crude

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'crude' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is rough, primitive or lacking in sophistication or refinement. For example: "The crude log cabin was nothing like the modern houses around it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In some ways it's crude and heavy-handed, blazing with coarse indignation, but in its day it was, creatively speaking, a game-changer.

The Guardian - Books

A senior Russian government official – who spoke to Reuters – said separately that Russia has started supplying grain, equipment and construction materials to Iran in exchange for crude oil under a barter deal.

The Guardian

As a crude pound-per-job ratio, investing in homes looks a shrewder investment, with a new job created for every £300,000 invested compared to more than £1.5m invested in road building.

The Guardian

If so, the gambit would go down badly as a crude blackmail attempt.

The Guardian

He also made several "day one" promises, such as securing the border to curb illegal immigration, rescinding a nuclear agreement with Iran and authorizing the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline – the long-in-development crude oil project that has been maligned by environmental activists.

The Guardian

But Saudi Arabia's oil minister, Ali al-Naimi, claimed the sharp crude price falls will be short-lived.

The Guardian - Business

And a passage in Brown's party conference speech was explicitly critical of the crude meritocracy which had been his predecessor's definition of a good society.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I just did a crude comparison - and it was back when the pound was strong - which is why we ended up with a £25,000 commitment in the UK".

The Guardian

In the dense city and slums, sanitation often means open defecation, the use of bags or chamber pots emptied into rubbish heaps or canals, or the construction of crude, shallow pit latrines – everywhere and anywhere.

The Guardian

Despite Brent crude edging up 0.2% to $94.86 a barrel, the recent falls below $100 have unsettled investors in oil companies.

The Guardian - Business

For me it's raised some questions that I think need a wider debate: Would a similarly crude message be written if the article was about a man?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crude" to describe something basic or rudimentary, particularly when contrasting it with something more refined or advanced.

Common error

Avoid using "crude" to describe complex ideas in formal writing. Opt for terms like "rudimentary" or "preliminary" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "crude" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a lack of refinement, processing, or sophistication. Ludwig AI examples show its application to materials like "crude oil" and abstract concepts like "crude attempts".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "crude" is frequently used to describe something that is in a natural or raw state, or something lacking refinement. As Ludwig AI confirms, "crude" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears most often in news and media contexts, often in relation to "crude oil". While generally acceptable, be mindful of its negative connotations in formal settings when describing abstract concepts or behavior. Synonyms like "unrefined" or "raw" can provide alternative shades of meaning, as well as "primitive" or "coarse". Remember that while "crude" is a versatile adjective, context is key to choosing the most appropriate word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrefined

Focuses on the lack of processing or purification.

raw

Emphasizes the natural, unprocessed state.

unprocessed

Emphasizes the state of not being treated or refined.

primitive

Highlights the basic, undeveloped nature.

undeveloped

Highlights the lack of advancement or maturity.

rough

Suggests a lack of smoothness or polish.

coarse

Implies a lack of delicacy or refinement.

vulgar

Indicates a lack of taste or sophistication.

obvious

Highlights the lack of subtlety or concealment.

basic

Focuses on the fundamental, essential nature.

FAQs

How can I use "crude" in a sentence?

You can use "crude" to describe something in its natural or raw state, like "crude oil", or to describe something lacking refinement, such as "a crude drawing".

What are some synonyms for "crude"?

Alternatives to "crude" include "unrefined", "raw", "primitive", or "coarse", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "crude" and "raw"?

"Crude" often refers to something in its natural state, particularly resources like oil, while "raw" can apply to a wider range of materials or experiences that are unprocessed or unfiltered.

When is it appropriate to use "crude" to describe someone's behavior?

Using "crude" to describe behavior suggests a lack of tact or refinement. For example, "a crude joke" indicates the joke was offensive or inappropriate. Consider alternatives like "vulgar" or "insensitive" depending on the nuance you want to convey.