crude things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crude things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe items or concepts that are rough, unrefined, or lacking sophistication. Example: "The artist's early works were filled with crude things that later evolved into more polished pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

You didn't say crude things to them.

The New Yorker

On the other hand, louts from very minor sports have done crude things at the Athletes Village this time around.

The New York Times - Sports

His posture was that of a braggy thug from Brooklyn, saying crude things on the street corner.

The Guardian - Books

Duane Stillwell, president of the Prewitt Organizing Fund, said: "It's unfortunate that this vaunted high-tech company is just saying the same crude things that factory owners have been saying for 100 years about unions.

The New York Times

The life-long civil servant -who is looking forward to returning to a shared life with his wife in Stockholm as he turns 75 - said he was convinced that "there are people in this administration who say they don't care if the UN sinks under the East river, and other crude things".

The Guardian

He was asked about Rush Limbaugh, who last week called Sandra Fluke, a Georgetown law student who had testified about contraception and insurance rules, a prostitute and slut and ten other crude things, before and after asking to see a video of her having sex.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"He does not come up to people out of the blue and say really crude, rude things".

The New York Times

Professor Ben Polak: That's a crude thing okay.

Yale University

"It's a bit of a crude thing," Bleakley squirms, and Chiles admits, "We're both embarrassed talking about money.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Several are rather abstract: stretched across the wall is a particularly crude thing that, in keeping with the governing aesthetic, is painted turquoise.

The New Yorker

It was a crude thing, milled from aluminum, but it worked.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crude things", ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretations. Specify what makes the things crude, such as lack of refinement or vulgarity.

Common error

Avoid using "crude things" as a vague criticism without providing specific details. Instead of saying "That was just crude things", be specific and mention what aspects were offensive or unrefined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crude things" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'crude' modifies 'things'. It describes the qualities of objects, actions, or statements that are considered unrefined, vulgar, or lacking in sophistication. Ludwig AI confirms that this is an acceptable and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crude things" is a grammatically sound and contextually flexible expression used to describe items, actions, or statements deemed unrefined, vulgar, or lacking in sophistication. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in English. While its frequency is uncommon, it finds its main use in News & Media.

Alternatives such as "vulgar matters" or "unrefined aspects" can provide a nuanced approach, depending on the specific context. When employing "crude things", clarity is essential to prevent misinterpretations, and specifying what exactly makes the thing crude—such as a lack of refinement or vulgarity—can prevent any vagueness and give your context a better understanding and clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulgar matters

Focuses on the offensiveness and lack of refinement.

coarse elements

Highlights the roughness and lack of sophistication.

unrefined aspects

Emphasizes the lack of polish or processing.

raw materials

Suggests incompleteness and a need for further development.

rough objects

Highlights the lack of smoothness and refinement.

uncouth items

Stresses the lack of social grace and refinement.

boorish acts

Emphasizes the rudeness and lack of manners.

indecent affairs

Focuses on the impropriety and offensiveness.

tacky details

Highlights the poor taste and lack of style.

in bad taste

Highlights the lack of sophistication and refinement.

FAQs

How can I use "crude things" in a sentence?

You can use "crude things" to describe something that is vulgar, offensive, or lacking refinement. For example, "The comedian's act was filled with "crude jokes" and stereotypes".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "crude things"?

Some alternatives include "vulgar matters", "coarse elements", or "unrefined aspects". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "crude things" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "crude things" might be considered informal or too blunt for some formal contexts. Consider using a more nuanced and sophisticated alternative, such as "unrefined aspects" or "inappropriate elements".

What is the difference between "crude things" and "offensive things"?

"Crude things" often implies a lack of refinement or sophistication, while "offensive things" directly points to causing offense or displeasure. While there can be overlap, "crude things" may not always be intended to be offensive, but they are often perceived that way, whereas "offensive things" are intended to be hurtful or disrespectful.