bulky tubes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bulky tubes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe tubes that are large, heavy, or cumbersome, often in contexts related to packaging, construction, or equipment. Example: "The delivery included several bulky tubes that were difficult to maneuver through the narrow hallway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now, more expensive L.C.D. screens can almost replicate the experience of playing on a big, bulky tube.

The New York Times - Tech

Though the invention of the transistor, by Bell Laboratories in New Jersey, was less than a year away, bulky vacuum tubes still ruled the day.

The Economist

He was working on a project sponsored by the U.S. Army Signal Corps to develop a way to use smaller transistors as a replacement for the bulky vacuum tubes; he developed the integrated circuit as an alternative approach.

TechCrunch

Such space-consuming technology is reminiscent of early computers, with their bulky, vacuum-tube-based arrays.

The New York Times - Tech

When she had to have a bulky feeding tube going directly into her stomach, she persuaded doctors to replace it with a slimline version by attending her appointment in a tight-fitting dress.

The Guardian

Demand is driven not only by growth in notebook PCs, but also by the rise in flat-screen monitors to replace bulky cathode-ray tubes.

The Economist

On May 18th, the maker of the Panasonic brand announced that it will build the world's biggest plant for plasma-display panels, which are used in the largest flat-panel televisions.The rapid emergence of flat panels as the new standard, supplanting those TVs made with bulky cathode-ray tubes, initially made Japanese firms look bad.

The Economist

The action follows a spate of similar cases in the glass and display sectors, where bulky cathode ray tubes have been supplanted by technologies like liquid-crystal display and plasma that allow manufacturers to build far more compact monitors and screens.

The New York Times

The challenge of shrinking the bulky cathode-ray tube has vexed scientists for decades.

The New York Times - Tech

As the price of big-screen HDTVs continues to drop, more people are giving up their bulky cathode-ray tube TVs for slim plasma or L.C.D. TVs.

The New York Times - Tech

In the battle of fat versus flat, bulky cathode-ray tube monitors have steadily been losing desktop ground to thinner, lighter flat-panel displays.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or systems, use "bulky tubes" to clearly convey that the tubes are large and cumbersome. This is especially useful in technical descriptions or instructions.

Common error

Don't just say something is "big" or "large". Use the phrase "bulky tubes" to precisely indicate that the tubes are both large and difficult to handle or fit into a space. It adds a layer of specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bulky tubes" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'bulky' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'tubes'. The adjective adds a descriptive layer, indicating the tubes' size and unwieldiness. This analysis aligns with Ludwig's assessment, which confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bulky tubes" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe tubes that are large and cumbersome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, its specific application often appears in technical or descriptive content. When writing, remember that using "bulky tubes" conveys more than just size; it implies difficulty in handling or managing the tubes. Consider alternatives like "large pipes" or "cumbersome tubes" for subtly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large pipes

Replaces "tubes" with a synonym, focusing on size.

bulky piping

Uses a synonym for tubes, still indicating size and shape.

heavy cylinders

Emphasizes the weight and shape, rather than just the size.

cumbersome tubes

Highlights the unwieldy nature of the tubes.

massive pipes

Uses a stronger adjective to convey the tubes' large size.

large-diameter tubes

Specifies the measurement causing the 'bulkiness'.

thick tubes

Focuses on the dimension of thickness.

wide tubing

Highlights the width of the tubes.

oversized conduits

Replaces both words with near-synonyms.

voluminous tubes

Emphasizes the volume or capacity of the tubes.

FAQs

How can I describe "bulky tubes" differently?

You can use alternatives like "large pipes", "heavy cylinders", or "cumbersome tubes" depending on the specific context.

In what situations would I use the phrase "bulky tubes"?

The phrase "bulky tubes" is appropriate when referring to tubes that are not only large in size but also cumbersome or difficult to handle due to their size. This can apply in construction, manufacturing, or equipment design scenarios.

What is the difference between "bulky tubes" and "large tubes"?

"Large tubes" simply refers to the size of the tubes. "Bulky tubes" implies that the size makes them difficult to manage or move. Therefore, "bulky tubes" carries an additional connotation of inconvenience or unwieldiness.

Is "bulky tubes" a formal or informal expression?

"Bulky tubes" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the technicality of the subject matter than the formality of the setting.