in a shallow way

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a shallow way" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is done superficially or without much contemplation. For example: "He analyzed the situation in a shallow way, ignoring the potential long-term consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The result of all this is a program that — on the surface, at least — can not only manipulate words syntactically but also understand, if only in a shallow way, what it is doing.

The New Yorker

The result of all this is a program that—on the surface, at least can not only manipulate words syntactically but also understand, if only in a shallow way, what it is doing.

The New Yorker

In other words, being connected in a shallow way to the entire world can prevent us from being deeply connected to those closest to us -- including ourselves.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's a shallow way to live, pretty much not at all.

TechCrunch

"I believe that this fight is the beginning of a new civil rights movement, and I don't say that in any shallow way," Barber said during an anti-gay marriage protest back in 2010.

Huffington Post

I don't know if or how my life will be different without glasses, but the idea of a machine – not just any machine; a laser, that most futuristic of machines – being able to melt my eyeball into a more perfect shape excites me in a very shallow way.

The Guardian

When people get nervous, they start to breathe in a quick, shallow way that only reaches their neck.

Huffington Post

As we go about our days, we often breathe in a quick, shallow way without being conscious we are doing so.

WikiHow

She sat, crossed her legs, lit a cigarette, puffed at it in the shallow way she had, and sipped her drink; a slipper with pompoms dangled from her bare foot, which she moved in slow arcs, dipping and pointing the toes, whose nails, they knew, were painted vermillion.

The New Yorker

Who does he think looks charming, I ask – meaning, in my shallow way, which celebrities.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(2) You can judge for yourself by listening to our album stream here (3) Yeah, make us feel old why don't you … (4) The Guardian would never label music in this shallow way (5) When performing chest compressions, medics advise you to pump at 100-120bpm.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing an analysis or understanding, use "in a shallow way" to clearly indicate a lack of depth without being overly harsh. For a more neutral tone, consider alternatives like "superficially".

Common error

Avoid using "in a shallow way" when you simply mean something is easy to understand. "Simple" or "basic" are more appropriate if the intent is not to criticize a lack of depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a shallow way" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing how an action is performed or how something is understood. It adds detail to verbs or clauses, indicating a lack of depth or thoroughness. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies a superficial approach.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a shallow way" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe a lack of depth or thoroughness in understanding or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English and indicates superficiality. It is relatively rare, with its usage mostly confined to news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you are accurately conveying a lack of depth and not simply indicating simplicity. For alternatives, consider "superficially" or "on the surface" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a superficial manner

More formal synonym, similar meaning.

superficially

Single word replacement, emphasizes the lack of depth.

in a skin-deep way

Emphasizes the lack of true depth or understanding.

on the surface

Focuses on the apparent or outward aspect, rather than a deeper analysis.

without depth

Directly indicates the absence of profound understanding.

cursorily

Implies a hasty and superficial examination.

without thorough consideration

Highlights the absence of careful thought.

flippantly

Suggests a disrespectful lack of seriousness or depth.

in a facile manner

Indicates an ease and lack of depth that is inappropriate or misleading.

perfunctorily

Describes something done as a routine duty, lacking interest or enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "in a shallow way" in a sentence?

You can use "in a shallow way" to describe an action or understanding that lacks depth or thoroughness. For example, "He approached the problem "in a shallow way", only considering the immediate consequences".

What are some alternatives to "in a shallow way"?

Some alternatives include "superficially", "on the surface", or "without depth". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as being done "in a shallow way"?

Generally, yes. Describing something as being done "in a shallow way" implies a lack of thoroughness or depth, which is usually seen as a negative quality. However, sometimes a quick, superficial approach might be sufficient or even preferable, depending on the situation.

What's the difference between "in a shallow way" and "superficially"?

"In a shallow way" is a phrase, while "superficially" is an adverb. They have very similar meanings, both describing a lack of depth or thoroughness. "Superficially" might be slightly more formal and concise.