be shallower than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be shallower than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that does not meet anticipated depth or complexity, such as a discussion, analysis, or physical measurement. Example: "The analysis of the data turned out to be shallower than expected, lacking the depth we had hoped for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Europe's recession is proving to be shallower than expected.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, the negative slopes (respectively -0.3451 and -0.4177) were shallower than expected for a strict stepping-stone model (-0.5 for a two-dimensional array, [ 26]) and might indicate some long-distance dispersal [ 27].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

"The bottom is close, but it is deeper and the recovery is going to be shallower than people expect.

Forbes

If looming stimuli are selected more efficiently by attention than are receding stimuli, one would expect the slope for looming stimuli to be shallower than that of receding stimuli.

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

And the craters that are present on Titan appear to be much shallower than expected, based on their diameter.

Science Magazine

Inclinations are consistently shallower than expected, which is likely the result of inclination shallowing in sedimentary rocks; (2) there is no paleomagnetically resolvable southward motion of the Indochina Block with respect to Eurasia based on the paleomagnetic data.

Earth-Science Reviews

In general, fibrous root systems are shallower than taproot systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, the gradient is slightly shallower than expected for two reasons.

Aging Cell

The magnetism was about 25° shallower than expected at Vancouver Island's current latitude, Kirschvink, Ward, and their colleagues report, implying that 70 million to 80 million years ago, when the rock formed, the terrane was 3500 kilometers to the south off Baja California.

Science Magazine

This could be tighter than expected.

The New York Times

The second half of 2009 will be stronger than expected.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be shallower than expected", ensure the context clearly defines what the expectation was. This provides a clear point of comparison for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "be shallower than expected" when referring to a lack of breadth, rather than depth. For scope, use phrases like "less extensive than anticipated."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be shallower than expected" functions as a comparative expression, typically used to describe a situation, analysis, or even a physical feature that does not possess the depth or intensity that was anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be shallower than expected" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative expression to indicate that something lacks the anticipated depth, complexity, or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. It appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the prior expectation to provide a relevant comparison. Alternative phrases like "not as deep as anticipated" or "less profound than foreseen" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fell short of expectations in depth

Directly states that something did not meet the expected level of depth.

not as deep as anticipated

Focuses on a lack of depth compared to what was anticipated.

wasn't as in-depth as hoped

Expresses disappointment that something did not achieve the desired level of thoroughness.

less profound than foreseen

Emphasizes a lack of intellectual or emotional depth compared to what was foreseen.

more superficial than anticipated

Indicates a lack of thoroughness or depth, focusing on the surface level.

not as extensive as predicted

Highlights a smaller scope or extent than was predicted.

less comprehensive than expected

Emphasizes a lack of completeness compared to what was expected.

not as thorough as foreseen

Focuses on a lack of meticulousness or completeness compared to what was foreseen.

proved less penetrating than anticipated

Indicates a lack of insight or ability to deeply affect something, compared to expectations.

turned out to be superficial

Highlights that something, in retrospect, lacks depth or seriousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "be shallower than expected" to describe something that lacks the anticipated depth or complexity. For example, "The analysis turned out to "be shallower than expected", failing to explore the underlying causes."

What does it mean when something is "shallower than expected"?

It means that something lacks the depth, complexity, or thoroughness that was anticipated. It suggests a deviation from the expected level of profundity or intensity.

What can I say instead of "be shallower than expected"?

Alternatives include "not as deep as anticipated", "less profound than foreseen", or "more superficial than anticipated", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "be shallower than expected"?

Yes, "be shallower than expected" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to express that something does not meet anticipated levels of depth or complexity.