not as deep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as deep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the depth of two or more things, indicating that one is shallower than the other. Example: "The second pool is not as deep as the first one, making it safer for children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're not as deep.

The New York Times - Sports

Other countries are not as deep.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're just not as deep as Purdue.

The New York Times - Sports

"The condition is not as deep," Hultcrantz said.

The New Yorker

"Philosophy is not as deep as it was," he said.

The New York Times

And while the case has clearly opened old wounds, some are not as deep as others.

The New Yorker

But Britain is not as deep a debtor as that headline figure from McKinsey suggests.

The Economist

"It's not as deep as it looks — that's only a baby giraffe".

The New Yorker

But that anxiety is not as deep as Gottschalk and Greenberg suggest.

The New York Times - Books

Can investors whose pockets are not as deep jump into the ethanol market?

The New York Times

Still, the cuts were not as deep as some arms control advocates would have liked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not as deep" to describe abstract concepts like emotions or analysis, ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared in terms of depth or intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "not as deep" when comparing qualities that don't relate to depth or intensity. For example, saying "this color is not as deep as that sound" is nonsensical because color and sound are unrelated in terms of depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as deep" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that something has less depth than something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it comparing physical depth (pools, lakes) or abstract concepts (emotions, analysis).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

13%

Sports

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not as deep" is a common and grammatically sound way to compare the relative depth or intensity of two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across a variety of contexts. Predominantly appearing in News & Media, as confirmed by Ludwig AI examples, it also appears in scientific and sports reporting. While "not as deep" is usually appropriate, it's important to ensure the context warrants a comparison based on depth and consider more specific alternatives depending on the intended nuance. Its neutrality makes it versatile, suitable for both casual and more formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shallower

A direct synonym for less physical depth. Simpler and more direct.

less profound

Replaces "deep" with a more abstract term, focusing on the intensity or significance rather than physical depth.

not so profound

Similar to "less profound", but with a slightly different emphasis on the degree of depth.

not as intense

Shifts the focus from depth to intensity, suitable for describing emotions or experiences.

not quite as thorough

Changes the context to completeness or detail, implying a more superficial examination.

not as exhaustive

Implies that something is not as complete or comprehensive.

not quite so penetrating

Emphasizes a lack of insight or understanding compared to something else.

not as extreme

Alters the dimension of comparison, focusing on the severity or extremity of a situation.

not as far-reaching

Highlights a limited scope or impact, moving away from the concept of depth.

less incisive

Focuses on the sharpness or effectiveness of an analysis or critique.

FAQs

How can I use "not as deep" in a sentence?

You can use "not as deep" to compare the depth of two things, indicating one is shallower. For example, "The second pool is "not as deep" as the first one."

What are some alternatives to "not as deep"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "shallower", "less profound", or "not as intense". The best choice depends on what kind of depth you're referring to.

Is it always appropriate to use "not as deep"?

While grammatically correct, "not as deep" may not be the most precise or eloquent choice in every situation. Consider whether a more specific adjective, such as "more superficial" or "less thorough", would be more accurate.

What's the difference between "not as deep" and "less deep"?

"Not as deep" and "less deep" are largely interchangeable. However, "not as deep" might be preferred when directly comparing two specific items, while "less deep" can describe a general quality. For example, "This lake is "not as deep" as that one" versus "This type of analysis is "less deep" than others".