at a depth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a depth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific measurement or level below the surface, often in contexts related to geology, diving, or construction. Example: "The archaeological site was discovered at a depth of 10 meters below the surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was recovered at a depth of 14,000 feet.

The New York Times

It struck at a depth of 31km (19 miles).

The Guardian

At a depth of 700 metres, things are almost unchanged.

The Economist

Sample Ki1 was collected at a depth of 17 m depth and had a lifespan 1851 2011.

Nature

Sample Ki2 was collected at a depth of 15 m depth and had a lifespan 1365 2011.

Nature

This demonstrates that the lateral resolution ranges from 40 µm at a depth of 1 mm to 175 µm at a depth of 7 mm.

Nature

The temblor occurred at 6.25am Pacific time at a depth of 5.0 miles.

The Guardian - Tech

The recorders were at a depth of 30-32 metres (99-106 feet), he said.

The Guardian

The quake struck at a depth of 6.2 miles, the agency said.

The New York Times

The plane wreck itself was located in June, at a depth of 76 metres.

The Guardian

The wreckage was believed to be at a depth of about 3,000m (9,800ft).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific findings or technical specifications, provide precise measurements after the phrase "at a depth" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, "Samples were collected "at a depth" of 15 meters".

Common error

Avoid using "in a depth" instead of "at a depth". The correct preposition to indicate a specific location in terms of depth is "at".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a depth" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by specifying where an action or state occurs in terms of vertical distance below a surface. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in describing locations, measurements, and data collection points.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a depth" serves as an adverbial phrase used to specify locations or measurements below a surface, commonly in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability, highlighting its frequent use in describing precise vertical positions. While the register is generally neutral, providing specific measurements following the phrase is crucial for clarity. As "below the surface" presents a simple alternative, avoiding "in a depth" is essential to ensure grammatical accuracy. With numerous examples available, the phrase demonstrates its prevalence in both formal and informal communications, emphasizing the importance of context when describing vertical positioning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below the surface

Replaces the prepositional phrase with a simpler, more direct expression of location.

underneath the water

Specifies a liquid medium and implies a position below the water's surface.

at a sub-surface level

More formal and technical, highlighting the position being beneath a surface.

at a lower level

Indicates a position that is physically lower, without necessarily implying measurement.

beneath ground level

Specifically refers to a position below the earth's surface.

vertically below

Stresses the downwards orientation relative to a point of reference.

at a subterranean location

Emphasizes an underground position, suitable for geological or archaeological contexts.

in the deep

A more figurative way to suggest being far below the surface, often used for oceans.

lying deep within

Emphasizes the position being far inside something rather than just below a surface.

at a designated distance

Replaces the general term with a more detailed specification.

FAQs

How is "at a depth" typically used in scientific writing?

In scientific contexts, "at a depth" is frequently used to specify the location where data or samples were collected. For example, "The sediment core was extracted "at a depth" of 500 meters to analyze its composition".

What are some alternatives to saying "at a depth"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "below the surface", "beneath the water", or "at a lower level". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is it ever appropriate to use "in a depth" instead of "at a depth"?

No, the correct preposition is "at". Saying "in a depth" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "at a depth" to indicate a specific level below a surface.

How can I ensure I'm using "at a depth" correctly in my writing?

Double-check that you're specifying a location or measurement below a surface. If you're describing something being buried, you could also consider using "buried underneath". Always follow "at a depth" with a precise measurement or descriptive location.