sink in

USAGE SUMMARY

"sink in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a concept or idea being understood or accepted. For example, "The gravity of the situation began to sink in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It's got to sink in shortly.

BBC

Let that number sink in. .

Huffington Post

Let that sink in#FireColbert.

Huffington Post

Let that sink in.

The New York Times - Sports

My feet sink in.

The New Yorker

— for this to sink in.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Dunkerque sank in shallow water.

Wikipedia

Then it sunk in.

The New York Times - Travel

The message sunk in.

The New York Times - Sports

Output sank in Italy, Spain and Finland.

The Economist

It sinks in".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sink in" to describe the gradual realization or understanding of something, often after a period of time or reflection.

Common error

Avoid using "sink in" when referring to the literal action of something descending into a liquid or soft substance. In those cases, use "sink" without "in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sink in" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase indicates a gradual process of comprehension or realization. It is used to describe when something becomes fully understood or appreciated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sink in" is a versatile idiomatic expression signifying the gradual comprehension or realization of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral, ensuring appropriate usage based on context is crucial, especially distinguishing it from literal uses of "sink". Related phrases like "become clear" or "dawn on" can offer alternative phrasing, and the phrase's prevalence and established meaning render it a valuable asset in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become clear

Highlights the process of something becoming understandable or apparent.

dawn on

Implies a sudden or gradual realization, often with a sense of clarity.

register

Focuses on the initial awareness or recognition of something, rather than its full comprehension.

get through

Indicates that an idea has been successfully communicated and understood.

get across

Highlights that an idea has been successfully communicated and understood.

penetrate the mind

Emphasizes the forceful entry of an idea into one's consciousness.

fall into place

Suggests that elements are combining to produce an understanding.

click

Suggests a sudden moment of understanding, like pieces falling into place.

come home

Implies that an idea is deeply felt and understood, resonating on a personal level.

percolate

Highlights the gradual filtering and absorption of information or realization.

FAQs

How can I use "sink in" in a sentence?

You can use "sink in" to describe the process of understanding something gradually, as in "It took a while for the news to sink in".

What does "sink in" mean?

The phrase "sink in" means to be fully understood or realized after a period of time.

What can I say instead of "sink in"?

You can use alternatives like "become clear", "dawn on", or "register" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'sunk in' or 'sinked in'?

The correct past participle of "sink in" is "sunk in". Therefore, you should say "The information has sunk in", not "sinked in".