The phrasal verb "dig into" is predominantly used in informal contexts, though it can occasionally appear in more formal settings depending on the subject matter. It commonly refers to thoroughly investigating or examining something, such as data, information, or an issue, and can also denote beginning to eat with eagerness or enthusiasm, as in "digging into a meal." The usage patterns include both literal and figurative contexts – one might "dig into a report" to understand its contents in depth or "dig into dinner" to start enjoying the meal passionately. This expression conveys a sense of eagerness and thoroughness, often implying that the person is engaging with the task or subject in a focused and perhaps zealous manner. Given its adaptability to different subjects, "dig into" can be quite versatile but tends to lean towards conversational rather than strictly formal language. Despite its informal roots, the utility of the phrase allows it to cross into more professional domains, especially when describing someone engaging with complex or detailed work.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To investigate or examine something deeply and thoroughly, usually to find out more information.
The journalist decided to dig into the company's financial records to uncover any discrepancies.
If you're unsure about the topic, you should dig into the research papers available.
2. To start eating food with enthusiasm.
As soon as the food was served, the hungry kids dug into their meals.
Everyone grabbed a fork and dug into the delicious birthday cake.
3. To devote a significant amount of time and effort into a task or problem.
Once I dig into this project, I won't stop until I finish it.
He began to dig into his work as soon as he received the assignment.