Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
without depth
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "without depth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks complexity, substance, or thoroughness. Example: "The analysis of the issue was superficial and ultimately left the audience feeling unsatisfied, as it was presented without depth."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
47 human-written examples
Their salsa may be a thin tomato water without depth.
News & Media
That, of course, is just the point the deconstructionists tirelessly belabor: All is surface without depth.
News & Media
For all its shiny surface, "Mauritius" follows the old boulevard recipe of complication without depth.
News & Media
His memories of the family apartment in the 1950s and 1960s showed a life without depth.
News & Media
Vitti was the perfect embodiment of his coldly luminous vision of profundity without depth, of intellect blocked from emotion.
News & Media
Fitts' model explained the total movement time (for targets without depth r2 = .72; for targets with depth r2 = .72).72
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
13 human-written examples
Noise-free data were simulated with and without depth-of-interaction (DOI) information, and reconstructed for uniform, Defrise, Derenzo, and Zubal brain phantoms.
Science
One example is endoscopic fluorescence imaging of the gastrointestinal track for cancer screening/diagnosis [ 10], where, generally only surface images with low resolution are generated without depth-resolved high-resolution tissue microstructure information.
Science
His prose is engaging without sacrificing depth or rigor.
Academia
"Maybe we can get by without the depth you'd like to have," said Torre.
News & Media
"Retailers like exposure without great depth, so this is a fabulous retail building," Mr. Wennett said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "without depth", consider the specific quality you believe is missing and select a more precise term if possible, such as "superficial" or "lacking insight".
Common error
Avoid using "without depth" as a generic criticism; specify what lacks depth. For example, instead of saying "the argument was without depth", state "the argument failed to address key counterarguments".
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "without depth" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate a lack of profundity, complexity, or thoroughness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
30%
Academia
15%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "without depth" is a grammatically sound and usable prepositional phrase that indicates a lack of complexity, substance, or thoroughness. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider whether a more specific term like "superficial" or "lacking insight" might be more appropriate. It is most commonly used in news, science, and academic contexts, and is generally neutral in register. Though sometimes abstract, the key to employing it effectively is to clearly define what specifically is deemed to be lacking depth.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
lacking substance
Focuses on the absence of meaningful content or value.
without substance
Focuses on the lack of material or importance.
superficial
Emphasizes a lack of thoroughness and engagement with the subject matter.
shallow
Highlights the absence of intellectual or emotional profundity.
lacking profundity
Directly addresses the absence of deep insight or understanding.
lacking complexity
Highlights the absence of intricate or detailed elements.
devoid of meaning
Stresses the absence of significance or purpose.
skin-deep
Highlights a characteristic that is only on the surface and not profound.
wanting in insight
Indicates a deficiency in understanding or perception.
simplistic
Implies an oversimplified and inadequate approach.
FAQs
How can I use "without depth" in a sentence?
You can use "without depth" to describe something lacking complexity, substance, or thoroughness. For example, "The analysis was superficial and presented the information "without depth"".
What are some alternatives to "without depth"?
Alternatives include "lacking substance", "superficial", or "shallow". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is it better to say "lacking depth" or "without depth"?
Both "lacking depth" and "without depth" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific flow of the sentence.
What's the difference between "superficial" and "without depth"?
"Superficial" implies a focus on the surface and a lack of thoroughness. "Without depth" can refer to a lack of complexity, substance, or understanding, encompassing a broader range of deficiencies. While similar, "superficial" emphasizes the surface-level aspect more strongly.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested