Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Master the Phrasal Verb: Dig Down

"To truly understand life's mysteries, one must dig down beneath the surface and uncover what lies hidden within the heart and mind."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'dig down' means to delve deeper either physically or metaphorically, often implying thorough examination or exploration beyond the surface.

Examples in context

The detective needed to dig down to uncover the truth behind the case.
After the meeting, she decided to dig down into the financial reports.
To solve the mystery, the team had to dig down into old records.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'dig down' means to delve deeper either physically or metaphorically, often implying thorough examination or exploration beyond the surface.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between 'dig' and 'down'.

Neutral

Used in both formal discussions and casual conversations.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object to receive the action.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	dig down	You need to dig down to find the root cause of the problem.
Past Simple	dug down	They dug down deep to uncover the historical artifacts.
Present Continuous	digging down	He is digging down into the archives for the missing documents.
Present Perfect	have dug down	We have dug down past the superficial to truly understand their culture.

💡 When to Use

Researching complex topics

You often need to dig down when studying intricate subjects to gain comprehensive understanding.

Example: "To understand the theory, she had to dig down into the scientific literature."

Solving difficult problems

Digging down helps identify underlying issues, crucial for resolving complicated problems effectively.

Example: "They had to dig down to diagnose the technical issue."

During archaeological digs

Archaeologists frequently dig down to uncover artifacts buried beneath layers of earth.

Example: "The team began to dig down in search of the ancient relics."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using it intransitively

❌ Wrong: He dug down for hours.

✅ Correct: He dug down into the soil for hours.

💡 Tip: Always involve an object when using 'dig down'.

Inappropriate register usage

❌ Wrong: The report asks us to dig down until we agree.

✅ Correct: The report asks us to thoroughly analyze the data.

💡 Tip: Use 'dig down' when discussing exploration or examination.

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: They diged down very deep.

✅ Correct: They dug down very deep.

💡 Tip: Remember irregular past tense: 'dig' becomes 'dug'.

Practice

DIG DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The detective needed to dig down to uncover the truth behind the case.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
2
Listen to example

After the meeting, she decided to dig down into the financial reports.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
3
Listen to example

To solve the mystery, the team had to dig down into old records.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

delve into explore

Antonyms

skim

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Researchers have to ___ into historical records to find accurate data."

skim

dig down

float

soar

In Context

In 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter made history with a groundbreaking discovery in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. Determined to excavate what remained hidden after centuries of exploration, Carter was convinced there was still a tomb to be uncovered. He and his team decided to dig down at a promising location, where they worked tirelessly under the harsh desert sun. After years of undeterred persistence, equipped only with rudimentary tools, they finally hit a stone step. Sensing they were on the brink of discovery, Carter instructed his team to carefully dig down around the area. Bit by bit, the entrance to what would become one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century was revealed. Upon entering the tomb of Tutankhamun, Carter gazed at the treasures that had lain undisturbed for millennia. He had achieved what others had not, thanks, in part, to his tenacity and willingness to dig down where others ceased their efforts. This momentous discovery shed invaluable light on ancient Egyptian culture and captivated the world. Through meticulous research and an unyielding desire to dig down deeper, Carter’s legacy as a pioneering archaeologist remains influential to this day.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Dig Down

What is the origin of dig down?

The phrase 'dig down' comes from combining 'dig,' meaning to excavate or break up earth, with 'down,' referring to moving deeper into a surface.

Can dig down be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'dig down' is versatile, appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, used for investigations, research, and metaphorical exploration.

What is the difference between dig down and delve into?

Both suggest thorough exploration, but 'dig down' often implies a physical or metaphorical descent, while 'delve into' indicates detailed investigation.

Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

DIG DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Dig Down

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega