it was superficial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was superficial" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that lacks depth or substance, often in reference to a relationship, analysis, or understanding. Example: "The discussion we had about the project was superficial and did not address the core issues we need to resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I just felt it was superficial," she said of the class she took at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The New York Times

It was immature, it was clichéd, it was superficial, and I was truly incapable of penetrating deeper into my own consciousness, where the essence of a writer was to be found.

The New Yorker

But some senior Pentagon officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that while some of the project's work was well done, much of it was superficial and too academic to be practical.

The New York Times

She remembered Australian hospitality, but she thought it was superficial.

Science Magazine

"Departments have provided some information on possible impacts but it was superficial and incomplete".

BBC

But f―k, he's my boss!" It was superficial and sounded super trashy, but anything sexy or sensual seemed "off brand," so I didn't even try. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

At its worst, it is superficial and even mendacious.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is superficial to blame the 'culture' and its handmaidens, the women's magazines, as she does.

The New York Times

But it's superficial closure".

The New York Times

"It's artificial, it's superficial and it's misleading".

The New York Times

It's superficial, but aren't we all?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was superficial", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader. For example, specify "the analysis was superficial" instead of just "it was superficial".

Common error

While "it was superficial" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your analysis sound dismissive. Opt for stronger, more specific language to critique, such as "the analysis lacked depth" or "the argument was unsubstantiated."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was superficial" functions as a subjective assessment, typically expressing a negative evaluation of something lacking depth or substance. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is used to critique something that doesn't delve into more profound details or root causes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was superficial" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, though not exceedingly common. According to Ludwig, it's used to express that something lacks depth or thoroughness. While versatile, writers should be mindful of overuse in formal contexts, where more specific critiques may be warranted. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both general and specialized contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was shallow

Replaces "superficial" with a direct synonym emphasizing lack of depth.

it was surface-level

Highlights that the examination or understanding did not go beyond the obvious.

it was cursory

Indicates a lack of thoroughness or attention to detail.

it lacked substance

Directly states the absence of depth or meaningful content.

it was skin-deep

Emphasizes that something only affects the surface and has no deeper impact.

it was perfunctory

Suggests that something was done without enthusiasm or genuine effort.

it was cosmetic

Implies that changes were made only for appearance, without affecting substance.

it was a facile analysis

Highlights the lack of depth and complexity in the analysis.

it was a quick fix

Highlights that the solution was temporary and did not address the underlying problem.

it was a simplistic view

Focuses on the lack of complexity and detail in the perspective offered.

FAQs

How can I use "it was superficial" in a sentence?

You can use "it was superficial" to describe something lacking depth. For example: "The explanation "it was superficial" and did not address the root causes of the problem".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was superficial"?

Alternatives include "it was shallow", "it was cursory", or "it lacked substance" depending on the context.

Is "it was superficial" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "it was superficial" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language might be preferred in academic or highly formal writing.

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

It means that something lacks depth, thoroughness, or substance. It suggests that the subject in question only scratches the surface and does not delve into meaningful details.