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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
cumbersome to operate
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "cumbersome to operate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult or awkward to use or manage, often referring to machinery or systems. Example: "The new software is cumbersome to operate, making it challenging for employees to complete their tasks efficiently."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
"It would simply be too cumbersome to operate a Medicare P.P.O.
News & Media
Unlike most scissor-type doors, which are cumbersome to operate or block your entry and exit, these "dihedral synchro-helix" doors are a feat of elegant engineering.
News & Media
And the latch for adjusting the steering wheel is cumbersome to operate.
News & Media
In addition, EE-IO may produce large datasets which are cumbersome to operate.
Science
Traditional PCR methods are based on agarose gel electrophoresis, which are cumbersome to operate (Wong et al. 2017).
Science
After single iteration process we obtained (u_{1}); repeating the process iteratively the term to be integrated become larger and cumbersome to operate and the result of each iteration step diverges from exact solution.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
8 When wearable technology was used to measure complex descriptors of human movement, such as joint kinematics variables, usually acquired with laboratory-based equipment, 11 13 the systems used were cumbersome and difficult to operate by non-experts.
Science
The data is voluminous and cumbersome to work with.
News & Media
The CGS units of electricity were cumbersome to work with.
Wiki
However, the existing techniques utilizing either carbon nanotubes or electromicrofluidics are cumbersome to fabricate and difficult to operate.
Science
American troops are trained to operate in the hot, cumbersome protective suits, but Colonel Henchal said the gear reduces combat effectiveness by about 30percentt.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a system or process, specify why it's "cumbersome to operate". Providing concrete examples, such as excessive steps or confusing interfaces, strengthens your critique.
Common error
Avoid using "cumbersome to operate" for simple tools. This phrase is better suited for complex systems, machinery, or processes. Using it to describe a simple tool may sound exaggerated or unnatural.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "cumbersome to operate" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a quality of difficulty or complexity associated with its operation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct to use.
Frequent in
News & Media
37%
Science
37%
Wiki
8%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Encyclopedias
2%
Reference
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "cumbersome to operate" effectively describes something that is difficult or awkward to use. As Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase, it's best used for complex systems rather than simple tools, and specifying the reasons behind the difficulty enhances its impact. Alternatives like "difficult to use" or "awkward to handle" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
difficult to use
This alternative is simpler and more direct, focusing on the general difficulty.
troublesome to operate
This alternative highlights the causing of problems or difficulties when using something.
awkward to handle
This alternative emphasizes the physical aspect of managing something.
unwieldy to manipulate
This alternative highlights the lack of ease and grace in controlling something.
clumsy to use
This alternative suggests a lack of finesse and grace in its operation.
hard to manage
This alternative emphasizes the difficulty in controlling or organizing something.
challenging to employ
This alternative suggests that using the item or system requires significant effort and skill.
complex to utilize
This alternative emphasizes the intricate nature making it difficult to utilize effectively.
burdensome to employ
This alternative suggests it is onerous and creates a feeling of heaviness in its usage.
inconvenient to work
This alternative focuses on the disruption and lack of ease it brings.
FAQs
What does "cumbersome to operate" mean?
The phrase "cumbersome to operate" describes something that is awkward, complicated, or inefficient to use or manage. It suggests that the process of operating something involves unnecessary difficulty or complexity.
What can I say instead of "cumbersome to operate"?
You can use alternatives such as "difficult to use", "awkward to handle", or "complex to utilize" depending on the context.
Is "cumbersome to operate" formal or informal?
The phrase "cumbersome to operate" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in both professional and general contexts without sounding out of place.
How can I improve a system that is "cumbersome to operate"?
To improve a system that is "cumbersome to operate", focus on simplifying the steps involved, streamlining the user interface, and automating repetitive tasks. Regularly solicit user feedback to identify pain points and areas for improvement.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested