shallow step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shallow step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a step that is not deep or significant, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "The shallow step made it easy for the children to climb onto the platform without any difficulty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Shallow step at entrance.

The New York Times

Reservations No. Accessibility Shallow step to enter.

The New York Times

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY -- Shallow step at entrance.

The New York Times

The 37-year-old was speaking as he sat, huddled, on a shallow step in a West Stand doorway.

The Guardian - Sport

The dual shallow step strategy is proposed in the femto form-factor slider design.

Tribology International

A shallow step divides the court into an upper and lower part, and the court has several physical irregularities, or hazards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He left the lectern, tripping down the shallow steps.

The New Yorker

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY -- Ground level to restaurant and restrooms, two shallow steps to window area.

The New York Times

From here a few shallow steps lead up to the altar, which is bathed in natural light.

The New York Times - Arts

From this lower terrace, guests walk up a wide flight of shallow steps to the grassy lawn.

The New York Times

In the current version of the plan, shallow steps would lead up to the gardens from the sidewalk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing accessibility features in public spaces, use "shallow step" to clearly communicate the ease of access for individuals with mobility challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "small step" interchangeably with "shallow step" in contexts where height is the primary concern. "Shallow step" specifically indicates a reduced depth, not necessarily a small overall size. Focus on the depth aspect when using "shallow step".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallow step" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it typically describes a physical attribute of a step, such as its depth or height, particularly in relation to accessibility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shallow step" is a noun phrase used to describe a step with a small vertical rise, often emphasizing accessibility or ease of use. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in News & Media sources, although it has uses across various contexts. When writing, consider the specific context to determine if "shallow step" accurately conveys the intended meaning, especially when discussing accessibility and design features. Alternatives like "slight step" or "minor step" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight step

Emphasizes the small magnitude of the step.

minor step

Highlights the insignificance of the step.

small step

Focuses on the physical size of the step.

low step

Indicates the reduced height of the step.

gentle incline

Describes a gradual upward slope, similar to a shallow step.

gradual step

Indicates a step that is not steep.

superficial step

Emphasizes lack of depth or seriousness.

trivial step

Highlights the unimportance of the step.

easy step

Highlights how easy the step is to traverse.

negligible step

Emphasizes that the step is so small it can be ignored.

FAQs

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

You can use "shallow step" to describe a step that is not very deep or high. For example: "The building has a "shallow step" at the entrance to improve accessibility."

What is an alternative to the phrase "shallow step"?

Alternatives include "slight step", "minor step", or "low step", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "shallow step" or "small step"?

The choice depends on what you want to emphasize. "Shallow step" refers to the depth of the step, while "small step" refers to its overall size. If the key characteristic is the reduced depth, "shallow step" is more accurate.

In what situations is "shallow step" commonly used?

"Shallow step" is often used when discussing accessibility for people with mobility issues or when describing architectural features designed for ease of use. It may appear in descriptions of building entrances, garden paths, or pool designs.