at a shallow level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a shallow level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a superficial understanding or analysis of a topic, indicating that the depth of insight is limited. Example: "The report only examines the issue at a shallow level, failing to address the underlying causes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The deformation took place at a shallow level of the crust, and the sediments are still unmetamorphosed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some recent studies also report that normal faults observed at a shallow level in the sediment are not deeply rooted (Zitter et al. 2012).

Earth, Planets and Space

Portions of the lake flank were being uplifted in an endogenous manner (Figure 9c), suggesting that magma was being intruded at a shallow level below the lake.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

At a shallow level of analysis, we note that Participant 4 (who received the enhanced visualization condition) performed much better than Participant 3 (who did not receive the enhanced visualization condition).

Security Informatics

The percentage of volumetric water content was recorded at a shallow level (45 degree angle) and a deep level (90 degree angle) at each of the nine locations on the ground.

Injury Epidemiology

In contrast, the degassing efficiency would increase if the inclined portion is plumbed at a shallow level above the bubble nucleation, since the gas phase is likely to be concentrated on the upper side of the conduit wall, in a stratified manner above the liquid.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The sex could not be determined from the scant remains of a cremated 3-year-old child discovered in 2010 at a shallower level of the same pit.

Los Angeles Times

Toxic levels of aluminium at shallow depth and poor natural soil fertility are added constraints.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Takagi et al. (2005) determined experimentally that anorthite-rich plagioclase (An > 90) phenocrysts can be crystallized at only a shallow-level crustal magma chamber (200 to 300 MPa) with 5 to 6 wt.% dissolved H2O in the melt.

Earth, Planets and Space

Shouting in the workplace can be harmful, because "when people are upset they process information at a more shallow level," says Robert I. Sutton, a professor and organizational psychologist at Stanford.

The New York Times

In particular, Suzuki et al. (2013) analyzed the volcanic ash erupted on 19 January, and found that it contains 8% juvenile micro-pumice in particle number, which indicates that magma must have reached at a relatively shallow level beneath the Shinmoe-dake crater at that time.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a shallow level" when you want to emphasize that an analysis, understanding, or treatment of a subject is superficial and doesn't delve into deeper complexities or underlying causes.

Common error

Avoid using "at a shallow level" when you simply mean something is basic or introductory. Superficiality implies a lack of thoroughness, whereas simplicity suggests clarity and ease of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a shallow level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent or depth of an action, understanding, or analysis. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a superficial understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a shallow level" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a lack of depth or thoroughness in analysis, understanding, or engagement with a topic. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English to indicate superficiality. While alternatives like "on a superficial level" or "at a surface level" exist, "at a shallow level" effectively conveys a limited or surface-level treatment of a subject. The phrase finds common use in scientific and news contexts, indicating its broad applicability. Remember to use it to accurately convey the desired meaning of limited depth, avoiding confusion with simplicity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a superficial level

Indicates a lack of thoroughness or depth in analysis or understanding.

at a surface level

Implies dealing with the outer aspects without delving into complexities.

in a cursory manner

Suggests a brief and rapid examination without attention to detail.

without deep analysis

Explicitly states the absence of thorough investigation or understanding.

with limited insight

Highlights the lack of profound understanding or perception.

on a basic level

Denotes a simple, fundamental, or introductory approach.

at first glance

Refers to an initial impression or observation without further scrutiny.

in a simplified way

Emphasizes the reduction of complexity for easier comprehension.

without getting into details

Specifies the omission of detailed information or intricacies.

at a preliminary stage

Indicates an early or initial phase of examination or development.

FAQs

How can I use "at a shallow level" in a sentence?

You can use "at a shallow level" to describe a superficial analysis or understanding. For example, "The report only examines the issue at a shallow level, failing to address the underlying causes".

What are some alternatives to "at a shallow level"?

Alternatives include "on a superficial level", "at a surface level", or "in a cursory manner", depending on the context.

Is it better to analyze something "at a shallow level" or a deep level?

The depth of analysis depends on the purpose. Analyzing "at a shallow level" might be appropriate for a quick overview, but a deeper analysis is needed for a comprehensive understanding.

What's the difference between analyzing something "at a shallow level" and "on a basic level"?

Analyzing something "at a shallow level" implies a lack of thoroughness, whereas analyzing it "on a basic level" suggests focusing on fundamental concepts without necessarily being superficial.