shallower

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "shallower" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something being not as deep or intense as something else. For example, "The stream narrowed and its banks became shallower as it flowed downstream."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problem can be traced to shortages of rain and snowpack, which lead to shallower rivers and reservoirs, which result in less pressure to speed the water along.

The Guardian

He believed fiercely in liberalism as something quite distinct from any other political creed; found ways to dramatise those differences which were right for his particular time; and above all was unafraid to defy a public mood which is often shallower than the public will admit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Younger, more cosmopolitan politicians have far shallower roots.

The Economist

Developing countries will be able to choose between shallower cuts across the board and exempting some goods from the formula in return for deeper cuts on the rest.

The Economist

But that reflects a weakness: its owners have little experience of developing programming and they have shallower pockets.The regulators cannot hedge their bets by giving two multiplexes to BDB and one to DTN: BDB cunningly bid for one or three multiplexes, but not two.

The Economist

One nozzle injects exhaust gas at a wider angle to the turbine blades, for quick response, while the other injects the exhaust gas at a shallower angle, for peak performance.

The Economist

Some will be longer and deeper, others shorter and shallower.

The Economist

Warm water rises, so an increase in sea temperatures tends to separate cold and warm water into more distinct layers, with shallower mixed layers in between.

The Economist

Or, to put it less facetiously, why does politics, the business of running the country, draw on so much shallower a recruitment pool than most other important enterprises in Britain?

The Economist

But others have shallower motives.In Soviet times telling the truth required great courage and brought fearful consequences.

The Economist

Jordan's monarchy, with its shallower historic roots, is the shakier of the pair.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shallower" to describe abstract concepts, ensure the context clearly establishes the comparison. For example, instead of saying "his understanding was shallower", specify "his understanding of the issue was shallower than hers".

Common error

Avoid using "shallower" without a clear point of comparison. Saying something is "shallower" is incomplete without indicating what it is shallower than. Always provide a comparative element for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shallower" is as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by indicating a lesser degree of depth, either literally (physical depth) or figuratively (intellectual, emotional, or intensity). Ludwig AI confirms this with its examples showing comparisons in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shallower" functions as a comparative adjective, indicating a lesser degree of depth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. To ensure clarity, always use "shallower" with a clear point of comparison. When looking for alternative phrasing, consider "less deep" or "more superficial", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less deep

Focuses directly on the lack of depth, using simpler wording.

not as profound

Shifts the focus to a lack of intellectual or emotional depth.

less intense

Emphasizes a reduced level of intensity or force.

more superficial

Highlights the lack of thoroughness or depth of character.

not as thorough

Focuses on the lack of completeness or attention to detail.

less penetrating

Emphasizes a reduced ability to understand or affect something deeply.

more cursory

Highlights the lack of carefulness or attention.

not as submerged

Specifically relates to physical depth or immersion.

closer to the surface

Describes a physical position that is less deep.

of lesser depth

A formal way of indicating a reduced level of depth.

FAQs

How do I use "shallower" in a sentence?

Use "shallower" to compare the depth or intensity of two things. For example, "The new policy has a "shallower impact" than the previous one".

What words can I use instead of "shallower"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "less deep", "more superficial", or "less intense".

Which is correct, "shallower" or "more shallow"?

"Shallower" is generally preferred over "more shallow" as it is the standard comparative form of "shallow".

What's the difference between "shallower" and "less profound"?

"Shallower" typically refers to physical depth or a lack of thoroughness, while "less profound" usually describes a lack of intellectual or emotional depth.