less deep than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less deep than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the depth of two or more objects, concepts, or situations, indicating that one is not as deep as the other. Example: "The shallow end of the pool is less deep than the deep end, making it safer for children to play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

For people with eyeballs that are less deep than average, like Mr. Mulroy, this is a double blow.

The New York Times - Health

And Syria's sectarian divide is less deep than Iraq's, so it should be easier to persuade Sunnis to work with other sects.

The Economist

Although the IMF hopes that the recession will be less deep than forecast, GDP is still expected to shrink by more than 3% this year.

The Economist

Recession in France was less deep than in Germany or Britain, and French GDP recovered to its pre-crisis level before Britain's did.

The Economist

Why have most of them escaped trouble?One reason is that the 2001 recession was much less deep than that of a decade before.

The Economist

One customer, James Rosenthal, said the soundstage was wider, but less deep than that of the CD player, but he also thought the instruments sounded livelier.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

The New York Times

The characters can seem neatly programmatic, and the mysteries seem less deep onstage than they did — and do — in life.

The New York Times

This makes it a much less deep integration than Starling's recent partnership with Flux, which also offers item level digital receipts and soon retail loyalty programs.

TechCrunch

Patients with moderate infections were more likely to have wounds that were less deep (UTSA 2B) than patients with severe infections (P < 0.0001).

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, use "less deep than" when contrasting the physical dimensions of objects. In metaphorical contexts, consider alternatives like "less profound" or "less intense" for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "less deep than" when you intend to describe the complexity or intensity of an emotion or idea. Instead, opt for phrases like "less profound" or "less intense" to better convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less deep than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to compare the depth of two entities, indicating that one has a smaller measurement from top to bottom, or a more limited degree of intensity or complexity, in a measurable parameter. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less deep than" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative expression, as also highlighted by Ludwig AI. It primarily functions to compare the extent of depth, whether literal or metaphorical, between two subjects. While most examples can be found across news, media and scientific contexts, its register remains neutral, making it suitable for various settings. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context provides sufficient information of what is being measured. For abstract notions, consider alternatives like "less profound" or "less intense".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shallower than

A direct synonym focusing on the lack of physical or metaphorical depth.

not quite as deep as

Indicates a marginal difference in depth, suggesting it's close but not equal.

not so deep as

A slightly more formal or literary alternative to "less deep than".

of lesser depth than

Uses more formal language, suitable for technical or academic contexts.

not as profound as

Emphasizes a lack of intellectual or emotional depth compared to something else.

more superficial than

Highlights a lack of thoroughness or engagement compared to something else.

not reaching as far as

Implies a limit in reach or penetration compared to something else.

not to the same extent as

Shifts the focus from literal depth to the extent or degree of something.

not as thorough as

Indicates a lack of completeness or detail compared to something else.

not as intense as

Changes the comparison from physical depth to the intensity of an experience or feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "less deep than" to compare the depth of two objects or concepts, indicating one is shallower or less profound than the other. For example, "The pool's shallow end is "less deep than" the deep end".

What is a synonym for "less deep than"?

A direct synonym for "less deep than" is "shallower than". Depending on the context, you might also use "not as profound as" or "more superficial than".

Is it always appropriate to use "less deep than" when comparing depth?

While grammatically correct, "less deep than" is best suited for physical depth. When referring to abstract concepts like emotions or understanding, alternatives like "less profound than" or "less intense than" are often more appropriate.

Which is correct, "less deep than" or "not as deep as"?

Both "less deep than" and "not as deep as" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.