shallow work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shallow work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe tasks that require minimal cognitive effort or are not particularly challenging, often contrasted with "deep work." Example: "While I enjoy my job, I find that most of my day is spent on shallow work, like answering emails and attending meetings, rather than on more meaningful projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is a shallow work, a shallow masterpiece.

The New Yorker

Only shallow work is possible, he said, because the Lebanese are always trying to escape themselves.

The New York Times

Those tools prioritize shallow work over deep — and that presents an opportunity, Newport writes, for those who can swim out to the deep end.

The New Yorker

Morgan roguishly flirts with Meg and invites the couple to the ritzy launch party for his latest shallow work of pop philosophy, an event that lights the blue touchpaper under the rocket of their marital despair.

The Guardian - Film

Shallow work — answering e-mails, say — is something you can pick up and put down; deep work — writing an article, solving a math problem — requires sustained, uninterrupted, and intense periods of concentration.

The New Yorker

Playing email Ping-Pong with colleagues is shallow work.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Fielke (1994 and 1996) found that for shallow working low rake angle tools the cutting edge geometry of a tillage tool has a major effect on tillage forces and soil movement.

Biosystems Engineering

With use of approximations for fields in bounded spaces, sound distributions are calculated for shallow industrial work rooms accounting for effects of scattering, specular reflections from floor and ceiling, and shielding by barriers.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Stanton cited the shallow lens work of Gus Van Sant's films as an influence, as it created intimacy in each close-up.

Wikipedia

"The Red Band Society," 9 p.m. ET Wednesday, Fox: It pains me to say negative things about a show that wears its heart so obviously on its sleeve, but "Red Band" is, at the end of the day, just too manipulative, obvious and shallow to work.

Huffington Post

(Thanks, internet, because mixing baking soda and vanilla in shallow bowls works like a charm).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting "shallow work" with "deep work", clearly define the characteristics of each to emphasize the value of focused concentration and meaningful engagement in cognitively demanding tasks.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "shallow work" without providing context or contrasting it with more meaningful or challenging activities. This can diminish its impact and leave the reader without a clear understanding of its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallow work" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "shallow" modifies the noun "work". It describes work that lacks depth or requires minimal cognitive effort. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shallow work" refers to tasks that require minimal cognitive effort and is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms it. While not overly frequent, it's commonly used in News & Media. When using the phrase, consider contrasting it with deeper, more focused work to emphasize the distinction. Alternative phrases include "superficial tasks" or "low-effort work". Being mindful of overuse and context ensures clear and impactful communication. Overall, the phrase is understood and accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superficial tasks

Replaces "work" with "tasks", emphasizing the nature of the activities as lacking depth.

low-effort work

Focuses on the minimal effort required to perform the work.

surface-level tasks

Highlights that the tasks are only addressed at the surface level and not in depth.

trivial work

Indicates the work is unimportant or insignificant.

perfunctory work

Suggests the work is done as a matter of routine or duty, without much care or interest.

routine tasks

Focuses on the repetitive and predictable nature of the work.

light work

Implies the work is not demanding or burdensome.

easy tasks

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty in performing the tasks.

undemanding work

Highlights that the work does not require significant effort or skill.

basic tasks

Highlights that the tasks are simple, fundamental and requires minimal skills.

FAQs

How can I differentiate between "shallow work" and deep work?

"Shallow work" involves tasks like answering emails or attending routine meetings, while deep work requires focused concentration on cognitively demanding tasks such as writing articles or solving complex problems.

What are some synonyms for "shallow work"?

Alternatives to "shallow work" include "superficial tasks", "low-effort work", or "routine tasks", depending on the context.

How does engaging in too much "shallow work" affect productivity?

Spending excessive time on "shallow work" can hinder productivity by reducing focus on tasks that require deeper thinking and problem-solving skills, potentially limiting overall impact and progress.

Is "shallow work" always negative?

Not necessarily. While often contrasted with deep work, "shallow work" can be essential for maintaining communication and administrative tasks. The key is to balance it with periods of focused, deep engagement.