Cumbersome procedures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cumbersome procedures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe processes or methods that are overly complicated or difficult to manage. Example: "The company faced delays due to the cumbersome procedures required for project approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Cumbersome procedures at Ethiopian customs delay vital supplies, according to one worker.

The Guardian

But the cumbersome procedures are already taking their toll.

The New York Times

The Army's housing organization was hamstrung by cumbersome procedures, chronic budget limitations, and fragmented responsibilities.

Harvard Business Review

However, conventional commercial detectors generally require complex designs, expensive devices and cumbersome procedures.

Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

Security officials later reinstated the two-hour rule, but scientists at Los Alamos say other cumbersome procedures remain.

The New York Times - Science

The budget bill includes sweeping changes to the cumbersome procedures that govern environmental approval of energy projects.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Surely no one would inflict such a cumbersome procedure on people.

The New York Times - Tech

Such subsection is rewritten to eliminate the cumbersome procedure of remand.

Cornell University

"It is a cumbersome procedure and a very lengthy procedure, so we are obviously hoping to avoid that," said Scarola.

The Guardian

It is a long and cumbersome procedure that involves combining pieces of DNA in embryonic stem cells and mouse breeding.

The Guardian

But until the work of Javey and his research group, fabricating such nanopillars was a complex and cumbersome procedure.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how to overcome difficulties, specify the areas where streamlining or simplification is possible to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cumbersome procedures" as a vague complaint. Instead, specify the negative consequences, such as delays, increased costs, or reduced efficiency, to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cumbersome procedures" typically functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes processes that are complicated, inefficient, and difficult to manage. As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cumbersome procedures" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe processes marked by complexity, inefficiency, and difficulty. Ludwig highlights that it’s suitable for various contexts, including news, scientific, academic, and business writing. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase precisely, specifying the negative consequences of the procedures rather than relying on vague generalizations. Consider using alternatives such as "burdensome processes" or "complex protocols" for nuanced expression. Overall, mastering the use of "cumbersome procedures" enhances clarity and impact in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Burdensome processes

Replaces "cumbersome" with "burdensome", emphasizing the heavy load or difficulty imposed by the processes.

Complex protocols

Substitutes "procedures" with "protocols", highlighting the intricate and often formal nature of the processes.

Onerous formalities

Replaces "cumbersome" with "onerous" and "procedures" with "formalities", stressing the burdensome and often bureaucratic nature of the processes.

Involved regulations

Changes "procedures" to "regulations", focusing on the complex and detailed rules involved.

Lengthy processes

Replaces "cumbersome" with "lengthy", emphasizing the time-consuming aspect of the procedures.

Complicated steps

Substitutes "procedures" with "steps", focusing on the intricacy of the individual actions involved.

Difficult processes

Replaces "cumbersome" with "difficult", highlighting the challenges involved in the procedures.

Convoluted methods

Changes "procedures" to "methods" and "cumbersome" with "convoluted", emphasizing the complex and tangled nature of the processes.

Inefficient workflows

Substitutes "procedures" with "workflows", focusing on the lack of efficiency in the processes.

Impractical systems

Replaces "procedures" with "systems", highlighting the lack of practicality in the overall organizational structure.

FAQs

How can I replace "cumbersome procedures" in a sentence?

Consider using alternatives like "burdensome processes", "complex protocols", or "onerous formalities" to add variety and precision to your writing.

What makes procedures "cumbersome"?

Procedures become "cumbersome" when they are excessively complicated, time-consuming, or inefficient, often involving unnecessary steps or bureaucratic hurdles. The term implies that the procedures are difficult to manage or execute effectively.

Is it correct to use "cumbersome procedures" in formal writing?

Yes, "cumbersome procedures" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe processes that are overly complex or difficult. However, consider providing specific examples to illustrate the issues.

What's the difference between "cumbersome procedures" and "inefficient methods"?

"Cumbersome procedures" emphasizes the complexity and difficulty of the steps involved, while "inefficient methods" focuses on the lack of productivity or wastefulness of the overall approach. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the difficulty or the lack of effectiveness.