What are the definitions of “dig into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Reach inside to get something.
She DUG INTO her handbag and pulled out a bunch of keys.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dig into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dig into is to reach inside something, like a container or a bag, to get an item. It often involves searching or rummaging through the contents to find the desired object.
What are the different verb forms of “dig into”?
| Root Verb | dig into |
| Third Person Singular Present | digs into |
| Present Participle | digging into |
| Simple Past | dug into |
| Past Participle | dug into |
Example
She digs into her purse to find her wallet.
Example
He digs into his backpack to get his lunch.
Example
She is digging into her suitcase to find her favorite shirt.
Example
Yesterday, he dug into the box to find the missing toy.
Example
She had dug into her bag and found her keys.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dig into”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“dig into” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She dug into her handbag to find her phone.
Example
He dug into the drawer to get a pen.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“dig into” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She dug into her handbag to find her phone.
Example
He dug into the drawer to get a pen.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dig into”?
Good things to know
Does “dig into” have an informal or formal tone?
Dig into is generally considered a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, when discussing research or investigation, dig into can be appropriate in a formal context.
