cumbersome tubes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cumbersome tubes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe tubes that are awkward, heavy, or difficult to handle or manage, often in a technical or descriptive context. Example: "The laboratory was filled with cumbersome tubes that made it challenging to navigate the workspace efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other scientists had tested similar pumping devices that were powered by compressed air, requiring a cumbersome tube into the patient's chest and increasing the risk of infection.

The New York Times - Science

Thus the transistorized portable radio can fit in a pocket a distinct advantage over the cumbersome tube radio it has replaced.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Not too long ago these experiments were taking place in cumbersome test tubes and done largely by hand.

Forbes

In 2002, even before Tres Cantos came on line, GSK used this miniaturization process to reduce its cost per well by 22%, for experiments that not too long ago were taking place in cumbersome test tubes.

Forbes

They came at night in a so-called midget submarine, swimming the final distance with their cumbersome gear sidearms, sample tubes, augur screws, waterproof writing pads, flasks of brandy.

The New Yorker

They came at night in a so-called midget submarine, swimming the final distance with their cumbersome gear sidearms, sample tubes, augur screws, waterproof writing pads, flasks of brandy.

The New Yorker

They came at night in a so-called midget submarine, swimming the final distance with their cumbersome gear — sidearms, sample tubes, augur screws, waterproof writing pads, flasks of brandy.

The New Yorker

Yet the mode of analysis itself makes the simultaneous measurement of many samples cumbersome as each reaction tube or well would have to be equipped with an electrode.

AMB Express

He also realized that the small tubes could replace cumbersome packs that hearing-aid users had to strap onto themselves in those days.

The New York Times

And we got rid of the cumbersome spiritual aspects of inserting tubes into our butts as well.

Vice

Nano-engineered bedsheets could monitor your vital signs while you're asleep or unconscious without the tubes and other cumbersome equipment medical professionals use today.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific or medical equipment, use "cumbersome tubes" to emphasize the outdated or inefficient nature of the technology being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "cumbersome tubes" in casual conversation; it's better suited for technical or descriptive writing. Simpler terms like "bulky" or "awkward" may be more appropriate for everyday language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cumbersome tubes" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. Cumbersome is an adjective modifying the noun tubes, indicating that the tubes are awkward, heavy, or difficult to handle. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cumbersome tubes" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe tubes that are difficult to handle or manage due to their size, weight, or complexity. While not extremely common, it finds use in scientific, medical, and technical contexts, and its register is typically neutral to formal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Alternatives include phrases such as "bulky tubes" or "awkward tubes", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize. It's best used in technical writing to describe outdated or inefficient equipment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awkward tubes

Focuses on the physical handling and shape of the tubes.

bulky tubes

Emphasizes the large size and space occupied by the tubes.

unwieldy tubes

Highlights the difficulty in managing or controlling the tubes.

clumsy tubes

Suggests a lack of grace or ease in using or handling the tubes.

difficult-to-manage tubes

Directly states the challenge in managing the tubes.

inconvenient tubes

Focuses on the trouble or annoyance caused by the tubes.

troublesome tubes

Emphasizes the problems associated with the tubes.

space-consuming tubes

Highlights the amount of space that the tubes occupy.

heavy tubes

Focuses on the weight of the tubes, making them difficult to move.

complex tube system

Shifts focus to the complexity associated to the tubes as a whole system.

FAQs

How can I use "cumbersome tubes" in a sentence?

You can use "cumbersome tubes" to describe medical devices, laboratory setups, or any system involving tubes that are difficult to manage due to their size, weight, or complexity. For example: "The old machine used "awkward tubes" that frequently malfunctioned."

What are some alternatives to "cumbersome tubes"?

Alternatives include "bulky tubes", "awkward tubes", or "unwieldy tubes", depending on which aspect you want to emphasize: size, handling, or general difficulty.

Is it appropriate to use "cumbersome tubes" in formal writing?

Yes, "cumbersome tubes" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, medical, or technical contexts where precise description is important. However, ensure the tone aligns with the rest of your writing.

What makes "cumbersome tubes" different from "complex tube system"?

"Cumbersome tubes" emphasizes the physical difficulty of handling individual tubes, while "complex tube system" refers to the intricacy and interconnectedness of the tubes as a whole system, which can imply difficulty in understanding or managing the system's functionality.