not very deep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very deep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks depth, whether literally (like water) or metaphorically (like a conversation or thought). Example: "The pool is not very deep, making it safe for children to play in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The answer is: not very deep.

The New Yorker

The ranks of the professionals, however, are not very deep.

The Economist

The ire at the Fed may be broad but not very deep.

The New York Times

(As a small publisher with not very deep pockets, we are often not first in line).

The New Yorker

When probed, the American public's support for the death penalty appears wide, but not very deep.

The Economist

His campaign, traced on a map, seems a rather desultory wander not very deep into France.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Local-currency corporates exist in Brazil, but the market isn't very deep," he said.

The New York Times

[Tharanga] Paranavitana had shrapnel in his chest, but thank God it wasn't very deep and just on the surface.

The Guardian - Sport

The Sunshine Cruise Company isn't very deep, but it is engaging, utterly accessible and boundary-bending: middle-aged chick lit that follows none of the conventions of middle-aged chick lit; lad lit that features no lads.

Independent

And if your search engine isn't very deep, it's a flaw, not a feature.

TechCrunch

Molecular biologist Michael Chou, a graduate student at Harvard Medical School in Boston, was less kind: "It wasn't very deep".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not very deep", consider the specific context. If describing water, it's literal; if describing an argument, it's figurative. Choose synonyms like "superficial" or "shallow" for more nuanced meaning.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "not very deep" can sound informal in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives such as "superficial", "cursory", or "lacking substance" to enhance the tone and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very deep" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited degree of depth, whether literal or figurative. It is commonly used to describe the physical depth of something (e.g., water) or the extent of knowledge or understanding (as seen in examples provided by Ludwig).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not very deep" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe a limited degree of depth, both literally and figuratively. According to Ludwig, it sees frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news media and science. While acceptable in most situations, more precise alternatives like "shallow" or "superficial" might be preferable in formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms the general correctness and usability of the term in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat shallow

Implies a slight lack of depth, suitable when describing something that is more shallow than deep.

relatively superficial

Indicates a focus on the surface level, lacking thoroughness or profoundness.

not particularly profound

Highlights a lack of intellectual or emotional depth, focusing on the absence of insightful thought.

lacking in substance

Suggests a deficiency in meaningful content or importance.

only skin deep

Emphasizes that something is merely on the surface and lacks lasting value.

a bit facile

Implies a simplicity or lack of depth that is possibly misleading or deceptive.

rather cursory

Describes something done quickly and without much attention to detail, lacking thoroughness.

not especially thorough

Focuses on the absence of detailed examination or investigation.

somewhat elementary

Indicates a basic or simplistic level of understanding or complexity.

scarcely profound

Highlights the noticeable absence of insightful or meaningful content.

FAQs

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

You can use "not very deep" to describe something that lacks physical depth, as in "The puddle was "not very deep"". It can also be used figuratively to describe a lack of intellectual or emotional depth, such as "The analysis was "not very deep"".

What are some alternatives to "not very deep"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "not very deep" include "shallow", "superficial", "cursory", or "lacking in substance".

Is it correct to say "not very deep"?

Yes, "not very deep" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. However, in formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "shallow" or "superficial".

What's the difference between "not very deep" and "shallow"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of depth, "shallow" often implies a more significant lack of depth than "not very deep". "Shallow" can also carry a more negative connotation, suggesting a lack of intellectual or emotional substance, whereas "not very deep" is generally more neutral.