shallow water

USAGE SUMMARY

'shallow water' is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and can be used to refer to any body of water that is not very deep.
For example, you could say: "The shores of this lake are covered in a few inches of shallow water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Shallow water.

The New York Times - Sports

And shallow water.

The New York Times - Arts

It won 21, most in shallow water.

The Economist

Most lizardfish live in shallow water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But that was in shallow water.

The New York Times - Travel

This is called "shallow water shoaling".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Some shallow-water permits have been issued.

The New York Times

Such ridges represent the locus of global shallow-water earthquakes.

Britannica

They apportion the shallow-water marine domain virtually everywhere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The balanomorphs are now the dominant shallow-water barnacles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks dominate shallow-water seamounts.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing marine habitats, use "shallow water" to clearly indicate areas with limited depth, which often support unique ecosystems and are sensitive to environmental changes.

Common error

Avoid using "shallow water" interchangeably with vague terms like "the coast" or "the shore". "Shallow water" specifically describes the depth of the water, whereas the other terms refer to locations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallow water" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shallow water" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively describes aquatic environments with limited depth. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. Its applications span diverse fields like news reporting, encyclopedic descriptions, and scientific research, maintaining a register that is generally neutral. The phrase is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources. For alternatives, consider options like ""shoal water"" or ""inshore waters"" to subtly alter the nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shoal water

Emphasizes the presence of a shoal, a sandbank or ridge that makes the water shallow.

the shallows

A shortened, more general term referring to shallow areas of water.

inshore waters

Focuses on the proximity to the shore, implying shallower depths compared to offshore areas.

nearshore zone

A more technical term referring to the area close to the shoreline, typically characterized by shallower depths.

coastal shallows

Highlights the shallow areas along the coast, emphasizing their location.

wading depth

Specifies a depth suitable for wading, implying very shallow water.

ankle-deep water

Uses a specific body part as a reference for the depth of water.

knee-deep water

Uses a specific body part as a reference for the depth of water.

surf zone

Refers to the area where waves break, typically characterized by shallow water and turbulent conditions.

littoral zone

Ecological term for the area near the shore of a body of water.

FAQs

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

You can use "shallow water" to describe areas with minimal depth, such as "The toddler was playing in the "shallow water" of the lagoon" or "Many species of coral thrive in "shallow water" environments".

What is the difference between "shallow water" and "deep water"?

"Shallow water" refers to areas where the water depth is minimal, while "deep water" indicates areas with significant depth. They are contrasting terms used to describe different aquatic environments.

What are some other ways to describe "shallow water"?

Alternatives include "shoal water", "inshore waters", or "the shallows", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "shallow water" in formal writing?

Yes, "shallow water" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a descriptive term commonly used in scientific reports, news articles, and other professional contexts.