shallower than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shallower than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the depth of two or more objects, concepts, or situations, indicating that one is less deep than the other. Example: "The lake is shallower than I expected, making it safer for swimming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fibrous root systems are generally shallower than taproot systems.

Britannica

In general, fibrous root systems are shallower than taproot systems.

Britannica

Europe's recession is proving to be shallower than expected.

The Economist

In short, these achievers have a sense that they are shallower than they need to be.

The New Yorker

But we were shallower than the previous day, and I couldn't control my buoyancy.

The New York Times - Travel

(Appalachian coal mines are typically much shallower than those in the West).

The New York Times

His angle of takeoff will be shallower than most of his competitors'.

The New York Times - Sports

The lake's water is 50ft shallower than it was in the 1987 film.

Independent

This means that bark and charcoal filters could be designed to be shallower than sand filters.

Water Research

This does not mean that young people today are worse or shallower than young people in the past.

The New York Times

The lighter blue water depicted in the image means that the water is shallower than the surrounding darker blue water.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shallower than" to compare abstract concepts, ensure the comparison is logical and maintains clarity. For instance, 'His understanding was "shallower than" hers' implies a difference in depth of comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "shallower than" when comparing non-depth related attributes. For example, it's incorrect to say 'His commitment was "shallower than" hers'; instead, use 'less committed' or 'weaker'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallower than" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one thing has less depth than another, whether physically or metaphorically. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shallower than" is a versatile and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to describe something with less depth compared to something else. Ludwig confirms this. Its application spans both physical and abstract contexts, making it useful across various registers, from scientific reports to everyday conversations. While widely applicable, it's important to ensure the comparison is logical and relevant to the attributes being discussed. Common alternatives include "less deep than" and "not as deep as".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less deep than

Emphasizes the depth aspect of the comparison, using 'less' as a direct antonym for 'more'.

not as deep as

Offers a more straightforward and common way to express a reduced degree of depth.

of lesser depth than

Formal alternative, emphasizing a lower degree of depth in a more technical context.

with a smaller depth compared to

Highlights the difference in depth between two subjects using a comparative structure.

closer to the surface than

Describes something being nearer to the surface in comparison to something else.

not so profound as

Shifts the comparison towards the abstract sense of depth, often implying complexity or significance.

less submerged than

Focuses on the extent of being underwater or covered by a liquid.

higher up than

Indicates a higher relative position, especially useful in contexts where vertical position implies depth.

not as immersed as

Similar to 'less submerged', but can also apply to abstract senses of being involved or absorbed.

more superficial than

Suggests a lack of thoroughness or engagement, often used in abstract or metaphorical contexts.

FAQs

How do you use "shallower than" in a sentence?

Use "shallower than" to compare the depth of two things, such as: "The water is "shallower than" I expected" or "Her understanding of the topic was "shallower than" his".

What is a synonym for "shallower than"?

Synonyms for "shallower than" include "less deep than", "not as deep as", or "more superficial than", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "shallower than"?

It is appropriate to use "shallower than" when comparing the physical or abstract depth of two subjects. For example, "This pool is "shallower than" the other" or "His argument was "shallower than" her well-reasoned analysis".

What's the difference between "shallower than" and "less deep than"?

"Shallower than" and "less deep than" are often interchangeable. "Shallower than" is more common in everyday language, while "less deep than" may appear in more formal or technical contexts.