through the doors, inspiring humility, exhilaration, exasperation.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm thinking of a place where the neighbors' secondhand smoke doesn't seep through the walls.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seep through" to describe a gradual process of something penetrating a barrier or becoming known over time. For instance, 'The impact of the new policy will slowly "seep through" all levels of the organization'.

Common error

While "seep through" is widely understood, overusing it in formal writing can make your tone less professional. Consider alternatives like 'permeate' or 'diffuse' for a more sophisticated effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "seep through" functions primarily as a descriptor of how something gradually penetrates or becomes revealed. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing examples where the phrase is used to describe both physical permeation and the gradual unfolding of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "seep through" effectively describes a gradual process of permeation or revelation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While versatile, it's important to consider formality; alternatives like "permeate" or "diffuse" may suit formal writing better. Remember to use "seep through" to emphasize a slow, persistent, and often subtle process of something passing through a barrier or gradually becoming known.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permeate gradually

Focuses on the gradual and pervasive nature of something spreading.

slowly penetrate

Emphasizes the slowness and the act of entering or passing into something.

filter slowly

Highlights the filtering aspect of the process and its unhurried pace.

gradually diffuse

Stresses the even distribution of something over time.

leak gradually

Focuses on the leaking aspect of the movement and the gradual way.

slowly trickle

Highlights the slow and small amount of something flowing.

infiltrate slowly

Emphasizes the subtle and unnoticeable entry or passage.

emerge gradually

Focuses on the slow appearance or coming into view.

become known gradually

Emphasizes the aspect of knowledge or information becoming apparent over time.

disclose bit by bit

Focuses on the revelation aspect, implying incremental disclosure.

FAQs

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

"Seep through" describes a gradual process of permeation or revelation. For example, 'The water began to "seep through" the cracks in the wall', or 'Hints of the truth began to "seep through" the official narrative'.

What are some synonyms for "seep through"?

Alternatives to "seep through" include "permeate gradually", "slowly penetrate", or "gradually diffuse", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "seep through" or "permeate"?

"Seep through" implies a slow, often unnoticed passage, whereas "permeate" suggests a more thorough and pervasive spread. Choose the word that best reflects the speed and extent of the process you're describing.

What does it mean when emotions "seep through"?

When emotions "seep through", it means they are subtly revealed or expressed, often unintentionally. It suggests that the emotions are not fully contained or hidden and are becoming apparent to others.