Shallow depth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Shallow depth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, object, or concept that has a limited or minimal depth, often in contexts like water, knowledge, or analysis. Example: "The lake has a shallow depth, making it ideal for children to play safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The shallow depth of field adds drama.

The New York Times

Ditto if you want the shallow depth of field aesthetic.

The Guardian - Arts

The cheaper ones only go to a shallow depth.

The Guardian - Travel

It's great for creating shallow depth of field".

The New York Times - Tech

Each picture has unbelievable detail and very shallow depth of field.

The Guardian - Arts

The shallow depth of field is also quite remarkable, creating pleasing bokeh effects.

The Guardian - Tech

Marinating for hours on end does not change the very shallow depth that a marinade penetrates.

The Washington Post

The most obvious are unidirectional flow of water, a generally linear morphology, and shallow depth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You'll also hear that defocusing effect called "bokeh" or "shallow depth of field".

The New York Times

In addition to their shallow depth of field, large apertures gather more light.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Suggestive landscapes are marked out in broad, shallow depths.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the depth of field in photography, use "shallow depth" to emphasize the blurred background and focused subject, creating a visually appealing effect.

Common error

Avoid using "shallow depth" metaphorically when you mean superficiality in character or analysis. Use "superficial" or "cursory" instead to accurately convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallow depth" primarily functions as a descriptive term. It combines the adjective "shallow", modifying the noun "depth", to indicate a small or limited extent of something measured from top to bottom. Ludwig examples show its use in photography, seismology, and general descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shallow depth" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something with a limited vertical extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a range of contexts, including photography, seismology, and general descriptions. While it's often used literally to describe physical depth, it's important to avoid using it metaphorically when "superficial" is more appropriate. The phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic sources, making it a versatile and widely understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Limited depth

Replaces "shallow" with a synonym indicating a restriction in depth.

Minimal depth

Uses "minimal" to emphasize the very small amount of depth.

Small depth

A more direct and simple synonym for "shallow depth".

Superficial depth

Implies a lack of thoroughness or significance in addition to physical depth.

Slight depth

Highlights the subtlety or insignificance of the depth.

Restricted depth

Focuses on the limitation or constraint of the depth.

Reduced depth

Indicates that the depth has been lessened or decreased.

Low depth

Emphasizes the numerical value (or lack thereof) of depth.

Abbreviated depth

Uses "abbreviated" to imply a shortening or truncation of the depth.

Compressed depth

Suggests that the depth has been squeezed or compacted into a smaller space.

FAQs

How is "shallow depth" used in photography?

In photography, a "shallow depth" of field means that only a small portion of the image is in focus, typically the subject, while the background is blurred. This technique is often used to draw attention to the subject and create a visually appealing effect.

What's the difference between "shallow depth" and "great depth"?

"Shallow depth" refers to a limited or minimal distance from the surface, while "great depth" indicates a significant distance from the surface. They are antonyms used to describe opposite ends of the depth spectrum.

When is it appropriate to use "superficial" instead of "shallow" when discussing depth?

While "shallow" typically refers to physical depth, "superficial" implies a lack of thoroughness or emotional depth. Use "superficial" when describing something that lacks substance or is not profound, such as a "superficial analysis".

What are some synonyms for "shallow depth" in a scientific context?

In a scientific context, alternatives to "shallow depth" could include "limited depth", "minimal depth", or "surface-level", depending on the specific field and the nuance you wish to convey.