but not deep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not deep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a certain quality or characteristic, while indicating that it lacks depth in some way. Example: "The water in the pool is clear but not deep, making it perfect for children to play in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Books

Sports

Food

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

But not deep enough.

The Economist

Its footprint is "broad, but not deep".

The Economist

I'd call it long, but not deep.

The New York Times - Food

"One World Divisible" is wide but not deep.

The New York Times - Books

"It had rust on it, but not deep enough to hurt it".

The New York Times

Sure, she had deep pockets, but not deep enough, it turned out.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Let the foliage die in fall, then store the pots where they will be cold but not deep-frozen (25 to 40 degrees).

The New York Times

It was a lesson in how to do food if you're a politician: queue for it yourself, order something delicious but not deep-fried and avoid unflattering or ridiculous photographs as you devour it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Support for Romney is getting wider, but not deeper.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Obama campaign created financial relationships with voters online but, not deeper political relationships.

TechCrunch

It had that fried-fish taste but not deep-fried, which sometimes leaves you with a taste of batter that overwhelms the fish.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not deep" to qualify a statement, indicating a limit in scope, intensity, or understanding. For instance, "The analysis was broad, but not deep, focusing on general trends rather than specific details."

Common error

Avoid using "but not deep" as a dismissive phrase in complex arguments. Instead, provide specific reasons and evidence to support your assessment of limited depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not deep" functions as a qualifier or modifier, indicating a limitation in the intensity, thoroughness, or profundity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to express that something lacks significant depth, whether in a physical or abstract sense.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

23%

Science & Research

14%

Less common in

Books

9%

Sports

5%

Food

5%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not deep" is a useful qualifier that suggests something lacks significant depth or thoroughness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts, though is more frequent in news, media, and scientific domains. When using "but not deep", consider if alternatives like "even if shallow" or "however limited" might be more precise. While helpful for adding nuance, avoid overusing it in complex arguments without providing supporting details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even if shallow

Uses "shallow" as a direct synonym for a lack of depth.

though not profound

Replaces "deep" with "profound", emphasizing a lack of intellectual depth.

still not thorough

Focuses on the incompleteness or lack of detail.

albeit superficial

Uses "superficial" to highlight the lack of depth or thoroughness.

while remaining surface-level

Highlights that something remains only on the surface.

but somewhat skin-deep

Emphasizes that something is only on the surface and does not go further.

while not extensive

Focuses on the limited scope or range, rather than depth.

although cursory

Highlights a quick and not very detailed approach.

however limited

Emphasizes the restricted or constrained nature of something.

yet not exhaustive

Emphasizes that something is not complete or comprehensive.

FAQs

How can I use "but not deep" in a sentence?

Use "but not deep" to express that something has a certain quality or extent, yet lacks profundity, thoroughness, or intensity. For example, "The movie was entertaining, but not deep." Alternatives include "albeit superficial" or "though not profound".

What are some phrases similar to "but not deep"?

Similar phrases include "however limited", "even if shallow", and "still not thorough". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "but not deep" or "but shallow"?

Both "but not deep" and "but shallow" can be correct, depending on the context. "But not deep" is more versatile and can apply to abstract concepts, while "but shallow" is often used for physical depth or superficiality. Consider context to chose the best one.

What's the difference between "but not deep" and "but not extensive"?

"But not deep" suggests a lack of profundity or thorough understanding. "But not extensive", on the other hand, indicates a limited scope or range. Use "but not deep" when referring to a lack of intensity or thoroughness; use "however limited" when you mean a restricted reach or scope.