shallow pool

USAGE SUMMARY

'shallow pool' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a pool of water, typically one that is not very deep. For example: "The children paddled in the shallow pool, the water only coming up to their waists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The genius touch is a shallow pool of chive nage.

The New York Times - Food

Most days, he danced there in the shallow pool.

The New Yorker

A shallow pool that offers good swimming for children.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Learn freestyle, backstroke and sidestroke techniques in a 5 ft. shallow pool.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr. Pilgrim's team designed a shallow pool to simulate the journey across the ocean from Africa.

The New York Times

He also uncovered an old curving shallow pool on the eastern slope of the property.

The New York Times

The final section involves a slapstick swordfight that moves from clifftop to shallow pool.

The Guardian - Film

Essentially, it's a shallow pool of vibrant, seasoned tomato pulp and exquisite, melting buffalo milk mozzarella.

The Guardian - Travel

It has its own shallow pool and plenty of outdoor space with extensive gardens.

The New York Times - Travel

At the front of the stage was a shallow pool of water.

The New York Times - Arts

In replacing them, he tapped a shallow pool almost entirely filled with untested rookies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "shallow pool", consider the context. Is it natural, man-made, for recreation, or for a specific purpose like reflection or cooling? This will help you choose more precise and evocative language.

Common error

Avoid using "shallow pool" metaphorically when referring to a limited resource or talent pool if it can be misconstrued. More precise terms like "limited selection" or "small number" might be less confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallow pool" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a physical entity, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples of pools for children, decorative features, or natural formations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Travel

10%

Arts

9%

Less common in

Food

4%

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shallow pool" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a body of water with limited depth. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts, from recreational areas to artistic installations. While generally neutral in register, its specific meaning can be further refined by considering the surrounding context and choosing more precise terms like "wading pool" or "reflecting pool" as needed. The high frequency of its appearance in news and travel-related content underscores its widespread applicability and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paddling pool

Specifically refers to a shallow pool designed for children to play in.

wading pool

Similar to paddling pool, emphasizing the act of wading or walking in shallow water.

small pond

Implies a natural, small body of water that is not very deep.

tidal pool

Refers to a shallow pool formed by the tide on a rocky shoreline.

reflecting pool

A shallow pool designed to create a reflective surface, often for aesthetic purposes.

plunge pool

A small, shallow pool used for a quick dip, often after a sauna or other heat treatment.

artificial pond

Specifies a man-made pond that is relatively shallow.

trickle of water

Emphasizes the small amount of water rather than a contained pool.

thin layer of water

Describes a very thin and spread out amount of water.

water feature

A general term for a decorative installation involving water, which could include a shallow pool.

FAQs

How can I describe the appearance of a "shallow pool"?

You can describe its clarity, the material of its base (e.g., mosaic, concrete), its surroundings, or any reflections it creates. For instance, "a "shallow pool" with a sandy bottom reflecting the sky".

What's the difference between a "shallow pool" and a swimming pool?

A swimming pool is typically designed for swimming and is deeper, while a ""shallow pool"" is not deep enough to swim in and is often used for wading or as a decorative feature.

When is it appropriate to use "wading pool" instead of "shallow pool"?

"Wading pool" specifically implies a pool intended for children or adults to wade in, whereas ""shallow pool"" is a more general term that could refer to any shallow body of water.

What are some other words I can use instead of "shallow" to describe the depth of a pool?

Depending on the context, you might use "ankle-deep", "knee-deep", or "low-depth" to describe the pool's depth more specifically.