be deeper than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be deeper than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that has more complexity or significance than initially anticipated. Example: "The analysis of the data revealed that the issues were much deeper than expected, requiring a thorough investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

An analysis on Monday suggested that spending cuts in the next parliament would be deeper than expected.

The Guardian

The goal of the tests is to determine how much additional capital each big bank will need if the economic downturn proves to be deeper than expected.

The New York Times

Gov. George E. Pataki's budget director today asked state agencies to cut spending by 5percentt for the rest of this fiscal year, and said cuts next year would be deeper than expected.

The New York Times

[C8.] Hewlett-Packard to Speed Layoffs Hewlett-Packard has announced that job cuts would be faster and cost cuts would be deeper than expected to wring additional savings from its merger with Compaq Computer.

The New York Times

The Hewlett-Packard Company announced today that job cuts would be faster and cost cuts would be deeper than expected to wring additional savings from its merger with Compaq Computer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Yes, the austerity-induced recession has been deeper than expected.

The Economist

Either the water is deeper than expected, or it simply isn't there.

The Guardian

The recession has been deeper than expected, unemployment is forecast to reach 19% and the debt-to-GDP ratio now exceeds 120% close to that of Italy.

The Economist

Analysts welcomed the planned cost cuts, which were deeper than expected, as well as plans to sell some assets that are not considered essential.

The New York Times

It's a game defined by shifting allegiances and while this won't win awards for the storyline, it's deeper than expected.

The Guardian - Tech

But Passera made an important point – he believes Italy will still hit its target of a balanced structural budget even if the downturn is deeper than expected.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be deeper than expected" to emphasize that a situation, problem, or analysis has revealed more profound or complex layers than initially perceived. This often adds weight to your argument or observation.

Common error

Avoid using "be deeper than expected" in trivial situations. This phrase carries a connotation of significance; using it lightly can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be deeper than expected" functions primarily as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or subject to describe a quality or characteristic that exceeds initial assumptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable and correct, describing complexity or significance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be deeper than expected" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey that something is more complex or significant than initially perceived. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and utility. While not exceedingly common, it appears across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily in news, science, and formal business contexts. When using it, be sure the context warrants a sense of significance, as overusing the phrase in superficial scenarios can weaken its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reveal greater depth than presumed

Highlights that the depth uncovered surpasses expectations.

run deeper than apparent

Implies that the underlying issues are more profound than they appear on the surface.

prove more profound than anticipated

Emphasizes the unexpected depth or significance of something.

turn out to be more significant than foreseen

Highlights the eventual realization of greater importance.

exceed expectations

Focuses on surpassing what was predicted, rather than specifically depth.

be more complex than realized

Highlights the unexpectedly high complexity.

be more extensive than initially thought

Focuses on the scale or scope being larger than first believed.

have greater implications than predicted

Highlights the unexpected consequences or effects.

surpass initial assessments

Focuses on surpassing preliminary evaluations.

be more intricate than imagined

Emphasizes unexpected complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "be deeper than expected" in a sentence?

Use "be deeper than expected" to indicate that something is more complex or significant than it initially appeared. For example, "The implications of the new policy "are deeper than expected".".

What's a formal alternative to "be deeper than expected"?

A more formal alternative is "prove more profound than anticipated". This substitute maintains a level of sophistication suitable for academic or professional writing.

When is it appropriate to use "be deeper than expected"?

It's appropriate when discussing discoveries, analyses, or situations where the full extent or impact was not immediately apparent, and the underlying issues are substantial. For example, "The rabbit hole "runs deeper than apparent"".

What phrases have a similar meaning to "be deeper than expected"?

Similar phrases include "exceed expectations", "turn out to be more significant than foreseen", or "have greater implications than predicted", each emphasizing the underestimation of the issue's true nature.