cumbersome to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cumbersome to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult or awkward to handle or manage. Example: "The new software update has proven to be cumbersome to navigate, causing frustration among users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(This makes it somewhat cumbersome to read).

The New Yorker

Car players are available but can be cumbersome to install.

The New York Times - Tech

I have become numb and cumbersome to this world".

The New York Times

"It wasn't cumbersome to get your hand in and out".

The New York Times

And it has stopped selling apparel and automotive products, which were just too cumbersome to process.

The New York Times

"It would simply be too cumbersome to operate a Medicare P.P.O.

The New York Times

Part of people's antipathy toward them is that they are often cumbersome to use.

The New York Times

And swans — being cumbersome to ship — raise the cost even higher.

The New York Times

Something they can hang onto, that isn't cumbersome to read, and is in simple English".

The New York Times

Many critics call it too slow and cumbersome to reduce emissions on the scale needed.

The Economist

Asphalt tracks and expensive clubhouses are cumbersome to build and maintain.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system, use "cumbersome to" to highlight inefficiencies or difficulties in its operation. For example, "The reporting system is cumbersome to use and requires multiple steps."

Common error

While "cumbersome to" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "inefficient" or "complex" for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cumbersome to" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a quality of being awkward, inefficient, or difficult to handle or use. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

46%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cumbersome to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that is awkward, inefficient, or difficult to handle. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, consider its register and whether a more precise synonym might be appropriate for formal writing. Avoid overusing "cumbersome to" and instead opt for stronger alternatives like "complex" or "inefficient" when suitable. Be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwieldy to use

Highlights the impracticality and difficulty in utilizing something.

problematic to administer

Highlights the difficulties in the management and oversight of something.

difficult to manage

Emphasizes the challenge in controlling or organizing something.

difficult to navigate

Emphasizes the challenge in finding one's way or using something.

troublesome to implement

Focuses on the difficulties encountered when putting something into effect.

challenging to operate

Underscores the complexity involved in running or using something.

hard to deal with

Broadly describes something that presents difficulties or problems.

awkward to handle

Focuses on the difficulty in physical manipulation or management.

laborious to execute

Highlights the effort and time required to perform a task.

tedious to carry out

Focuses on the monotonous and time-consuming aspect of the task.

FAQs

What does "cumbersome to" mean?

The phrase "cumbersome to" describes something that is difficult or awkward to handle, use, or manage. It implies that the object or process is inefficient or overly complicated.

What can I say instead of "cumbersome to"?

You can use alternatives like "awkward to handle", "difficult to manage", or "unwieldy to use" depending on the context.

How do I use "cumbersome to" in a sentence?

Use "cumbersome to" to describe something that is difficult or awkward to use, handle, or manage. For example: "The software was cumbersome to install" or "The regulations were cumbersome to navigate".

Is it better to say "cumbersome to use" or "difficult to use"?

Both phrases are correct, but "cumbersome to use" implies that something is not only difficult but also inefficient or awkward. "Difficult to use" is a more general statement of difficulty.