shallow

USAGE SUMMARY

The word shallow is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not deep, either physically or figuratively. For example: "The pool was quite shallow, so it was safe for the children to swim in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Opinion

Business

Arts

Sport

Film

Books

Environment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Industrial nations can at best give a developing country a shallow surface insight into their know-how, and even then only in the context of foreign investment deals in which developed countries that host foreign direct investment inflows skilfully negotiate and secure such agreements, and have skilled workforces to absorb and expand on such prowess.

The Guardian

Lemon thyme in a chequerboard pattern needs plenty of sun and shallow, well-drained soil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The turquoise waters of Langebaan lagoon are clear, shallow, breezy and (relatively) warm, making this an ideal place to learn or to test your skills to the limit.

The Guardian - Travel

Pour in the soy milk and soy sauce, whisk gently for a minute, then divide the mixture between four individual shallow ovenproof dishes (16cm x 12cm oval ceramic dishes work well but similar-sized round ramekins are fine); the custard should come 1cm-1.5cm up the sides.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Beyond the beach lay shallow waters of radiant turquoise.

The Guardian - Business

In the dense city and slums, sanitation often means open defecation, the use of bags or chamber pots emptied into rubbish heaps or canals, or the construction of crude, shallow pit latrines – everywhere and anywhere.

The Guardian

Traffickers, said by human rights activists to work with local officials and even police, regularly hold their captives to ransom, detaining and torturing them in jungle camps in southern Thailand where authorities have recently uncovered dozens of shallow graves.

The Guardian

A shallow stretch of Atlantic swings from millpond to wild and windy, and is good for surfing and sailing.

The Guardian - Travel

At some shallow level there is, of course, a crass analogy that's not worth making between Lucas's stockinged nude sprawled on a chair and a Rubens woman – but it's not a revealing insight about either artist.

The Guardian - Arts

Never has warming a plate (and you need a full, easy-access dinner plate, not slate, enamelled tin or a wide shallow bowl), been more important.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Shane and Liz are to romance what Valentine's Day is to love: shallow, vain, insincere and about as subtle as a platter of lamb chops in a butcher's window, or its sartorial equivalent, one of Hurley's frocks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "shallow" to critique a lack of thoroughness or insight. For instance, avoid "shallow analysis" by digging deeper into data and considering multiple perspectives.

Common error

While "shallow" is acceptable, overuse can weaken your argument. Replace it with more specific terms like "superficial", "cursory", or "simplistic" to provide greater clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "The argument was shallow", consider "The argument lacked empirical evidence and relied solely on anecdotal claims".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shallow" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a lack of depth, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig provides examples where "shallow" describes both physical spaces (e.g., "shallow water") and abstract concepts (e.g., "shallow understanding").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Opinion

8%

Business

7%

Arts

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shallow" is a versatile adjective used to describe a lack of depth, both physically and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across varied contexts, especially in news, lifestyle and travel. While generally appropriate, consider replacing "shallow" with more specific terms for enhanced clarity in formal writing. It's crucial to use "shallow" precisely, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended lack of depth or substance, rather than over relying on it as a generic descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not deep

Directly indicates a lack of physical or metaphorical depth.

on the surface

Highlights that something is only being considered at a basic level.

lacking depth

Emphasizes the absence of profoundness or thoroughness.

superficial

Focuses on the lack of depth in understanding or engagement.

cursory

Highlights a brief and superficial examination.

skin-deep

Suggests that something is only apparent on the surface.

without substance

Indicates a lack of meaningful content or value.

slight

Suggests a minimal degree of depth or intensity.

limited

Implies a restricted extent or range of depth.

tangential

Describes something that only touches on a topic without delving into it.

FAQs

How can I use "shallow" in a sentence?

"Shallow" can describe physical depth (e.g., "The water was shallow") or a lack of intellectual or emotional depth (e.g., "The movie had shallow characters").

What's the difference between "shallow" and "superficial"?

"Shallow" generally refers to a lack of depth, while "superficial" often implies a focus on outward appearances or a lack of genuine engagement. They are similar, but "superficial" carries a stronger connotation of being concerned with the surface.

What are some synonyms for "shallow" when describing a person's character?

When describing a person, alternatives to "shallow" include "superficial", "frivolous", or "vacuous". Each carries slightly different nuances regarding a lack of depth or substance.

Is it appropriate to use "shallow" in formal writing?

Yes, "shallow" is appropriate in formal writing, but consider more precise alternatives like "superficial" or "cursory" depending on the context. Choosing a more specific word can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.