a dull sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dull sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sentence that lacks interest, excitement, or engagement. Example: "The essay was filled with a dull sentence that failed to capture the reader's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

One of our finest writers, Meek couldn't produce a dull sentence however hard he tried.

The Guardian - Books

Philip Larkin's reputation as a misanthrope went before him but he was incapable of writing a dull sentence.

The Guardian - Sport

He mixes the loquaciousness of the barfly with the fluency of the literary artist, and could not pen a dull sentence if he tried.

The Guardian - Books

Mackintosh-Smith seems incapable of writing a dull sentence, and in him the scholar, the linguist and the storyteller swap hats with marvelous speed.

The New York Times - Books

He is incapable of writing a dull sentence about an animal: he sees the "jewelled toolkit of a kingfisher" flash past or notes how "hares moved off stiff-backed with their odd, humping limp.

Independent

"Mackintosh-Smith seems incapable of writing a dull sentence, and in him the scholar, the linguist and the storyteller swap hats with marvelous speed," Jason Goodwin said here in 2000.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Since, apparently, they could not manage a single dull sentence, their joint correspondence brings their time to sparkling life.

The Economist

What a dull time for us!

The Guardian

Fairweather has a tendency to write rather dull sentences - 'Although Madame de Staël was naturally attracted to the Russians and fascinated by everything she saw, she was far from blind to their weaknesses.' I longed for other, pithier, voices.

The Guardian - Books

Naturally, he quotes a great deal from his hero, and when he does it is always a joy: Cardus was demonstrably incapable of writing a dull or a dud sentence.

The Guardian - Books

Unlike the invisible novelist, Miss Calisher seems determined never to be guilty of a flat, obvious sentence or a dull, predictable prose rhythm.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing writing, instead of simply stating it's "a dull sentence", specify why it lacks interest. Is it the vocabulary, sentence structure, or lack of vivid imagery?

Common error

Avoid passive voice constructions, as they often lead to "a dull sentence". Opt for active voice to create a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dull sentence" functions as a descriptor, specifically an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It pinpoints a quality of the sentence, indicating its lack of interest or excitement. As Ludwig AI suggests, it accurately describes a sentence that fails to engage the reader.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a dull sentence" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a sentence that lacks interest or excitement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable expression in written English. While not overly common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing. To enhance clarity and impact, consider specifying why a sentence is dull, focusing on aspects like vocabulary, structure, or imagery. Remember to avoid overusing passive voice, which often contributes to the perception of "a dull sentence". Consider using alternatives such as "a boring sentence" or "an uninspired sentence" for similar but slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a boring sentence

A more direct and common synonym for "a dull sentence".

an uninspired sentence

Replaces "dull" with "uninspired", focusing on the lack of creativity or originality.

a monotonous sentence

Emphasizes the lack of variation and the repetitive nature of the sentence.

a lackluster sentence

Highlights the sentence's lack of vibrancy and energy.

a pedestrian sentence

Suggests the sentence is ordinary and commonplace.

a lifeless sentence

Focuses on the sentence's lack of animation and vitality.

a humdrum sentence

Replaces "dull" with "humdrum", focusing on the sentence's ordinariness and lack of excitement.

a tedious sentence

Highlights the sentence's ability to bore or weary the reader.

a prosaic sentence

Suggests the sentence is matter-of-fact and unimaginative, like prose.

a vapid sentence

Implies the sentence lacks substance and depth.

FAQs

What makes "a dull sentence" dull?

A sentence can be considered "a dull sentence" if it lacks vivid language, interesting details, or a clear point. It might also suffer from monotonous rhythm or overly complex structure.

How can I avoid writing "a dull sentence"?

To avoid writing "a dull sentence", focus on using strong verbs, sensory details, and varied sentence structures. Also, ensure your sentence has a clear purpose and connects logically to the surrounding text.

What can I say instead of "a dull sentence"?

You can use alternatives like "a boring sentence", "an uninspired sentence", or "a monotonous sentence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a dull sentence" grammatically incorrect?

No, "a dull sentence" is grammatically correct. The phrase itself is a standard adjective-noun combination. However, the effectiveness of the sentence it describes might be questionable.