sinks deeper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sinks deeper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that becomes more intense or severe over time. Example: "As the investigation continued, the mystery surrounding the case sinks deeper into confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Italy's economy sinks deeper into recession.

The New York Times

Yet as the lie sinks deeper, court intrigues develop.

The New Yorker

But Ettore only sinks deeper into the city's thieving underworld.

The Guardian - Film

China tops the United States in global trade, while Japan's economy sinks deeper.

The New York Times

With every passing minute, as Sakhnin is unable to score, its side sinks deeper into gloom.

The New York Times - Magazine

But as anger sinks deeper into his self-indulgent face, he is still a presence.

The New York Times - Sports

But he sinks deeper and deeper into a state of alienation.

The New York Times - Books

Every year, the junta grows stronger while the country sinks deeper into poverty.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Daily vacuuming helps pick up dirt and debris before it sinks deep into the carpet.

WikiHow

Europe sank deeper into recession.

The New York Times

You sink deeper.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sinks deeper" to describe a situation, emotion, or state that is becoming increasingly negative or intense over time. For example, "As the economic crisis continued, the country "sinks deeper" into recession".

Common error

Avoid using "sinks deeper" when describing a minor issue or inconvenience. The phrase implies a significant and concerning decline. For less serious situations, use phrases like "becomes more complicated" or "gets slightly worse."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sinks deeper" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the intensifying of a negative state or situation. Ludwig AI shows it connects subjects to a worsening condition. It describes a gradual or continuous decline, as seen in examples relating to economies, emotional states, or physical processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sinks deeper" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the intensification of a negative state or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki contexts, it effectively conveys a sense of intensifying negativity. Alternatives include "descends further", "worsens further", and "plunges further". Remember to use it when describing serious declines, and avoid overstating minor issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsens further

A direct synonym indicating a more severe or negative state.

descends further

Emphasizes a downward movement or progression, often in a metaphorical sense.

plunges further

Suggests a rapid and dramatic decline or worsening.

declines further

Highlights a reduction or decrease in value, quality, or condition.

falls further

Similar to "plunges further" but can also describe a more gradual decline.

deteriorates further

Focuses on the decline in quality or condition.

spirals downward

Implies a continuous and accelerating decline.

regresses further

Indicates a return to a previous, less developed state.

slides further

Suggests a slow and often unnoticed decline.

becomes more entrenched

Emphasizes that a negative condition is increasingly difficult to change or remove.

FAQs

How can I use "sinks deeper" in a sentence?

You can use "sinks deeper" to describe something becoming more negative or intense, like "As the investigation continued, the mystery surrounding the case "sinks deeper" into confusion".

What are some alternatives to "sinks deeper"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "descends further", "worsens further", or "plunges further".

Is it appropriate to use "sinks deeper" in formal writing?

Yes, "sinks deeper" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news or analytical contexts, to describe a serious decline or intensification of a situation. Ensure the tone matches the gravity of the subject.

What's the difference between "sinks deeper" and "gets worse"?

"Sinks deeper" suggests a more profound and potentially irreversible decline, often with implications of being submerged or trapped. "Gets worse" is a more general term for any kind of deterioration.