too deep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too deep" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something is beyond or exceeds a reasonable limit or level. Example: "His emotions were too deep to express in words, so he kept them to himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The water's too deep.

The New Yorker

Polarization is too deep.

The New York Times

It was too deep.

The New Yorker

(From In Too Deep) 12.

The New York Times

• Maybe that is too deep.

The New York Times - Sports

Some were planted too deep.

The New York Times - Food

In too deep.

The New York Times - Sports

The silver-fern spirit runs too deep.

Independent

The legacy of authoritarianism sits too deep.

The New York Times

The enmity was just too deep.

The New York Times - Magazine

The hole today is too deep.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "too deep" to describe a problem, consider specifying what makes it excessively profound. For instance, instead of saying "the problem is too deep", you could say "the problem is too deeply rooted in historical injustices to be resolved quickly".

Common error

Avoid using "too deep" as a vague descriptor. Provide specific details or explanations to clarify what aspect is excessive or beyond a reasonable limit. Simply stating something is "too deep" without context can leave your audience confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too deep" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something exceeds a certain limit or is excessively profound. As Ludwig indicates, it correctly follows standard grammar rules. Examples show it describing both physical depth and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too deep" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to indicate that something exceeds a reasonable limit or is excessively profound. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, it's best to provide specific details about what makes something "too deep" rather than relying on the phrase as a vague descriptor. Consider alternatives like "over one's head" or "beyond comprehension" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfathomable

Indicates something is impossible to fully explore or understand.

over one's head

Suggests a situation or concept is beyond someone's understanding or ability to handle.

overly complex

Focuses on the unnecessary intricacy of a situation or concept.

beyond comprehension

Indicates something is impossible to understand.

profoundly intense

Highlights the extreme degree of intensity or depth.

excessively profound

Highlights the extreme depth or complexity of something.

extremely immersed

Emphasizes being excessively involved or absorbed in something.

inscrutable depths

Emphasizes the mysterious and unfathomable nature of something.

exceedingly involved

Highlights an excessive level of participation or entanglement.

buried deeply

Suggests something is hidden or ingrained to a significant extent.

FAQs

How can I use "too deep" in a sentence?

You can use "too deep" to describe something that exceeds a reasonable limit or level, such as "The water is "too deep" to swim in" or "The analysis is "too deep" for a general audience".

What does "too deep" mean?

"Too deep" generally means that something is beyond a certain level, whether it's physical depth, emotional intensity, or intellectual complexity. It indicates that something exceeds what is manageable or appropriate.

Which is correct, "too deep" or "so deep"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different implications. "Too deep" suggests an excess or problem, while "so deep" simply emphasizes the degree of depth without necessarily implying a negative consequence. For example, "The well is "so deep"" simply states the depth, whereas "The well is "too deep" to retrieve the bucket" indicates a problem.

What are some alternatives to saying something is "too deep"?

Alternatives to "too deep" include phrases like "over one's head", "beyond comprehension", or "overly complex" depending on the specific context.