casual construction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "casual construction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a relaxed or informal way of building sentences or phrases, often seen in conversational language or informal writing. Example: "The author's use of casual construction in the dialogue made the characters feel more relatable and authentic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Taliesin's iterations and casual construction ensured unusual features.

The Economist

Another 75m quasi-private jobs have sprung up in the "shadow economy", outside the official statistics, in street vending, casual construction work and domestic service.Most private companies are still tiny: 90% employ fewer than eight people.

The Economist

(Smith) CHRIS MARTIN This painter works in the gap between the comical and the visionary, enlivening his colorful, sometimes boisterous works with plastic foam discs, collaged paper and casual construction.

The New York Times

Although the show may appear to have written itself, there is much craft on display here, as there is in the confusions of a great "Seinfeld'' episode, which its seemingly casual construction evokes.

The New York Times

But the casual construction of "Plato's Garage," and the faint echoes, in Campbell's unadorned prose, of writers as disparate as Mary Karr, Charles Kuralt and Paul Monette, throw into stark relief just how cleverly Campbell has made his first book's lack of focus work for him.

The New York Times - Books

(In any case, you've probably seen every other musical on a New York stage already.) Although the show may appear to have written itself, there is much craft on display here, as there is in the confusions of a great "Seinfeld" episode, which its seemingly casual construction evokes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It could also be the case that the frequency of casual asyndetic constructions is higher in texts like history textbooks, where authors are forced to condense many historical facts into a specified space; indeed, textbook authors have often complained about such constraints (cf. Brinkley et al.2005).2005

Functional Linguistics

There is plenty of casual labour on construction sites, but few long-term jobs on offer.

The Guardian

Other major industries that have relied heavily on casual labour are construction, logging, sawmilling, agriculture, and the service trades.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He spent time in 23 of Japan's 47 prefectures, found casual work on construction sites and underwent extensive plastic surgery in a bid to evade capture.

The Guardian

Buddies since their Milwaukee childhood, former college classmates, 27-year-old semi-slackers with casual jobs in construction or casinos, if they miss a larger purpose, they aren't yet ready to go looking for it.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "casual construction" when you want to emphasize a relaxed, informal, or unconventional approach to building or design, particularly in contexts where precision or adherence to strict standards is not paramount.

Common error

In technical reports or formal documents, using "casual construction" might imply a lack of professionalism or rigor. Opt for more precise terms like "simplified design" or "unconventional building method" to maintain credibility and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casual construction" functions as an adjective-noun compound, modifying a noun to describe a specific type or quality of construction. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is used to describe a non-standard, relaxed, or informal approach to building or design.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "casual construction" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a relaxed or informal approach to building or design. Ludwig shows the phrase appearing across diverse contexts, from news media to scientific articles, however, it is best suited for describing a building process or aesthetic that prioritizes flexibility over strict adherence to conventional methods. While it's generally appropriate, avoid using it in technical documents where precision is key. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase implies a building process that is non-standard and not necessarily negative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relaxed construction

Synonymous replacement of "casual" with "relaxed", highlighting the lack of rigidity.

informal building

Replaces the adjective "casual" with "informal", emphasizing the relaxed nature of the construction.

informal design

Focuses on the lack of strict rules in the design process.

unconventional design

Focuses on the departure from standard practices in the design aspect of construction.

unfussy construction

Highlights the lack of unnecessary details or complexity.

simple construction

Emphasizes the uncomplicated nature of the building process or design.

ad-hoc construction

Implies a spontaneous and unplanned approach to building.

haphazard construction

Suggests a lack of planning or organization in the building process.

makeshift building

Indicates a temporary or improvised nature of the construction.

rudimentary construction

Highlights the basic or underdeveloped nature of the construction.

FAQs

How can I use "casual construction" in a sentence?

You can use "casual construction" to describe a relaxed or informal building method. For example: "The charm of the house lay in its "casual construction" and unique design elements."

What are some alternatives to "casual construction"?

Alternatives to "casual construction" include "informal building", "unconventional design", or "relaxed construction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "casual construction" the same as "shoddy construction"?

No, "casual construction" implies informality or lack of strict adherence to standards, while "shoddy construction" implies poor quality and inadequate workmanship. The former is not necessarily negative, whereas the latter always is.

When is it appropriate to use the term "casual construction"?

It's appropriate when describing a building or design process that prioritizes flexibility, improvisation, or aesthetic character over strict adherence to formal building codes or conventional methods. It fits well in artistic or descriptive contexts.