was shallower than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was shallower than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the depth of two objects or situations, indicating that one is less deep than the other. Example: "The lake was shallower than I expected, making it easier to wade through."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Additionally, the maximum keel depth suggested by the observed distribution was shallower than the maximum predicted keel depth.

Cold Regions Science and Technology

In contrast, when ϕM was shallower than Ev_absorber, Vbi monotonically decreased, resulting in the decrease in open-circuit voltage of the device.

Current Applied Physics

However, the nitrogen adsorption potential in the CNT nanopore of 0.68 nm diameter in Fig. 5b was shallower than the others, because the molecular size was slightly larger than the effective CNT diameter.

Nature

The second swarm activity, which lasted for 2 days from October 30, 2007, was shallower than that of the first.

Earth, Planets and Space

In particular, the main slip area between February 1 , 2016 and April 10 , 2016 was shallower than that of the 2014 Bungo event.

Earth, Planets and Space

Assumed dip angle was shallower than the estimated value of the regional seismic network (National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience, Japan, http://www.fnet.bosai.go.jp/top.php LANG=en; last accessed on June 13 , 2016.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was shallower than" when comparing the depth or extent of two things, ensuring the context clearly indicates what is being compared. For abstract comparisons, consider whether more nuanced vocabulary like 'superficial' or 'limited' might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "was shallower than" when comparing abstract concepts if a more specific term like 'less profound' or 'less thorough' would provide greater clarity. Using it literally for non-physical attributes can sometimes sound awkward or imprecise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was shallower than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a relative lack of depth. Examples from Ludwig illustrate comparisons of physical depth (e.g., water) and abstract depth (e.g., understanding).

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was shallower than" is a grammatically correct and usable comparative phrase for indicating that one thing is less deep than another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase finds common ground in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, demonstrating its versatility. While alternatives like "was less deep than" or "was more superficial than" exist, the best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Using "was shallower than" correctly involves ensuring the context makes sense, particularly in abstract comparisons, and avoiding its use when more specific terms would provide greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was less deep than

Emphasizes the lack of depth instead of using the term 'shallower'.

lacked the depth of

Rephrases the comparison to emphasize what is missing.

didn't run as deep as

Uses a different verb ('run') to convey the depth comparison, suitable for metaphorical contexts.

wasn't as profound as

Replaces 'shallower' with 'profound', shifting the focus to the intellectual or emotional depth.

didn't extend as far down as

Offers a more literal description of depth, suitable for physical measurements.

had less intensity than

Changes the comparison from physical depth to the intensity of something.

was more superficial than

Uses the word 'superficial' as an antonym to 'deep', suggesting a lack of thoroughness.

wasn't as thorough as

Shifts the context to the thoroughness of something, rather than physical depth.

possessed a more limited scope than

Focuses on scope or breadth instead of depth, indicating a narrower range.

was not as far-reaching as

Implies that the extent or influence was less.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was shallower than" is used to compare the depth or extent of two things, indicating one is less deep or extensive than the other. For example, "The water in the creek was shallower than I expected" or "His understanding of the topic was shallower than hers".

What are some alternatives to saying "was shallower than"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was less deep than", "was more superficial than", or "did not run as deep as".

Is it correct to use "was shallower than" for abstract comparisons?

Yes, it can be used for abstract comparisons, but ensure it makes sense in the context. Terms like "less profound" or "less thorough" might be more appropriate depending on what you are trying to convey.

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

While both phrases are similar, "was shallower than" often implies a broader sense of depth, both literal and abstract. "Was less deep than" is generally used for more literal or measurable depth comparisons.