shallow feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shallow feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an emotion or sentiment that lacks depth or intensity. Example: "Her response to the news was a shallow feeling of disappointment, rather than the deep sadness one might expect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At the risk of sounding shallow, feeling frumpy is terrible for menopausal women.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

True monogamists are not afraid of the lack of spark or butterflies; that wonderful but ultimately transient and even shallow feeling of being in a state of love.

Huffington Post

The scene comes from the second of the film's nine chapters, entitled "Jerome," which boasts this description: "Though love is a shallow feeling in the eyes of the cynical nymphomaniac, young Joe is met by forces penetrating her armoured defences".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

When the final whistle sounded, Ian Rush looked distraught, Giggs confessed to shallower feelings.

Independent

But, though it's a fun trick — two lives lived in fast-forward — it goes by too quickly, and ends up feeling shallow.

The New Yorker

This modern thing, where everyone is feeling shallow and less connected?

Huffington Post

Matthieu sat on the ground and held her legs, feeling her shallow breathing.

The New Yorker

There is the feeling that shallow Odette has been supplied with depths from Swann's aesthetic reservoir.

The Guardian - Books

I, too, am bobbing about in the shallows of the menopause, feeling like I did when I was 14 and lagging behind in the puberty stakes.

The Guardian - Books

He criticized the shallow examination of his feelings, and wrote: "Bisexuality is such a contentious issue that it should not be fumbled this way.

Wikipedia

If not for Lin, this could have been about a Lakers team that is slow and shallow and may leave Bryant feeling 75 years old by the end of this brutally condensed schedule.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shallow feeling", ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of depth or sincerity in the emotion being described. Provide examples to illustrate why the feeling is considered shallow, enhancing clarity.

Common error

Avoid labeling complex emotions as simply a "shallow feeling" without adequate justification. Nuance is essential when describing emotions; ensure your description accurately reflects the situation and avoids minimizing genuine experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallow feeling" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "shallow" modifies the noun "feeling". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable. This phrase commonly functions to describe an emotion or sentiment lacking depth or intensity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shallow feeling" is a grammatically sound and usable expression used to describe a lack of depth or intensity in an emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While the phrase is not exceptionally common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating a level of acceptance in written English. When using "shallow feeling", be mindful of the context, ensuring it accurately reflects the superficial nature of the emotion being described. Alternatives such as "superficial emotion" or "fleeting emotion" might provide a more precise description depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superficial emotion

Replaces "feeling" with a more direct synonym for emotion, emphasizing the lack of depth.

surface-level emotion

Emphasizes the lack of depth by using "surface-level" instead of "shallow".

fleeting emotion

Highlights the transient nature of the feeling, implying a lack of depth and permanence.

superficial sensation

Substitutes "feeling" with "sensation", focusing on the sensory aspect rather than emotional depth.

passing sentiment

Indicates a brief and insignificant emotional response.

trivial emotion

Highlights the insignificance of the feeling.

weak sentiment

Focuses on the lack of intensity in the feeling.

empty feeling

Emphasizes the hollowness and lack of substance in the feeling.

hollow emotion

Similar to "empty feeling", stressing the absence of genuine depth.

insincere sentiment

Highlights a lack of genuineness.

FAQs

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

You can use "shallow feeling" to describe an emotion that lacks depth or intensity. For example: "Her response was a "shallow feeling" of disappointment rather than deep sadness".

What are some alternatives to "shallow feeling"?

Alternatives include "superficial emotion", "surface-level emotion", or "fleeting emotion", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe someone's grief as a "shallow feeling"?

Describing grief as a "shallow feeling" might be insensitive unless there's clear evidence that the person's emotional display lacks genuine depth. Consider the context and be mindful of potential misinterpretations.

How does a "shallow feeling" differ from a "deep feeling"?

A "shallow feeling" lacks intensity and depth, often being fleeting and superficial. In contrast, a "deep feeling" is profound, intense, and long-lasting, reflecting a significant emotional connection or experience.