at depth

USAGE SUMMARY

"at depth" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when talking about a certain level or intensity of something. For example, "The author gives an excellent and thoughtful analysis of the topic at depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Divers rarely get into trouble at depth," Dr. Potkin said.

The New York Times - Science

This simulates deformation at depth within the Earth.

Britannica

There may also be an eastward-flowing undercurrent at depth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hide everything at depth 50, then display it again.

Harvard University

This relation did not vary much at depth.

Geoderma

There's a difficulty forming friendships at depth, which I can imagine is not uncommon among refugees".

The Guardian

Campbell feels no urge to breathe at depth, which is unusual.

The New Yorker

Figure 2: Example of m value for two soils at depth.

Nature

It has been traced at depth across the eastern and southern fringes of the interior platform.

Britannica

Magma migrates either at depth or to Earth's surface and is ejected as lava.

Britannica

At depth, increasing pressures transform hydrogen from a gas into a liquid.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at depth" to indicate a thorough examination or a significant level beneath a surface. For example, "The analysis was conducted at depth to uncover underlying issues."

Common error

Avoid using "at depth" when describing something that is shallow or lacks thoroughness. "At depth" implies a comprehensive understanding or a significant distance beneath a surface, not a cursory overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at depth" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is done thoroughly or exists at a significant level, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at depth" functions as an adverbial phrase signifying thoroughness or significant level. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts like science, news, and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility and broad acceptance. It is often used to highlight a comprehensive analysis or a location significantly below the surface. To avoid misuse, remember that "at depth" implies a complete, thorough examination or a considerable distance, not a superficial one. Therefore, when seeking an alternative, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in-depth

Similar in meaning, but used as an adjective to describe the level of detail.

in the depths

Emphasizes the remote and hidden nature of the location.

far down

Indicates a physical location at a considerable distance below the surface.

in detail

Focuses on thoroughness and detail rather than physical depth.

at a lower level

Specifies a location beneath a reference point.

thoroughly

Emphasizes completeness and comprehensiveness rather than a literal depth.

deep down

Can refer both to a physical location and an emotional or psychological state.

profoundly

Highlights the significance and intensity of something rather than its physical depth.

comprehensively

Focuses on the inclusion of all relevant elements, unlike physical depth.

extensively

Indicates thorough coverage of a topic, differing from literal depth.

FAQs

How can I use "at depth" in a sentence?

You can use "at depth" to describe thorough analyses, significant locations below a surface, or profound understanding. For instance, "The research explored the topic "at depth" to reveal new insights."

What are some alternatives to "at depth"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in detail", "thoroughly", or "in-depth" depending on the context. Each conveys a similar sense of thoroughness or intensity.

Is it correct to say "in depth" or "at depth"?

Both "in depth" and "at depth" are correct, but they have slightly different usages. "In depth" is often used as an adjective (e.g., "an in-depth analysis"), while "at depth" is used adverbially (e.g., "analyzed at depth").

What's the difference between "at depth" and "deep down"?

"At depth" typically refers to a physical location or a level of detailed analysis, while "deep down" can also refer to emotional or psychological states. For instance, you might say "The treasure was buried "at depth"" or "Deep down, I knew it was the right thing to do".