shallow response

USAGE SUMMARY

You can use the term 'shallow response' in written English.
You use it to describe a superficial or inadequate answer to a question or comment. For example: When I asked him why he did it, I got a shallow response and felt he was not being honest with me.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Appalled by the shallow response, Shaw stormed off.

The Guardian

But they were very few and they received an undeservedly shallow response.

Los Angeles Times

Run above Flash Gordon, Raymond's Jungle Jim is described by Armando Mendez as "a thing of beauty... always more than just a topper or a shallow response to Hal Foster's exquisite Tarzan".

Wikipedia

In a condescending but shallow response to a Huffington Post piece written last week by my colleague Emily Phelps and me, Wall Street Journal columnist James Taranto accuses us of appealing to "emotion" and wallowing in "nostalgia for the heroism of the civil rights movement half a century ago".

Huffington Post

Comparison between the 7-substituted branched 8HQ described in Smirnova et al. and the present qHTS dataset reveals one direct structural match, SID 14737227: this compound displayed a shallow response and relatively weak potency against JMJD2E (IC50 of 39 µM, Table S1).

Plosone

That is, the anticooperativity of α-ketoglutarate binding provides a shallow response to physiological concentrations of α-ketoglutarate, a desirable feature for an accurate biological sensor.

Biochemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

My considerable respect for Easter in theory and my shallow responses to it in practice left me feeling inadequate and frustrated.

The New York Times - Magazine

In contrast, the slower pathway registers a more prolonged but shallower response.

BMC Systems Biology

A steep decline in EPC levels was observed within 4 days of CAP exposure (33% decrease; p < 0.05); whereas longer exposures were associated with a shallower response.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Shallow, red-top-style headlines only reinforce shallower responses to a profoundly tragic set of circumstances.

The Guardian

The map differs strongly from the AMK2003 in the region around southern Scotland and northern England, as it relates to the shallow subsurface response as inferred from aerial survey but is self-consistent across the UK.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing a "shallow response", be specific about what is lacking. Offer constructive feedback by pointing out the areas where the response could be improved with more depth or insight.

Common error

While "shallow response" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "superficial analysis" or "inadequate consideration" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallow response" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'shallow' modifies the noun 'response'. This structure typically serves to describe the quality or nature of a reaction, answer, or feedback. Ludwig AI validates its usage in expressing a superficial or inadequate reply.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shallow response" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon way to describe a superficial or inadequate answer or reaction. According to Ludwig, it is typically used to criticize the lack of depth or insight in a response, and it functions as a noun phrase modified by the adjective 'shallow'. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, although it is most frequently encountered in scientific and news media sources. If a writer needs an alternative, options like "superficial reaction" or "inadequate answer" can be considered for more formal or precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superficial reaction

Focuses on the lack of depth in the reaction.

inadequate answer

Highlights the insufficiency of the response.

perfunctory reply

Emphasizes the mechanical and uninterested nature of the reply.

glib remark

Suggests a smooth but insincere and shallow comment.

hollow echo

Implies the response lacks substance or originality.

empty gesture

Conveys that the response is symbolic but lacks real meaning.

thoughtless retort

Highlights the lack of consideration in the response.

feeble excuse

Focuses on the weakness and inadequacy of the explanation.

flippant answer

Indicates a disrespectful or unserious response.

weak comeback

Emphasizes the ineffectiveness of the reply.

FAQs

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

You can use "shallow response" to describe a superficial or inadequate answer or reaction. For example: "His explanation was a "shallow response" that didn't address the core issue."

What can I say instead of "shallow response"?

You can use alternatives like "superficial reaction", "inadequate answer", or "perfunctory reply" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "shallow response" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "shallow response" might be considered informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives such as "superficial analysis" or "inadequate consideration".

What's the difference between "shallow response" and "thoughtless retort"?

"Shallow response" indicates a lack of depth or insight, while "thoughtless retort" suggests a lack of consideration or care in the reply. The former focuses on the substance, the latter on the manner.