relatively shallow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively shallow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not deep in comparison to other things, often in contexts like water depth, knowledge, or analysis. Example: "The lake is relatively shallow, making it a safe spot for children to play."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The blue whale makes relatively shallow dives.

The New York Times - Science

Seafloor volcanoes do erupt violently, but in relatively shallow water.

The New York Times - Science

Meanwhile, Asia's relatively shallow markets don't favor big trading bets.

The New York Times

The water is relatively shallow, and the drilling conditions good.

The Economist

Ponds are relatively shallow, with considerable light penetration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now it is a nature preserve, an enormous but relatively shallow estuary noted for bird life.

The New York Times - Travel

But downsizings, however painful to individuals, may help keep any economic downturn short and relatively shallow.

The New York Times

And the relatively shallow waters of the Kara Sea are particularly appealing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only a relatively shallow surface layer is cooled below 4 °C.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While Britain's recession has been deep and unforgiving, in London it has been relatively shallow.

The New York Times

The Barents Sea covers a relatively shallow continental shelf fringing the Eurasian landmass.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively shallow", ensure you provide a clear point of comparison to establish what the subject is shallow in relation to. This helps to give context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively shallow" without specifying the context. Saying something is "relatively shallow" without indicating what it's shallow compared to can make the statement vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively shallow" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited depth or extent in comparison to a reference point. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively shallow" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something lacking significant depth when compared to something else. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for use in written English and appears frequently in science, news media, and encyclopedic contexts. When using "relatively shallow", provide a clear point of comparison to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases include "moderately shallow" and "somewhat superficial". Overall, it's a versatile phrase for indicating a limited degree of depth in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately shallow

Replaces "relatively" with "moderately", maintaining a similar level of meaning and emphasis on limited depth.

slightly shallow

Highlights a minor degree of shallowness, minimizing the importance of that aspect.

not very deep

Changes the structure to a negative statement, emphasizing the absence of significant depth.

somewhat superficial

Indicates a lack of depth, focusing on the surface aspects more than "relatively shallow" does.

fairly superficial

Similar to "somewhat superficial", suggesting a concern with only the surface or obvious aspects.

reasonably superficial

Suggests an acceptable level of shallowness, where the depth is not critically important.

comparatively limited

Shifts from physical depth to a more general sense of limitation, applicable to scope or understanding.

somewhat limited

Emphasizes the slight deficiency in scope, and slightly reducing intensity.

quite limited

Indicates a specific constraint or boundary, reducing the scale of comparison.

superficially deep

Highlights the contrast between appearance and reality, indicating a depth of appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively shallow" in a sentence?

Use "relatively shallow" to describe something that lacks significant depth in comparison to something else. For example, "The lake is "relatively shallow" compared to the ocean".

What is a good alternative to "relatively shallow"?

Alternatives include "moderately shallow", "somewhat superficial", or "slightly shallow" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "relatively shallow" or "fairly shallow"?

Both "relatively shallow" and "fairly shallow" are acceptable. The choice depends on the desired emphasis. "Relatively" implies a more direct comparison, while "fairly" suggests a general assessment.

What does "relatively shallow" mean in the context of machine learning?

In machine learning, "relatively shallow" refers to a neural network with fewer layers compared to deep learning models. These "relatively shallow" architectures have a limited capacity for learning complex patterns.