a slightly crude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slightly crude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat rough, unrefined, or lacking in sophistication, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "His humor can be a bit off-putting, as he often resorts to a slightly crude joke to get a laugh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Finally, I had a slightly crude ink stamp.

The New York Times

It might seem like a slightly crude comparison, but there are some similarities, with both women and Jews frequently being othered by a world that presents them with no alternative home.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He won it again two years later for "Anna Christie," a slightly crude but effective drama about a former prostitute, raped as a teen-ager, who finds a fiancé and her long-lost father at the same time.

The New Yorker

Win percentage is probably a slightly crude way of looking at that, since it takes no account of performance, but it's probably as close as we'll get with a calculator and our best concentration face.

The Guardian - Sport

They can be amusing (see above), they demonstrate clear, lustful intentions, albeit in a slightly crude way (see above), and they take major guts to deliver face to face.

Independent

Yet both lead teams who ostensibly play to the same philosophy and – in a slightly crude way, for nobody would realistically suggest that Mandzukic is better than Messi – their differences highlight the contrast between Barça and Bayern: there are different interpretations of the general bielsista theory.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The online consumer version, while simple to use, offers less camera control and produces a slightly cruder image.

The New York Times

They were turned out by the hundreds of thousands, their slightly crude effect a result of a molded ceramic body and cheaply hand-painted decoration.

The New York Times

And there is an overarching element of Henri Rousseau: the bright colors and slightly crude outlines of a folk artist.

The New York Times - Arts

Getting teen-age pop fans into an opera house isn't easy, but Albarn and his collaborators — the graphic artist Jamie Hewlett and the director Chen Shaveheng — have done a remarkable job of making an imposing art form accessible, funny, even slightly crude.

The New Yorker

Fodor responds to this problem with what he defines as a "a slightly less crude causal theory".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing art or design, use "a slightly crude" to indicate a rustic or handmade quality that might be intentional.

Common error

Avoid using "a slightly crude" in highly formal or professional settings where precision and sophistication are expected. Opt for more refined language to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly crude" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun with the added nuance of something being somewhat unrefined but not entirely so. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the expression is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slightly crude" is a valid and usable adjectival phrase indicating something somewhat unrefined, rough, or lacking sophistication, as Ludwig AI confirms. While not very common, the phrase appears across diverse sources, including news media and scientific publications, suggesting its versatility. The phrase serves to soften potential negativity associated with "crude", implying imperfections without being overly critical. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "somewhat unrefined" or "a bit rough around the edges", being mindful of the intended tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly unrefined

Replaces 'crude' with 'unrefined' maintaining a similar nuance of lacking polish.

somewhat unrefined

Focuses on the lack of refinement, similar to crude but less harsh.

a bit rough around the edges

Emphasizes the lack of polish or sophistication.

a little rough

A simpler and more direct way to express a lack of smoothness or refinement.

a tad unpolished

Highlights the absence of a smooth or refined quality.

marginally unsophisticated

Suggests a lack of sophistication, but only to a small degree.

relatively basic

Focuses on the simplicity and lack of complexity.

somewhat coarse

Similar to crude, but can also imply a lack of delicacy.

a little primitive

Highlights the basic or underdeveloped nature of something.

somewhat amateurish

Emphasizes a lack of professional quality or skill.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slightly crude" to describe something that's a bit rough or unrefined. For example, "The drawing had a certain charm, despite its "a slightly crude" style".

What are some alternatives to "a slightly crude"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "somewhat unrefined", "a bit rough around the edges", or "a tad unpolished".

Is "a slightly crude" negative?

Not necessarily. While "crude" can have negative connotations, the addition of "slightly" softens the term, suggesting a minor imperfection or lack of refinement that may not be entirely undesirable.

When is it appropriate to use "a slightly crude"?

It's suitable when describing something that isn't perfect but still has some value or charm. It can also be used when acknowledging a lack of sophistication without being overly critical.