a crude look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crude look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an appearance or impression that is rough, unrefined, or lacking sophistication. Example: "The artist's latest work has a crude look that some find appealing, while others see it as unfinished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Those bikes had a kind of a crude look," Mr. Davidson said.

The New York Times

I've always liked Gell-Mann's focus on the importance, in such situations, of taking a "crude look at the whole".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

From the package, a mountain of tots stared back at me, one containing a crude looking face, nose and mouth, as if Ore-Ida had commissioned a pre-schooler for artistic design.

Huffington Post

It wasn't fancy; in fact, it was a little crude looking.

Huffington Post

For all the effort that goes into calibrating the scripts, McCarthy's ads often have the crude look of a hastily assembled PowerPoint presentation.

The New Yorker

But TMZ's crude look also emphasized that it prioritized speed over polish.

The New Yorker

The album, titled "Turpitudes Sociales" ("Social Disgraces"), have the bold, crude look of newspaper cartoons and were made for two of his nieces by way of political instruction.

The New York Times - Arts

A bet that shares of oil explorers will rise relative to the price of crude looks like a smart one.

The New York Times

For a crude comparison, we can look to a separate analysis of 13 Child Survival and Health Program projects supported by USAID only 1 of which was a Care Group project that ended between June 2004 and June 2005.

Global health, science and practice

The models present a "very crude" first look at these structures, adds physical chemist and co-author Peter Hamm of the University of Zürich in Switzerland.

Science Magazine

This postmodern novel, like many others, often degenerates into a crude cartoon; and it looks particularly grievous when, like so many postmodernists, he tries to hack a path back through all that irony and pastiche to sincerity.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a crude look" to describe something, consider the context and whether a more nuanced descriptor might be appropriate to avoid unintended negative connotations. For example, use this phrase to describe something that may lack sophistication, but has inherent charm or authenticity.

Common error

Avoid using "a crude look" in formal or professional writing where a more sophisticated or precise description is expected. Opt for alternatives that convey a similar meaning without the potential for sounding dismissive or unprofessional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crude look" functions as a descriptive element, often an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It conveys an impression of something being basic, unrefined, or lacking in sophistication. This is supported by Ludwig and the examples, where it describes appearances or initial assessments.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crude look" is a descriptive phrase used to indicate that something appears basic, unrefined, or lacking sophistication. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, but it's relatively rare in occurrence. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, the choice of this phrase should be made thoughtfully, considering the context and potential connotations. For formal writing, alternative phrases like "rough appearance" or "unpolished style" may be more appropriate. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "a crude look" allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rough appearance

Focuses on the surface quality being unrefined or uneven.

an unpolished style

Emphasizes the lack of refinement in the overall style or manner.

a raw aesthetic

Highlights the unprocessed and natural quality of the aesthetic.

a rudimentary design

Points out the basic and undeveloped nature of the design.

a simplistic approach

Indicates a basic or uncomplicated way of handling something.

a basic overview

Suggests a general and not very detailed examination.

an elementary analysis

Highlights the fundamental and initial nature of the analysis.

a sketchy outline

Refers to a preliminary and not fully developed plan or summary.

a coarse texture

Describes a rough and unrefined tactile quality.

a primitive state

Emphasizes the underdeveloped and early stage of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a crude look" in a sentence?

You can use "a crude look" to describe something that is unrefined or basic in appearance. For example, "The early prototypes had "a crude look", but they were functional."

What is a synonym for "a crude look"?

Synonyms for "a crude look" include "a rough appearance", "an unpolished style", or "a raw aesthetic". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a crude look" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a crude look" may be too informal for some formal writing contexts. Consider alternatives like "unrefined appearance" or "basic design" for a more professional tone.

What does it mean when something has "a crude look"?

When something has "a crude look", it typically means it is simple, unrefined, and lacks sophistication. This can sometimes be seen as negative, but it can also imply authenticity or a lack of pretension.