is shallower than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is shallower than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the depth of two objects, concepts, or situations, indicating that one has less depth than the other. Example: "The lake is shallower than the river, making it safer for children to play in."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The lighter blue water depicted in the image means that the water is shallower than the surrounding darker blue water.

The Guardian

Ultimately, the game is shallower than a child's paddling pool, but it wears it dumbness unapologetically on its sleeve.

Independent

Apartment developers moving forward, however, ultimately could realize that young renter demand is shallower than they anticipated.

The New York Times

It tends to have a wide, deep base, straight sides and handles on each side and is shallower than a Dutch oven.

The New York Times - Food

Out in Louisiana's 63 other parishes, however, much of this summer's improvement in the indigent defense system is shallower than it appears.

The Guardian

The decision to present the play as an uninterrupted series of shifting mobile sets means that the acting space is shallower than usual.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The Economist

In short, these achievers have a sense that they are shallower than they need to be.

The New Yorker

But we were shallower than the previous day, and I couldn't control my buoyancy.

The New York Times - Travel

Ponds are shallower than we imagine: "Most ponds, emptied, would leave a meadow no more hollow than we frequently see".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing depths, ensure the units of measurement are consistent for accurate comparison. For example, compare depths in meters to depths in meters, not meters to feet.

Common error

Avoid using "is shallower than" in contexts where 'shallowness' implies a negative connotation (e.g., emotions, thoughts) without considering the potential for misinterpretation. In these cases, alternatives like "is less profound than" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is shallower than" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one thing has less physical or metaphorical depth compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is shallower than" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to describe that one thing has less depth than another. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, used to compare physical depths and abstract concepts, as shown in numerous examples. While versatile, be mindful of the context and potential negative connotations when comparing abstract ideas; consider alternatives like "is less profound than" if needed. Remember to use consistent units of measure when comparing physical depths for accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is less deep than

Focuses on the physical depth, using 'less deep' as a direct alternative.

is of a lesser depth than

A more formal way of saying 'is less deep than', emphasizing the measurement of depth.

lacks the depth of

Directly states that something is missing the depth or complexity of something else.

does not run as deep as

Emphasizes the extent of penetration or involvement, suggesting a surface-level impact.

is more superficial than

Indicates a lack of thoroughness or depth, suggesting a focus on surface-level aspects.

is not as profound as

Shifts the context to intellectual or emotional depth, indicating a lack of profundity.

doesn't go as far as

Implies a limit in reach or extent, suggesting a boundary that is not surpassed.

is less extensive than

Highlights the limited scope or range compared to something else.

is thinner than

Emphasizes the physical thinness or lack of substance compared to something else.

is on the surface

Highlights that something is only apparent or relevant on the surface and lacks deeper implications.

FAQs

How can I use "is shallower than" in a sentence?

You can use "is shallower than" to compare the depth of physical objects, such as "The wading pool "is shallower than" the deep end of the pool", or to compare abstract concepts, such as "His understanding "is shallower than" hers".

What are some alternatives to "is shallower than"?

Some alternatives include "is less deep than", "is more superficial than", or "doesn't go as far as", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is less shallow than"?

While grammatically correct, "is less shallow than" is less common and can be confusing. It's generally clearer to use a positive comparison, such as "is deeper than".

When should I use "is shallower than" versus "is less profound than"?

"Is shallower than" is best for comparing physical depths, while "is less profound than" is more suitable for comparing abstract concepts or ideas where depth implies complexity or insight.