clumsily written

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clumsily written" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a piece of writing that is awkward, poorly structured, or lacking in clarity. Example: "The report was clumsily written, making it difficult for readers to follow the main arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It is clumsily written, shoddily edited, and often embarrassingly reverential.

The Guardian - Books

Which was an absolute pile of garbage, clumsily written and using a grossly outdated design.

The New Yorker

Despite some clumsily written scenes, she has an interesting story and the acting was strong.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It could be too brief to be helpful or lacking in specifics or clumsily written or covered with soup stains.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is at times rather clumsily written, and the author seems naively innocent about the dirty world of spies.

The Guardian - Books

The inevitable after-the-war reunion scene between two of them is so clumsily written and played as to be laughable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Shortly after, I clumsily started writing my own plays, and it did not take long until I felt that theatre could be much more than just a hobby.

The Guardian

It's bullying via sex appeal, and I'm not sure whether this is the intention or whether the character has been written clumsily, but right now it's not sitting well.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Daftly written, clumsily directed and terribly acted, they bombed in India, proving that Indians don't have an appetite for complete rubbish, but they suggest that film-makers will set a far lower bar for themselves in Bollywood than they would elsewhere.

The Guardian - Film

During World War II, Nemerov served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Force, and in his first two books he seemed to be purging himself of the war, writing clumsily about Europe and its monumental past.

The New York Times - Books

Her mere demi-retraction after the furor over her comments about the hostages grew ("I expressed myself clumsily," she said in a written statement, in which she claimed she meant to criticize not the hostages but their "political instrumentalisation,") indicates that it's a line she's willing to toe.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "clumsily written" with constructive feedback. Instead of simply stating that something is "clumsily written", offer suggestions for improvement, such as revising sentences for clarity or reorganizing paragraphs for better flow.

Common error

Avoid using "clumsily written" as a blanket criticism. Instead of simply stating that something is "clumsily written", pinpoint the specific issues, such as awkward phrasing, unclear transitions, or inconsistent tone. Providing concrete examples helps the writer understand and address the problem effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clumsily written" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to a piece of writing. Ludwig shows examples in diverse media from books reviews to articles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clumsily written" is a common and generally accepted way to describe writing that lacks skill or clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. While synonyms such as "poorly written" or "awkwardly written" can be used, it's essential to provide specific feedback when using this critique. Overuse of the term without supporting details should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly written

Emphasizes the low quality of the writing itself.

awkwardly written

Highlights the uncomfortable or unnatural flow of the writing.

badly written

A general term indicating poor writing quality.

inelegantly written

Focuses on the lack of sophistication and grace in the writing.

crudely written

Suggests a lack of refinement or skill in the writing.

amateurishly written

Implies the writing lacks professional quality and skill.

ineptly written

Highlights the writer's lack of skill or competence.

artlessly written

Suggests a lack of artistic flair or finesse in the writing.

ungracefully written

Focuses on the lack of elegance and smoothness in the writing.

klutzily written

Implies a style of writing that is awkward and uncoordinated

FAQs

What does "clumsily written" mean?

"Clumsily written" describes writing that is awkward, poorly structured, or lacks clarity. It suggests that the writing is not smooth or well-crafted.

How can I rewrite a "clumsily written" sentence?

To rewrite a "clumsily written" sentence, identify the specific problem areas, such as awkward phrasing, unclear wording, or poor sentence structure. Then, revise the sentence to improve clarity, flow, and coherence. Consider using simpler language or breaking the sentence into smaller parts.

What are some synonyms for "clumsily written"?

Synonyms for "clumsily written" include "poorly written", "awkwardly written", "badly written", and "inelegantly written". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe something as "clumsily written" in a formal setting?

While "clumsily written" is understandable, it might be considered too informal or subjective in certain formal settings. In such cases, consider using more professional and specific language, such as "lacking clarity", "poorly structured", or "requiring significant revisions".