shallow crater

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shallow crater" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a crater that is not very deep, often in contexts related to geology, astronomy, or even metaphorical uses. Example: "The lunar landscape was dotted with numerous shallow craters, each telling a story of ancient impacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

There was a shallow crater, and moss covered the ground.

The Washington Post

A crowd had gathered around a shallow crater on the median created by the explosion.

The New York Times

Scientists continue to marvel at the small, shallow crater they see around the Opportunity.

The New York Times

Do they want to kill all our children?" A shallow crater on the road showed where the missile landed.

Independent

Opportunity, he said, appears to be inside a shallow crater about 20 yards wide and a couple of yards deep.

The New York Times

As news crews and neighbors watched, they shoveled hot asphalt into a shallow crater, after praising the city's road repair workers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The shallow craters of negative polarity with little removal volume were likely to appear in the normal EAM and low current EAM trials.

Journal of Manufacturing Processes

Close to the northeastern shore of Lake Edward, Lake Katwe, which lies in one of the numerous shallow craters within the Edward-George branch of the Western Rift, is a source of salt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Videos that were said to be of the gas station after the bombing showed at least two shallow craters in the ground, encircled by a ring of destruction, including smoldering trucks with their doors flung open and a burned-out tractor.

The New York Times

Canker sores are shallow crater-like spots on the mucus tissue of the mouth.

WikiHow

The results show that deep columned craters with hemispherical bottoms were formed in the Al Ti target, while near-hemispheroidal or relatively shallower craters formed in the Al Sc alloy.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geological formations or impact sites, use "shallow crater" to clearly indicate that the depression is not deep. This is particularly useful in scientific reports and educational materials.

Common error

Avoid using "shallow crater" interchangeably with terms like "impact basin" or "deep crater". "Shallow crater" specifically describes a crater with limited depth, whereas other terms describe significantly larger and deeper formations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallow crater" functions as a noun phrase, where "shallow" modifies the noun "crater". It describes a specific type of geological formation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shallow crater" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a crater that is not very deep. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage spans across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "minor depression" or "slight indentation" exist, "shallow crater" remains a clear and widely understood term. When writing, it's essential to distinguish "shallow crater" from deeper formations to maintain accuracy. This ensures clarity and prevents misinterpretations, especially in technical or scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor depression

Focuses on the depression aspect with less emphasis on the impact or origin.

slight indentation

Emphasizes the small size and minimal depth of the depression.

small basin

Suggests a wider but still shallow depression, resembling a small bowl shape.

superficial cavity

Highlights the surface-level nature of the cavity.

low-depth impact

Specifically refers to an impact with limited penetration.

gentle depression

Conveys a subtle and gradual change in surface level.

flat-bottomed crater

Describes a crater with a relatively flat bottom, indicating shallow depth.

broad dimple

Implies a wide and shallow, rounded depression.

sunken area

Describes a localized area where the ground level is lower than the surrounding terrain.

surface pit

Emphasizes that the pit is located on the surface and not very deep.

FAQs

How is a "shallow crater" different from a deep crater?

A "shallow crater" is characterized by its minimal depth, whereas a deep crater extends significantly below the surface. The terms are not interchangeable and describe different magnitudes of impact or geological process.

What are some contexts where I might use the term "shallow crater"?

You might use "shallow crater" when describing the surface of a planet or moon, the aftermath of a small explosion, or even metaphorically to describe a minor setback or problem.

Can I use other terms instead of "shallow crater"?

Yes, depending on the specific context, you could use "minor depression", "slight indentation", or "surface pit" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "shallow crater"?

Yes, "shallow crater" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe a crater that is not very deep.