shallow reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"shallow reason" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a superficial explanation for something or an insufficient justification for a conclusion. For example, "I could see through his shallow reason for cancelling plans with me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I realize that her tattoos are a very shallow reason to break up with a girl, but there is no way I would have started dating her post-tattoos.

Vice

Being Irritating - Yes, this is a pretty shallow reason why to ban somebody, considering that you may not be doing it on purpose.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But then Liz realized that she actually likes Criss and was an idiot to dump him for shallow reasons; i.e., Jack's reasons.

The New Yorker

Your eyes are stuck to the screen, for a lot of shallow reasons.

Huffington Post

Later, I question the stupid, shallow reasons, and oftentimes they're not that stupid or shallow after all.

Vice

Tony speedily discovers that Jack's character engages in a limited thought pattern -- stubbornly only dating stunning women for shallow reasons.

Huffington Post

Lights, camera, action on: -- Cartoonish women telling us why they're not having sex with DJ, for shallow reasons I've never heard an actual woman (not on a low rate hour long drama) utter.

Huffington Post

He's a real artist in the sense that he chooses projects that ask the kinds of questions he wants to ask as a person here on earth, rather than choosing projects for strategic or shallow reasons.

Vice

This is similar to being insincere in that it can make a person feel as though you are complimenting for shallow reasons.

WikiHow

Moving from private, particularistic reasons to truly public reasons may then often have an associated price, i.e., shifting from profound (private) reasons to shallow (public) reasons.

SEP

How can you hate others for the shallowest of reasons, and think such fetid thoughts, and still find joy?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shallow reason", ensure that the context clearly indicates the superficiality or lack of depth in the reasoning being described. Provide specific details or examples to illustrate why the reason is considered shallow.

Common error

Avoid using "shallow reason" simply as a pejorative. Always provide evidence or explanation to support why the reason is considered superficial or lacking in substance. Otherwise, it may come across as an unsubstantiated criticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallow reason" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "shallow" modifies the noun "reason". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and refers to a reason lacking depth. This construction highlights the quality of the reason itself.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shallow reason" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a justification lacking depth or substance. While not overly common, as per Ludwig's analysis, it effectively conveys criticism or disapproval of the reason provided. It appears in diverse sources, including news, wikis and scientific publications. Related phrases include "superficial justification" and "flimsy excuse", each offering subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the claim of superficiality and provide sufficient detail to justify the assessment. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and its usage is consistent with its intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superficial justification

Emphasizes the lack of thoroughness or depth in the reasoning.

weak rationale

Highlights the inadequacy and lack of strength in the reasoning provided.

flimsy excuse

Suggests that the reason is unconvincing and easily dismissed.

thin explanation

Indicates a lack of substance or detail in the justification.

trivial motive

Focuses on the insignificance or pettiness of the reason.

poor argument

Highlights the low quality and ineffectiveness of the reasoning.

hollow pretense

Implies that the reason is insincere and lacks genuine basis.

specious reasoning

Indicates that the reasoning appears correct but is actually fallacious.

inadequate grounds

Emphasizes the insufficiency and unsuitability of the basis for something.

simplistic cause

Focuses on the oversimplified and potentially misleading nature of the reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "shallow reason" to describe a justification or motive that lacks depth or substance. For example, "His /s/shallow+reason for quitting the job was that he didn't like the color of the office walls."

What's a good alternative to "shallow reason"?

Alternatives include "superficial justification", "weak rationale", or "flimsy excuse" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "shallow reason" or "superficial reason"?

"Shallow reason" and "superficial reason" are quite similar. The choice depends on context and desired tone. "Shallow" might imply a lack of depth, while "superficial" suggests focusing on the surface or appearance.

What does it mean when someone says a reason is "shallow"?

It means the reason lacks depth, thoughtfulness, or genuine substance. It suggests that the justification is based on superficial factors or a lack of thorough consideration.