To delve deeper
Presentation and public speaking expression
Littéralement: To dig deeper
Use it to signal you are moving from basic facts to a serious, detailed investigation.
En 15 secondes
- Investigate a topic or problem in great detail.
- Transition from a general overview to specific analysis.
- Commonly used with 'into' in professional settings.
Signification
To explore a topic, problem, or idea in much greater detail rather than just looking at the surface facts.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a business meeting
Now that we've seen the overview, let's delve deeper into the Q3 sales figures.
Presentation and public speaking expression
Talking to a friend about a movie
I really want to delve deeper into the themes of that film; it was so complex!
Presentation and public speaking expression
Academic writing
This chapter delves deeper into the psychological effects of social media.
Presentation and public speaking expression
Contexte culturel
The phrase originates from the Old English 'delfan,' meaning to dig. It reflects a Western cultural metaphor where 'depth' is equated with 'truth' and 'value,' suggesting that the most important information is rarely found on the surface.
The 'Into' Rule
Always pair 'delve' with 'into' when talking about a topic. It sounds incomplete without it!
Don't get dirty
Avoid using 'delve' for physical dirt or gardening. Use 'dig' instead, or you'll sound like you're in a Shakespeare play.
En 15 secondes
- Investigate a topic or problem in great detail.
- Transition from a general overview to specific analysis.
- Commonly used with 'into' in professional settings.
What It Means
Imagine you are standing by a calm lake. You see the blue surface clearly. But you know there is a hidden world underneath. To delve deeper is like diving into that water. It means you want to explore a topic thoroughly. You are looking for more than just basic facts. You want the 'why' and the 'how.' It is about finding the hidden layers of a story. You are acting like a detective or a scientist. You want to see what is really going on.
How To Use It
You will usually see this phrase followed by into. You delve deeper into a subject or a problem. It works as a great transition in a speech. It tells your audience that the easy part is over. Now, you are going to show them the real data. Use it when you move from a summary to a detailed analysis. It sounds smart and professional. It also shows that you have done your homework. You can use it as a verb in many tenses. "I am delving," "He delved," or "We will delve."
When To Use It
This phrase is a superstar in the office. Use it during a big presentation to show expertise. It is perfect for research papers and academic essays. You can also use it in deep conversations with friends. If a friend tells you a secret, ask to delve deeper. It shows you are a great listener. Use it when you are watching a documentary. It helps describe how the film explores a specific event. It is also common in investigative journalism.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for literal, physical digging. If you are in your garden, just use dig. Saying you are delving deeper into the soil sounds too dramatic. It makes you sound like a character in a fantasy movie. Also, avoid it for very simple or boring things. You don't delve deeper into your choice of breakfast cereal. That is just too much intensity for a bowl of cornflakes. Keep it for topics that actually have layers to explore.
Cultural Background
The word delve comes from the Old English word delfan. This word literally meant "to dig" with a shovel. Over hundreds of years, the meaning changed. English speakers started using it for mental work instead of physical work. It reflects a cultural idea that knowledge is buried. We believe that the most valuable truths are hidden underground. In the modern Information Age, this phrase has become even more popular. We have so much data that we must delve deeper to find the truth.
Common Variations
If delve feels too formal, try using dig deeper. This is very common in casual American English. You might also hear people say drill down. This is a popular business term for looking at specific data. Another option is to say get to the bottom of. This is usually used when you are solving a mystery. You could also simply say explore further. All of these phrases mean you want more information than you currently have.
Notes d'usage
This expression is neutral to formal. It is a favorite in public speaking and academic writing because it sounds intellectual without being overly obscure.
The 'Into' Rule
Always pair 'delve' with 'into' when talking about a topic. It sounds incomplete without it!
Don't get dirty
Avoid using 'delve' for physical dirt or gardening. Use 'dig' instead, or you'll sound like you're in a Shakespeare play.
The Business 'Drill'
In corporate America, people often say 'drill down' instead of 'delve deeper.' It's the same idea but sounds more 'action-oriented.'
Exemples
6Now that we've seen the overview, let's delve deeper into the Q3 sales figures.
Presentation and public speaking expression
Used here as a transition to more complex data.
I really want to delve deeper into the themes of that film; it was so complex!
Presentation and public speaking expression
Shows a desire for intellectual conversation.
This chapter delves deeper into the psychological effects of social media.
Presentation and public speaking expression
Standard way to introduce a detailed analysis in writing.
Wait, don't stop there! Delve deeper into what he actually said at the party.
Presentation and public speaking expression
A slightly more sophisticated way to ask for 'the tea.'
I delved deeper into my backpack and found a sandwich from last Tuesday.
Presentation and public speaking expression
Uses the formal word 'delve' for a gross, mundane discovery for comedic effect.
We really need to delve deeper into why we keep having this same argument.
Presentation and public speaking expression
Used to address the root cause of an emotional issue.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
The journalist decided to delve deeper ___ the corruption scandal.
We almost always use 'into' after 'delve deeper' to indicate the subject being explored.
Which word is a more casual synonym for 'delve'?
If you want to sound less formal, you can say 'Let's ___ deeper.'
'Dig deeper' is the common, everyday version of 'delve deeper.'
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Exploring Ideas
Used with friends or family.
Dig deeper
Good for most conversations.
Look into it
Perfect for speeches and papers.
Delve deeper
When to Delve Deeper
Keynote Speech
Analyzing market trends.
University Essay
Exploring literary themes.
Therapy Session
Understanding core emotions.
Crime Podcast
Investigating a cold case.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTechnically, 'delve' already means to dig, but adding 'deeper' is very common for emphasis. It highlights the intensity of the investigation.
Yes, but it might sound a bit dramatic. It's great if you're being curious about a friend's story, like Delve deeper into that drama!
The past tense is delved. For example: The researcher delved deeper into the archives.
Neither is 'better,' but delve is more sophisticated. Use delve for a presentation and dig for a chat over coffee.
Usually, you delve into their *history* or *motives*, not the person themselves. Example: We delved deeper into his past.
Yes, it is very common in both British and American English, especially in journalism and academia.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. Always use the comparative form deeper.
Yes, delve into functions as a phrasal verb meaning to research or examine.
No, delve implies a long, thorough process. For a quick look, use glance at or skim.
Usually, yes. Using it for something trivial like delving deeper into my sock drawer is often done as a joke.
Expressions liées
Dig deeper
Drill down
Explore further
Get to the bottom of
Go down the rabbit hole
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