less deep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less deep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a shallower depth compared to another object or concept. Example: "The less deep end of the pool is perfect for children to play in safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The divide between religious and secular runs no less deep.

The New York Times

The site became less deep, it became" -- he paused -- "less".

The New York Times - Arts

"We need to go deeper in some areas and less deep in others.

The New York Times

But as I got older, exposing how frail people can be seems less and less deep.

The New York Times - Magazine

We've just seen the difficulties in the Gulf of Mexico, in waters much less deep.

The Economist

Philip Rivers intercepted on a slightly less deep heave in Washington!

The Guardian - Sport

The frolic of the first duet suggested a less deep encounter than the second.

The New York Times - Arts

The cuts its trade commissioner, Peter Mandelson, proposed in response were less deep, and their scope less wide.

The Economist

"Their reach across the Atlantic is less deep, and their Asian market lags far behind Delta and United," he said.

The New York Times

Growing lettuce requires a smaller and less deep container than one that will house a cherry tomato plant.

The New York Times

The recession was briefer and less deep here, and with that success comes a great deal of sound.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less deep", ensure you are making a clear comparison. For instance, specify what the subject is less deep than.

Common error

Avoid using "less deep" without a clear reference point. For example, instead of saying "The analysis was less deep", specify "The analysis was less deep than previous studies."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less deep" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a smaller degree of depth relative to something else, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less deep" is a versatile comparative adjective phrase used to indicate a smaller degree of depth, whether physical or abstract. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. While "shallower" is a direct synonym for physical depth, "less deep" can convey reduced intensity, profundity, or severity, making it a valuable tool in expressing comparisons and nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shallower

Direct synonym indicating a smaller physical depth.

not as deep

Simple rephrasing expressing a comparison in depth.

less profound

Refers to a lower degree of intellectual or emotional depth.

less intense

Indicates a reduced level of intensity.

less severe

Implies a lower level of seriousness or harshness.

more superficial

Describes something that lacks depth in analysis or understanding.

not as thorough

Suggests a lower level of detail or completeness.

less extensive

Indicates a smaller scope or range.

not as immersive

Describes something that provides a reduced level of immersion or engagement.

more surface-level

Indicates a focus on the surface without delving into deeper aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "less deep" in a sentence?

You can use "less deep" to compare the depth of two things, such as "The water is "less deep" here than over there" or to describe the intensity of something abstract, such as "Their connection was "less deep" than I expected".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "less deep"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "shallower", "not as profound", "more superficial", or "less intense".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less deep"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to compare uncountable nouns or adjectives, and "deep" is an adjective that can be compared.

When should I use "less deep" versus "shallower"?

"Shallower" typically refers to physical depth, while ""less deep"" can be used for both physical and abstract depth. For example, you'd say a puddle is shallower, but an understanding is "less deep".