shallower than before

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shallower than before" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decrease in depth or intensity compared to a previous state. Example: "After the recent changes, the discussion on the topic has become shallower than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Shadow laid in my lap, his breathing shallower than before.

Huffington Post

Postnatally, the foveal pit is wider and shallower than before birth and has displaced most of the inner layers.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The new environment rejuvenates Mr. Cornell for good and bad: he sounds shallower than he was before but pithier too.

The New York Times

In contrast, normal-faulting earthquakes were limited to depths of shallower than 20 km before the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake (Hino et al. 2009).

Earth, Planets and Space

Any more than before?

The New Yorker

Less than before, perhaps.

The Economist

Magnetic susceptibilities and ARM intensities at sites shallower than 10 m water depth were reasonably consistent before and after the storage period, but both parameters in mud samples decreased considerably with water depth, particularly below 16 m (Fig. 4).

Earth, Planets and Space

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fibrous root systems are generally shallower than taproot systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The Economist

Regions shallower than 15 km are elastic.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shallower than before", ensure that the context clearly establishes the point of comparison. Be specific about what aspect is shallower and what the previous state was to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "shallower than before" without specifying the aspect being compared. For instance, instead of saying "the analysis was shallower than before", clarify with "the analysis of the economic impact was shallower than before, focusing only on surface-level indicators".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallower than before" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a decrease in depth or intensity when compared to a previous state. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shallower than before" is a grammatically correct comparative phrase used to describe something that has decreased in depth, intensity, or thoroughness when compared to a past state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across varied contexts. Though relatively rare, it appears in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, with a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what aspect has become "shallower" and the previous baseline for accurate comparison. Remember alternatives like "less profound than previously" or "more superficial than earlier" can enhance clarity depending on your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less profound than previously

Emphasizes a decrease in intellectual or emotional depth.

more superficial than earlier

Highlights an increase in lack of thoroughness or importance.

more surface-level than previously

Emphasizes a lack of in-depth analysis or understanding.

not as deep as it used to be

Focuses on a literal or figurative reduction in depth.

not as thorough as before

Indicates a decrease in completeness or meticulousness.

less intense compared to the past

Indicates a reduction in strength or force.

reduced in depth from prior levels

Focuses on a measurable decrease in depth or penetration.

more trivial than before

Suggests an increase in unimportance or insignificance.

less penetrating than previously

Highlights a decrease in the ability to understand or influence.

weaker than in the past

Highlights a decrease in strength or impact.

FAQs

How can I use "shallower than before" in a sentence?

You can use "shallower than before" to describe a situation where something lacks the depth or intensity it previously had. For example, "The river was "shallower than before" after the drought", or "His understanding of the subject was "shallower than before" after he stopped studying the advanced topics".

What are some alternatives to "shallower than before"?

Some alternatives to "shallower than before" include "less profound than previously", "more superficial than earlier", or "not as deep as it used to be" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to describe something as "shallower than before"?

While often used to indicate a decline in quality or depth, describing something as "shallower than before" isn't inherently negative. It can simply be a neutral observation of change. For instance, "The pool was "shallower than before" after the kids splashed a lot of water out" is simply stating a fact.

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

"Shallower than before" implies a lack of depth or thoroughness, suggesting a more surface-level treatment of a topic. "Less detailed than before" focuses specifically on the absence of intricate information or elaboration. Something can be "shallower than before" without necessarily being less detailed, and vice-versa.