a rather clumsy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rather clumsy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is awkward, ungraceful, or lacking finesse in various contexts, such as writing, behavior, or design. Example: "His explanation was a rather clumsy attempt to clarify the complex issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"He's a rather clumsy character.

The New York Times

I think it would be a rather clumsy and lacking in care and attention to how other people might react.

The Guardian

In the History Room a rather clumsy 19th-century drawing of artillerymen by Napoleon III is placed near an icon given by Pope Pius XII to Princess Margaret in 1949.

The New York Times - Travel

"It was a perfect game, a perfect day," Halep said – as was her polite response to a rather clumsy request to discuss her breast reduction operation of five years ago.

The Guardian - Sport

But she does admit to "sticking a rather clumsy reference to the war in Iraq and Hillary Clinton into The Beginner's Goodbye, so we'd know what era we were in".

The Guardian - Books

Here, too, an objection has been raised: namely that art is not wholly indifferent to historical criteria, because it obeys the laws of "verisimilitude"; but, here again, "verisimilitude" is only a rather clumsy metaphor for the mutual coherence of images, which without this internal coherence would fail to produce their effect as images, like Horace's delphinus in silvis and aper in fluctibus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Ashdown told the Today programme: This letter is so riddled with inaccurcies it is frankly a crude and rather clumsy attempt to influence the electorate on the eve of the election.

The Guardian

38 mins Van der Vaart, a former Hamburg player, takes some abuse as he trots over to take a corner from the right, which is headed behind for another corner... 39 mins The Dutchman's second delivery is a beauty, arcing in towards the goalkeeper who, caught off guard, just about manages to punch it away with a curious and rather clumsy dive to his right.

The Guardian - Sport

And, in a scene that resembled nothing so much as a very self-satisfied cat-toying with an overgrown and rather clumsy mouse, Cersei winkled the truth about Brienne's feelings for her brother out of an uncomfortable Lady Knight.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For "The Gildless Age," an apt if rather clumsy title, guest curator Denise Johnson brings together work by a dozen West Coast painters, sculptors and photographers.

Los Angeles Times

A year later, in rather clumsy fashion, Rodriguez did opt out, and the news broke during Game 4 of the World Series as the Red Sox were on the verge of winning their second title in four years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rather clumsy" to describe actions, designs, or behaviors that lack finesse or appear awkward. Ensure the context supports a slightly negative connotation of lacking skill or elegance.

Common error

While acceptable, "a rather clumsy" might sound less formal than necessary in academic or business writing. Consider using synonyms like "inelegant" or "awkward" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rather clumsy" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to describe something as lacking grace, skill, or finesse. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is acceptable and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rather clumsy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something lacking skill or grace. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable, it might be replaced with synonyms like "inelegant" or "awkward" in more formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended nuance of a gentle critique. Remember to avoid overuse in highly formal writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather ungainly

Suggests an awkward or lumbering movement.

somewhat unskillful

Directly states a lack of skill.

somewhat uncoordinated

Focuses on the lack of physical coordination.

slightly awkward

Emphasizes discomfort or lack of grace in a situation or movement.

somewhat ham-fisted

Implies a lack of delicacy or finesse in handling something.

a bit klutzy

Informal term for being clumsy.

a bit awkward

Emphasizes social discomfort or unease.

a little maladroit

Indicates a lack of skill in dealing with situations.

slightly inept

Highlights a lack of skill or competence.

rather artless

Suggests a lack of sophistication or skill in execution.

FAQs

How can I use "a rather clumsy" in a sentence?

You can use "a rather clumsy" to describe something lacking grace or skill. For instance, "His attempt to fix the shelf was "a rather clumsy" effort."

What are some alternatives to "a rather clumsy"?

Alternatives include "somewhat awkward", "slightly inept", or "rather ungainly", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a rather clumsy" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a rather clumsy" may sound less formal. Consider alternatives like "inelegant" or "awkward" for professional contexts.

What's the difference between "a rather clumsy" and "clumsy"?

Adding "a rather" softens the directness of "clumsy", making it a more nuanced critique. It suggests a degree of clumsiness without being overly harsh.