Illustrative Context

He is digging in the ground.

Target Sense

• The most generic verb for digging (by people), typically to create a hole, by removing earth, soil, sand, etc..
• Prototypically an intransitive verb for the general activity of digging. In a language where the basic verb is only transitive, then the object should be the hole dug, not an object uncovered by digging.
• Avoid terms specific to the (transitive) sense of uncovering something buried underground (whether coming across it by chance or intentionally searching for it), i.e. digging for something, or digging something up or out.
• Also avoid terms specific to digging a hole in order to bury something, including verbs specific to digging a grave for a body. Indeed, obviously avoid verbs for bury, that include the sense of filling back in and covering up whatever is placed in the hole dug.
• Avoid terms specific to digging with a certain instrument, e.g. shovelling.
• Avoid technical or high-register terms, e.g. excavate.