clumsy language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clumsy language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe language that is awkward, poorly constructed, or difficult to understand. Example: "The report was filled with clumsy language, making it hard for readers to grasp the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

The New Yorker

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Meedan, she predicts, will attract users committed enough to live with a little clumsy language.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm sorry if my clumsy language has in any way demonstrated a sort of lack of understanding about the depth of this".

Independent

McChrystal, in his confirmation hearings, acknowledged that some statements "look contradictory," but said his error was approving a citation "that was not well-written" — as if the problem was the clumsy language of his subordinates, and not his own.

The New Yorker

From the first, valedictory line: "Today is my last day at Goldman Sachs", to the touchingly clumsy language – "The culture was the secret sauce" – to the faintly bizarre references to our hero's youthful sporting and academic triumphs (including a bronze medal in a table tennis tournament), the letter carries a note of authentic despair.

Independent

Lavinia despairs of clumsy language: "It is one thing to be merely prosaic, but to use words in a way that perverted their potential or denigrated their power was something that violated Lavinia's aesthetic principles".The hand of Lavinia's betrothed "fluttered involuntarily as if it were the only part of him sensitive enough to register emotion or disobedient enough to display it".

The Economist

Javascript is still a clumsy language, but there are certain advantages to having one language across the stack, and Node is powerful and package-rich these days.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

For the amputee, this means learning a new, much clumsier language of movement, like Morse code as a substitute for direct speech: making a fist may now require the deliberate, if counterintuitive, contraction of one's upper deltoid, and bending an elbow may involve a sequence of shrugging motions in the shoulder and neck.

The New Yorker

The men shared a clumsy body language that indicated neither one embraced the conversation.

The New York Times - Sports

For the alleged mistake was not merely the clumsy use of language, as the Treasury implied.

The Economist

No editor has bothered to correct James's clumsy way with language, his comma splices and dangling modifiers, his top-of-head misquotes (we have Tony Blair saying "I think people know I'm an honest kinda guy") or his repetitions.

The Guardian - Books

Awkward, hesitant, the couple evolve a language of clumsy but moving courtship.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing writing, specify the elements contributing to the "clumsy language", such as sentence structure or word choice.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice excessively, as it can make your writing sound "clumsy" and indirect. Opt for active voice to create clearer, more engaging sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clumsy language" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun to indicate that the language being referred to is awkward, poorly constructed, or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

The New Yorker

20%

TechCrunch

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clumsy language" is a valid and usable term in English, typically used to describe language that is awkward, poorly constructed, or difficult to understand. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in analytical and critical discussions. To avoid "clumsy language" in your own writing, focus on clear sentence structure and precise word choice. Alternative phrases such as "awkward phrasing" or "inelegant wording" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awkward phrasing

Focuses on the awkwardness of the phrasing rather than the language itself.

inelegant wording

Emphasizes the lack of elegance in the choice of words.

poorly constructed language

Highlights the structural flaws in the language used.

unclear articulation

Refers to the lack of clarity in expressing ideas.

confused expression

Focuses on the confusion arising from the language.

vague communication

Highlights the lack of precision in the communication.

muddled prose

Specifically refers to unclear or confused writing.

opaque language

Indicates that the language is difficult to penetrate or understand.

tortured syntax

Focuses on the convoluted and difficult-to-follow sentence structure.

inarticulate expression

Highlights a lack of skill in expressing oneself clearly.

FAQs

How can I avoid using "clumsy language" in my writing?

To avoid "clumsy language", focus on clear sentence structure, precise word choice, and active voice. Reread your work to identify and revise awkward phrasing.

What are some signs of "clumsy language" in a text?

Signs of "clumsy language" include convoluted sentences, vague vocabulary, and a lack of flow. If sentences require multiple readings to understand, the language may be clumsy.

What can I say instead of "clumsy language"?

You can use alternatives like "awkward phrasing", "inelegant wording", or "poorly constructed language" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to describe language as "clumsy"?

Yes, describing language as "clumsy" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting it is awkward, ineffective, or difficult to understand. It implies a need for improvement in clarity and style.