sink into

USAGE SUMMARY

"sink into" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a gradual movement of something into something else, usually a softer material, for example: The tired boy sank into the pillow and fell asleep.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let Saturday sink into oblivion".

The New York Times - Books

I'd sink into nature.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He would sink into despair.

The Guardian

I wanted to sink into the ground.

Stanford University

And sink into an early tomb!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Figures deprived of heads sink into despair.

The New York Times - Arts

I sink into a plush seat.

The Guardian - Travel

He does not sink into self-pity.

The New York Times - Books

And cushions that you could sink into.

The Guardian - Money

I don't want to sink into disappointment.

The Guardian

Does it sink into stagnant complacency?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sink into" to describe a gradual descent or immersion into a physical substance or a state of mind. For instance, "The sun began to sink into the horizon" or "She sank into a deep depression."

Common error

Avoid using "sink into" when you mean to describe an active and intentional engagement. Phrases like "delve into" or "immerse oneself in" are better suited for describing active involvement, whereas "sink into" usually implies a more passive or gradual process.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "sink into" primarily functions as a dynamic verb, indicating a process or change of state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase describes a gradual descent or immersion. For example, one might "sink into despair" or "sink into an armchair".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "sink into" is a versatile expression used to describe a gradual movement or immersion, both physically and metaphorically. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this can refer to literally sinking into something, like a chair, or figuratively, like sinking into despair. It's grammatically sound and very common, especially in News & Media and Academia contexts. Remember to use it to convey a passive or gradual process rather than an active engagement. While alternatives like "delve into" or "immerse oneself in" exist, "sink into" maintains its unique meaning and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immerse oneself in

Implies a complete absorption or engagement, often in a figurative sense.

be absorbed in

Focuses on the state of being completely engaged or engrossed.

submerge in

Conveys a complete covering or engulfing, literally or figuratively.

delve into

This alternative implies a more active and investigative approach compared to the passive nature of "sink into".

descend into

This implies a downward movement, often into a negative state or situation.

plunge into

Implies a sudden and forceful entry.

fall into

Suggests a less intentional or controlled descent, often used for negative situations.

drown in

This alternative suggests being overwhelmed or consumed by something.

settle into

This implies a gradual and comfortable adaptation to a new environment or state.

succumb to

Suggests yielding to an overpowering force or influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "sink into" to describe a gradual descent or immersion, either physically (e.g., "The ship began to sink into the ocean") or mentally/emotionally (e.g., "He started to sink into despair").

What are some synonyms for "sink into"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "fall into", "descend into", "immerse oneself in", or "submerge in".

Is it correct to say "sink in" instead of "sink into"?

While "sink in" is also a valid phrase, it has a different meaning. "Sink in" refers to something gradually becoming understood or realized, whereas "sink into" describes a physical or emotional immersion.

What's the difference between "sink into" and "delve into"?

"Sink into" generally implies a passive or gradual process of immersion, while "delve into" suggests an active and investigative exploration of something.