What does it mean to say “let that sink in”?
English has some odd phrases which might be used each day.
Most individuals by no means take into consideration these, and use them on a regular basis. If you happen to’re not conversant in the phrase in query, this may be very complicated.
On this article, we’ll clarify what “let that sink in” means and how to use it.
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What does it mean when somebody says “Let that sink in”?
The essential meaning of “let that sink in” is “take into consideration that for some time.” This phrase is an idiomatic expression, or a poetic manner of claiming one thing for impact.
Consider your mind as a lake and a brand new piece of data as a breadcrumb. The breadcrumb received’t sink into the lake instantly, and when you don’t take into consideration the brand new piece of data you’ll seemingly neglect it.
When somebody says “let that sink in,” then, they’re simply telling you to replicate on what you’ve got simply discovered.
Totally different meanings of “let that sink in”
Though the identical primary meaning of “take into consideration that” is true for any use of this phrase, it will probably carry completely different nuances in several conditions.
If somebody is telling you one thing surprising, “let that sink in” is perhaps an invite to contemplate all of the ramifications of what you’ve got simply discovered.
Alternatively, if a instructor needs to make certain you perceive a brand new piece of data, they could say the phrase to counsel that you simply want to make certain you’ve memorized it earlier than they will transfer on of their lesson.
Studying the distinction between a clause and a phrase may not be mind-blowing, as an example, however as a result of it’s complicated you would possibly want to give it some thought some time to make certain you get the phrases proper.
Examples
“The Earth orbits the Solar at greater than 18 miles per second. Which means it travels the gap from New York to London in 193 seconds, or simply over three minutes. Pause for a second to let that sink in.”
“Intransitive verbs by no means take a direct object. Let’s let that sink in for a second, and we’ll transfer on.”
Within the first instance, the phrase “let that sink in” is used as a result of it’s stunning to assume how quick the Earth is shifting by means of house.
Our first intuition is to dismiss the data as a result of we will’t simply image it, so we now have to pause and assume it over till it has “sunk in” to our mind.
Within the second instance, intransitive verbs usually are not fairly as thrilling because the velocity of our planet. All the identical, intransitive verbs are essential to understanding grammar.
Anyway, we will think about that the speaker is a instructor delivering a lesson about verbs, and that they need their college students to perceive intransitive verbs earlier than explaining different kinds of verbs.
When not to use “let that sink in”
Metaphors like “let that sink in” can be utilized in just about any context.
Like most types of poetic language, nevertheless, they’re best used sparingly.
If you happen to say “let that sink in” after each new reality you give somebody, they may rapidly lose observe of what components you’re attempting to emphasize.
Moreover, as a result of this phrase implies that one thing you’re saying is essential, it doesn’t make sense to use it for trivial feedback.
If you happen to have been to say “I’m going to prepare dinner an egg. Let that sink in.” the implication is that it’s very uncommon certainly for you to prepare dinner an egg.
Lastly, there could also be some educational contexts wherein this type of metaphorical writing is discouraged.
This isn’t a very formal phrase, so when you’re writing a university paper or different doc the place you want to use formal language, you shouldn’t use “let that sink in.”
As a substitute, you would possibly attempt the phrase “This can’t be overstated,” which accomplishes the identical factor however is much less poetic in nature.
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