to the depth of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to the depth of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a degree or extent of something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "She felt a sadness that reached to the depth of her soul."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That Bellinger went deep added to the depth of this blowout.

The New York Times - Sports

3 Pour vegetable oil to the depth of 1 2cm into a wok.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Internally we rank answers according to the depth of understanding the candidate demonstrated.

The Guardian

Repairs cables from New Foundland to Key West, to the depth of a mile.

The New Yorker

They swim to the depth of the sea passing various levels in time.

The New Yorker

And the column referred incorrectly to the depth of the Dead Sea.

The New York Times - Travel

The combination of three vocalists and three songwriters has added to the depth of the band.

The New York Times

"To the depth of his subconscious," replied Berners without a flicker.

The Guardian - Music

The strength of recovery is typically proportionate to the depth of recession.

The Economist

"The nominations testify to the depth of British female talent right now.

Independent

"And I think it's blinded people to the depth of his work".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to the depth of" when you want to emphasize the intensity or profoundness of a feeling, understanding, or penetration, whether literal or metaphorical. For example, "She understood the problem to the depth of her soul."

Common error

Avoid using "to the depth of" when describing simple linear measurements. Instead of saying "The water was filled to the depth of 2 inches", use "The water was 2 inches deep".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to the depth of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. According to Ludwig, it expresses the degree, extent, or intensity to which something reaches or penetrates. It's used to specify the depth either literally or figuratively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to the depth of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express the extent, degree, or intensity of something, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions to quantify or qualify how far something reaches, either literally or figuratively. While adaptable to various contexts, it commonly appears in News & Media and Science, ranging from neutral to formal in tone. When writing, ensure you're emphasizing intensity or profoundness rather than just describing a simple measurement. Consider alternatives like "to the extent of" or "to the degree of" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the extent of

Focuses on the range or scope rather than the intensity or profundity.

to the degree of

Emphasizes the level or measure of something, quantifying the extent.

to the level of

Highlights a specific point or stage reached, denoting a certain threshold.

to the measure of

Implies an assessment or quantification, focusing on the measured amount.

to the core of

Suggests reaching the innermost part, emphasizing the essential or fundamental aspect.

to the bottom of

Conveys reaching the lowest point, often used when exploring or investigating.

to the heart of

Indicates reaching the central or most important part, focusing on essence.

as far as

Highlights the limit or boundary, stressing the distance or range.

up to

Indicates reaching a certain point or limit, specifying an upper boundary.

down to

Specifies reaching a particular lower limit or detail.

FAQs

What does "to the depth of" mean?

The phrase "to the depth of" indicates the extent, intensity, or degree to which something reaches, penetrates, or affects something else. It can be used both literally and figuratively.

How can I use "to the depth of" in a sentence?

You can use "to the depth of" to describe physical measurements (e.g., "The excavation reached to the depth of 10 meters") or emotional intensity (e.g., "He was touched "to the depth of his soul"").

What are some alternatives to "to the depth of"?

Alternatives include "to the extent of", "to the degree of", "to the level of", or "as far as", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "to the depth of" or "in depth"?

"To the depth of" and "in depth" have distinct meanings. "To the depth of" describes a measurement or extent, while "in depth" means thoroughly or comprehensively. The choice depends on the intended meaning.