by sloppy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by sloppy" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe something done in a careless or unorganized manner, but it lacks proper context and structure. Example: "The report was completed by sloppy work, leading to numerous errors."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Evidence was contaminated by sloppy police work.

The Economist

These problems are compounded by sloppy, repetitive writing.

The New York Times - Books

The mechanics had attached two control rods into the wrong sockets — a problem caused more by sloppy design than by sloppy mechanical work.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a shame, however, that Mr Augar is let down by sloppy fact-checking.

The Economist

In a few places the book is also marred by sloppy writing.

The New York Times - Books

Apparently, 84% of employers believe excellent work is completely devalued by sloppy spelling and poor grammar.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Certainly, Alisson made a mistake but he was put in a bad position by a sloppy back pass by Virgil Van Dijk.

Forbes

The Yankees added four more runs in the ninth, including two on a double by Ichiro Suzuki that was misplayed by the sloppy Blue Jays.

The New York Times - Sports

Saliva streaks across her cheek as though dabbed there by a sloppy paintbrush.

The New Yorker

The banking crisis is now out of control, made worse by the sloppy bailout structure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wasps had been forced into defence by a sloppy pass from George Smith, of all players.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "by sloppy" in formal writing. Instead, opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives like "due to carelessness" or "because of poor execution".

Common error

A common mistake is assuming "sloppy" can directly follow "by" to indicate cause or manner. "Sloppy" needs to be incorporated into a noun phrase (e.g., "by sloppy work") or replaced with an appropriate adjective or adverb to be grammatically correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by sloppy" is grammatically incorrect as it stands. Ludwig AI indicates that it doesn't follow standard English grammar rules. To be grammatically sound, "sloppy" needs to modify a noun (e.g., "by sloppy work").

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by sloppy" is considered grammatically incorrect and lacks established usage according to Ludwig AI. To use "sloppy" correctly, it should modify a noun, such as "by sloppy work", or be replaced with a more appropriate prepositional phrase like "due to carelessness". The phrase is unsuitable for formal contexts and is best avoided in professional or academic writing. While the intent might be to convey carelessness, the ungrammatical structure prevents effective communication. Therefore, it's recommended to use alternative phrases for clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through carelessness

This alternative replaces "sloppy" with a more direct term describing the lack of care.

due to negligence

This phrase uses a formal term, "negligence", to express the cause of an error or problem.

because of poor workmanship

This focuses on the quality of work as the reason for a negative outcome.

resulting from shoddy practices

This highlights the methods or processes used as being inadequate.

owing to a lack of attention

This suggests that the problem arose from not paying enough attention.

caused by inferior methods

This phrase emphasizes that the methods employed were not of good quality.

arising from a lack of diligence

This alternative uses "diligence" to point out the insufficient effort or carefulness.

stemming from inadequate oversight

This phrase indicates that the supervision or monitoring was insufficient.

attributable to slipshod work

This utilizes the term "slipshod", which means careless and poorly done, to describe the work.

as a consequence of lax standards

This emphasizes the leniency or looseness of the standards followed.

FAQs

How can I properly use the word "sloppy" in a sentence?

Use "sloppy" as an adjective to describe a noun, such as "sloppy work", "sloppy handwriting", or "sloppy play". Avoid using it directly after "by" without a connecting noun.

What are some alternatives to "by sloppy" that are grammatically correct?

Consider using phrases like "due to "carelessness"", "because of "negligence"", or "resulting from "poor execution"" to convey the intended meaning.

Is it ever correct to say something was done "by sloppy"?

No, "by sloppy" is not grammatically correct. Always include a noun after "sloppy" (e.g., "by sloppy methods") or rephrase using a more appropriate prepositional phrase.

What's the difference between saying "by sloppy work" and "by careless work"?

"By sloppy work" and "by careless work" are similar, but "sloppy" often implies a lack of neatness or order, while "careless" suggests a lack of attention or concern. Both are grammatically sound options.