even more superficial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even more superficial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is lacking depth or substance to a greater extent than something else. Example: "The sequel to the movie was even more superficial than the original, focusing solely on special effects rather than character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

At that point, Mr. Goldman writes, the discussion became even more superficial: "Hey, boss," he remembers saying.

The New York Times

In a twist that sounds heavy-handed when summarized but is expertly managed, Lydia suffers an illness that leaves her helpless and aphasic, reduced to her animal self, making the differences between the two seem even more superficial, and their need for each other even more moving.

The New York Times - Books

Even more superficial is the conclusion he draws for those of us caught in the gathering miasma.

Huffington Post

Unfortunately most of the other characters are even more superficial and predictable, which made it nearly impossible to stay engaged when they began doing dumb things.

Huffington Post

He said, "In many ways, Bagram has become the new Guantanamo, only worse because the process the detainees receive there is inferior, the treatment worse, and the public scrutiny even more superficial.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The worst of it is the personal, of course — those who have lambasted my wife on the Internet or through e-mail for her reporting (or even more stupidly superficial reasons), and at the risk of sounding like a hypocrite, I want to just reach through the Internet and slap them around.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, she is starring in a movie even more benumbed and superficial, a liberal video game that demeans the very refugees it tries to spotlight.

The New York Times

But they should be wary of the way in which Cameronism, in American hands, might become even more facile and superficial – simply another pop culture brand.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have bought into a new materialism even more demeaning and superficial than the old kind, whereby the good life meant ownership of a slick make of car.

The Guardian - Books

TMS solely provides a 2D focus and always yields in stronger electric fields in more superficial areas, even when they are not perfectly beneath the center of the coil.

Cerebral Cortex

We're a much more superficial society … Even though art does reflect its age, I would love to see less accent perhaps on technique and more feeling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "even more superficial", ensure the context clearly establishes what is already superficial. This comparative construction relies on a prior reference point for maximum impact and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "even more superficial" in formal or academic writing where a more precise and nuanced term might be appropriate. Consider alternatives that better reflect the specific lack of depth or rigor, such as "less thorough" or "lacking in substantive analysis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even more superficial" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "superficial." It serves to compare and contrast the degree of shallowness between two or more subjects, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even more superficial" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something as lacking depth or substance to a greater extent than something else. As confirmed by Ludwig, this comparative construction relies on a prior reference point. Although relatively rare in usage, especially in formal contexts, it effectively communicates a heightened degree of shallowness. When writing, it's advisable to consider if more precise language might be beneficial, but the phrase is perfectly acceptable in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still more shallow

Emphasizes the lack of depth to a greater degree.

increasingly trivial

Highlights the growing insignificance or unimportance.

even less profound

Focuses on the lack of intellectual or emotional depth.

still more surface-level

Underscores the focus on the external or apparent aspects.

even more skin-deep

Implies a lack of substance or meaning beyond the immediate.

increasingly cursory

Suggests a growing lack of thoroughness or attention to detail.

still more frivolous

Emphasizes the lack of seriousness or purpose.

even more glib

Highlights a lack of sincerity or depth in communication.

increasingly facile

Suggests an increasing lack of effort or originality.

still more empty

Emphasizes the lack of content or substance.

FAQs

How can I use "even more superficial" in a sentence?

You can use "even more superficial" to compare the lack of depth or substance between two things. For instance, "The movie sequel was "even more superficial" than the original, focusing on style over substance."

What are some alternatives to "even more superficial"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "still more shallow", "increasingly trivial", or "even less profound" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "even more superficial" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "even more superficial" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more precise and nuanced terms to convey the specific lack of depth or rigor you are describing.

What does it mean when something is described as "even more superficial"?

It means that something lacks depth, substance, or thoroughness to a greater extent than something else already understood to be superficial. It implies a stronger degree of shallowness or a focus on the surface level.