quite shallow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite shallow" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an area or situation that is not very deep or not very meaningful. For example: "The lake is quite shallow, and not suitable for swimming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The lake is quite shallow except toward the south, and it is surrounded by swampy lowlands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I think Tinder works so well because it's quite shallow," Greenhill said.

The New Yorker

The water was swift, cool, clear and quite shallow, requiring quick action to avoid sandbars and submerged rocks.

The New York Times - Travel

It is usually quite shallow in vertical extent, rarely persisting to altitudes of 3,000 metres (10,000 feet).

Britannica

Initial U.S.G.S. data suggested that the earthquake was quite shallow, at a depth of just over half a mile below the surface.

The New York Times

This concern is wittily reiterated by the fact that Mr. McAllister's own stretchers are quite shallow, so that his canvases sit abnormally close to the wall.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mr. Russo, the gondolier-to-be, expects to ferry a lot of friends and family members on the waters of Moodus, which is not quite as shallow as the lagoons of Venice.

The New York Times

Basically, it's the same sailing as Island Riggs except that it's not quite as shallow and there is no day use fee (or amenities).

Duke University

There's quite a shallow depth of field although this is partly due to the iPad's lens but even so, the detail and magnification are amazing - you can see the real screw sitting on the screen.

Forbes

Now when I first watched the Kony 2012 video, there was a horrible pang of self-knowledge as I finally grasped quite how shallow I am.

Vice

The general knowledge that Mexican music has to do with mariachis and pasodobles is really quite a shallow look". "It's been a learning experience for everybody," said Leonora Saavedra, a professor of music at UC Riverside who served as a festival advisor.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, such as ideas or arguments, use "quite shallow" to suggest a lack of depth or complexity. For example: "The analysis was "quite shallow" and failed to address the core issues."

Common error

While "quite shallow" is generally acceptable, avoid it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred. Consider alternatives like 'superficial' or 'lacking depth' for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite shallow" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun by indicating a lack of depth or substance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used in various contexts. For example, it can describe the depth of water or the lack of profundity in an argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite shallow" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating a lack of depth or complexity, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjectival modifier with a neutral tone, suitable for a wide range of contexts. While very common in News & Media and Science, as well as other areas identified by Ludwig, it's crucial to consider the specific context and choose more precise vocabulary in highly formal settings. Alternatives like "fairly superficial" or "not very deep" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat shallow

Uses "somewhat" instead of "quite", indicating a slightly lesser degree of shallowness.

slightly shallow

Replaces "quite" with "slightly", indicating a minor degree of shallowness.

moderately shallow

Employs "moderately" as a replacement for "quite", suggesting a middle-ground degree of shallowness.

fairly superficial

Replaces "shallow" with "superficial", emphasizing a lack of thoroughness or substance. "Fairly" is a synonym of "quite".

rather superficial

Employs "rather" as a substitute for "quite", conveying a similar level of shallowness or lack of depth.

relatively shallow

Indicates shallowness in comparison to something else, adding a comparative aspect.

a bit superficial

Uses "a bit" to replace "quite", giving a sense of slight superficiality.

somewhat superficial

This alternative uses "somewhat" instead of "quite", while replacing "shallow" with "superficial", which emphasize lack of thoroughness or substance.

not very deep

Rephrases "shallow" as a lack of depth, offering a more literal alternative.

not particularly profound

Shifts the focus to a lack of profoundness, suggesting a lack of intellectual or emotional depth.

FAQs

What does "quite shallow" mean?

The phrase "quite shallow" means something lacks depth, either literally (like water) or figuratively (like an idea or understanding). It indicates a lack of complexity or thoroughness.

What can I say instead of "quite shallow"?

You can use alternatives like "fairly superficial", "somewhat shallow", or "not very deep" depending on the context.

Is "quite shallow" formal or informal?

"Quite shallow" is generally considered neutral in tone. It is suitable for most contexts, though more formal alternatives like "superficial" might be preferable in academic writing.

Can "quite shallow" be used to describe a person's character?

Yes, "quite shallow" can describe a person's character, implying they lack depth of emotion or thought. However, consider whether a different word like "superficial" or "frivolous" might be more appropriate.