are coarse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are coarse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a rough or harsh texture, or to refer to behavior that is rude or vulgar. Example: "The fabric of the blanket is rough and are coarse, making it uncomfortable to use."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The men are coarse and rough.

The New York Times

Some British army officers are coarse, corrupt and cruel.

The Guardian - Books

They are coarse because there is less chemical weathering.

University of California, Berkeley

Shogun's vocals – the simple sound of them – are coarse yet nuanced and ripe with potential meaning.

The Guardian - Music

Others are coarse and granular, and run through your fingers like sand.

The New York Times

The petal surfaces are coarse with many particulates and grooves.

Materials Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Put the clams on a flat surface and chop them until they are coarse-fine.

The New York Times

The simplest of these are coarse-grained salt and tiny, incendiary piri-piri chillies.

The Guardian - Travel

Unfortunately, austenitic welds are coarse-grained, heterogeneous and anisotropic.

NDT & E International

The Bhabar area is characterized by soils that are coarse-textured, sandy to gravelly, highly porous, and largely infertile.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those services are coarse-grained elements able to encapsulate a composition of business process models.

Neurocomputing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing texture, consider the specific type of "coarse" quality you want to convey. Is it rough, grainy, or uneven? Use more descriptive adjectives like "rough", "gritty", or "uneven" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are coarse" in formal writing when referring to abstract concepts like strategies or analyses. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "broad", "high-level", or "simplistic" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are coarse" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase. It attributes a quality of lacking fineness, refinement, or delicacy to the subject. As exemplified by Ludwig, this can refer to physical textures or abstract qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are coarse" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe a lack of refinement in texture, quality, or behavior. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains, particularly science and news media. While generally acceptable, it's crucial to choose more precise language in formal settings to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "rough", "unrefined", or "vulgar" depending on the specific context to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are unrefined

This alternative directly states the absence of refinement, which is a key aspect of "coarse".

have a rough texture

This alternative focuses on the physical texture aspect, replacing "coarse" with "rough".

are grainy

This option is specific to the texture sense of "coarse", and is especially useful for describing physical objects or surfaces.

are unpolished

This highlights a lack of sophistication or smoothness, akin to something being "coarse".

possess a crude quality

This alternative emphasizes the lack of refinement, using "crude" instead of "coarse".

are abrasive

This phrase suggests a rough quality that causes irritation or damage, similar to one aspect of "coarse".

exhibit a harsh nature

This alternative highlights the severity or unpleasantness, employing "harsh" in place of "coarse".

are indelicate

This alternative replaces "coarse" with a focus on lacking subtlety and refinement in manner or taste.

demonstrate vulgar behavior

This alternative addresses the lack of refinement in behavior, substituting "vulgar" for "coarse".

are homespun

This suggests a raw and unrefined quality, like something handmade without sophisticated techniques.

FAQs

How can I use "are coarse" in a sentence?

You can use "are coarse" to describe textures, behaviors, or qualities that lack refinement. For example, "The grains of sand are coarse", or "His jokes are coarse and offensive".

What's the difference between "are coarse" and "are rough"?

"Are coarse" generally implies a lack of fineness or delicacy, while "are rough" typically refers to an uneven or bumpy surface. Although similar, "are rough" emphasizes the tactile sensation more directly.

Which is more appropriate: "are coarse" or "are unrefined"?

The choice depends on the context. "Are coarse" can apply to physical textures and behaviors, while "are unrefined" is better suited for describing manners, tastes, or processes. Both suggest a lack of sophistication, but in different ways.

What can I say instead of "are coarse" to describe someone's behavior?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "are vulgar", "are rude", or "are uncouth". Each term slightly alters the specific implication of the behavior.