# dig into

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dig-into
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to start doing something with a lot of energy, or to search for information in a deep way.

For teachers: to investigate something thoroughly or to begin a task or meal with enthusiasm; often used to describe research or the consumption of food.

## Examples

- Let's dig into the data to find the problem.
- The journalist spent months digging into the company's records to uncover the truth about the scandal.
- Before we can propose a solution, we must dig into the underlying socio-economic factors that contributed to the current crisis.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He digged into the files." but "He dug into the files." — 'dig' is an irregular verb; the past tense and past participle are 'dug'.

## Usage notes

- often followed by an abstract noun like 'details', 'data', or 'research', or a physical noun like 'dinner'.
- Teaching tip: contrast the literal sense of digging a hole with the figurative sense of 'unearthing' information; it implies a level of effort and depth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.