a cumbersome work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cumbersome work" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct form would be "a cumbersome piece of work" or "cumbersome work" without the article. Example: "The project turned out to be a cumbersome piece of work, requiring more time and effort than we initially anticipated."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it's been a cumbersome work to add new artists to the website.

TechCrunch

The Spinoza Letters is a cumbersome work, its disjointed composition indicative of the haste with which it was put together.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Even so, the impact of higher labour costs and more cumbersome work rules should not be underestimated.

The Economist

But if unions demand above-market pay and impose cumbersome work rules, unionised firms will gradually lose market share to non-unionised competitors.

The Economist

Zimad Mohallil was converted into convenient cream form by adding minimum additives and benefits could be achieved without any hassle and cumbersome work, which is encountered in crude or paste form.

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine

Using the 246 FUNYBASE SCPCH avoids to systematically perform the cumbersome work needed to re-extract single-copy orthologous genes among the large amount of gene models available in each fungal genome and allows to directly target well-annotated and phylogenetically informative genes [4], [7].

Plosone

Only then can we start the hard and cumbersome work of establishing the links between the selective abortion decisions and the general discourses and conditions of disability.

BioSocieties

However, a considerable disadvantage of this method is the somewhat cumbersome work-up of the aqueous reaction mixture in order to isolate the product for its further use [ 146].

BioMed Research International

However, most of the existing methods involve toxic metal ions and solvents, have high costs, use corrosive reagents, and have cumbersome work-up procedures.

International Nano Letters

After a cumbersome setup, the detective work takes flight, but then the logistics grow so complicated the humor is exhausted.

Los Angeles Times

A cumbersome or inadequate physical work space affects patient safety, concentration and health.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing tasks that are difficult or complicated, consider using more common and grammatically sound alternatives like "burdensome task" or "complicated undertaking".

Common error

Avoid using the article "a" directly before "cumbersome work". It's more appropriate to say "cumbersome work" or "a cumbersome piece of work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cumbersome work" functions as a descriptive phrase modifying the noun "work". While technically understandable, it's not the most grammatically sound way to express the idea. As Ludwig AI points out, it's better to use "cumbersome work" or "a cumbersome piece of work".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a cumbersome work" is occasionally used, it's not considered grammatically ideal. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's better to opt for alternatives like "cumbersome work" or "a cumbersome piece of work". It functions to describe something difficult and complicated, and can be used in neutral to formal contexts. Consider "a burdensome task" or "a complicated undertaking" when you want to express a similar idea more effectively. Although some reputable sources use this expression, consider that there exist many better alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a burdensome task

This alternative replaces "cumbersome" with "burdensome", focusing on the onerous nature of the task.

a complicated undertaking

This alternative emphasizes the complexity involved in the work, highlighting the intricate nature of the task.

a difficult endeavor

This alternative uses "difficult" and "endeavor" to stress the challenging aspect of the work.

an unwieldy project

This alternative highlights the difficulty in managing or controlling the project due to its size or complexity.

a laborious process

This alternative emphasizes the amount of effort and time required to complete the work.

a demanding job

This alternative focuses on the high level of effort and skill required for the job.

a taxing assignment

This alternative uses "taxing" to indicate that the assignment is mentally or physically draining.

an onerous responsibility

This alternative stresses the heavy and burdensome nature of the responsibility.

a tricky operation

This alternative highlights the need for careful handling and skill due to the delicate nature of the operation.

a convoluted procedure

This alternative emphasizes the complex and unnecessarily complicated nature of the procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "a cumbersome work" in a sentence correctly?

While some sources use "a cumbersome work", it's generally better to say "a cumbersome piece of work" or simply "cumbersome work". For example, "The documentation process became "cumbersome work" for the team".

What's a better alternative to "a cumbersome work"?

Alternatives include "a burdensome task", "a complicated undertaking", or "a difficult endeavor". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a cumbersome work"?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "a cumbersome work" is not correct in standard English usage. Consider using alternative phrasing.

What makes "a cumbersome work" less preferable than other options?

The phrasing can sound awkward or incomplete. Using phrases like "cumbersome work" or "a cumbersome piece of work" is more common and grammatically sound.