cumbersome wording

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cumbersome wording" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to language that is excessively long, complex, or difficult to understand. Example: The contract was filled with cumbersome wording, making it difficult for the average person to decipher its meaning.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, in order to avoid cumbersome wording, hereafter we use only the term conversation analysis.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Such methods include the use of community advisory councils, incentives, local partners/champions, focus groups, awareness through public forums and less cumbersome wording during the informed consent process.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Consubstantial!" Mr. Colbert exclaimed, using a particularly cumbersome word that is now recited in the Nicene Creed.

The New York Times

You don't say Bosnian Muslim any more; you say Bosniak (a cumbersome word we journalists ridiculed during the war).

The Guardian - Books

"It's not a typical Aristotelian tragedy," said Jonathan Harper Schlieman, the director of the show, which carries a cumbersome, 25-word subtitle that identifies it as "a devised Greek tragedy composed of found texts".

The New York Times

I'll confess that I've come pretty close on numerous occasions to accidentally snapping a card in half after forgetting that I'd left it in the computer, but the word cumbersome never crossed my mind.

TechCrunch

Now, I know that the uninitiated will find that word cumbersome and confusing.

Huffington Post

It rolls off the tongue, two easy syllables, much less cumbersome than the words some would have define us.

Huffington Post

Googling the exact definition of "cumbersome" (my favorite word that i've been trying to work into this movie) I found I <3 "unwieldy" too.

Huffington Post

I find the keyboard shortcut for adding a comment to a Word document cumbersome.

The New York Times

Around the table a team dressed in blue scrubs and face masks are gathered, exchanging the odd word, while cumbersome machines bearing bundles of wires hum gently in the background.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "cumbersome wording" with simpler and more direct language. This enhances readability and comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "cumbersome wording" repeatedly, even when it accurately describes the language. Seek alternatives to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cumbersome wording" functions as a descriptive term, characterizing a particular quality of language. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common use to describe language that is overly complex or difficult to understand.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cumbersome wording" is a phrase used to describe language that is excessively complex, lengthy, and difficult to understand. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and relatively common. It appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, and is often used to criticize writing style. When you're aiming for clear and effective communication, it's a good idea to avoid "cumbersome wording" and opt for more straightforward language. Alternatives like "awkward phrasing", "clumsy language", and "unwieldy language" can sometimes be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awkward phrasing

Replaces 'cumbersome' with 'awkward', suggesting a lack of grace or skill in the wording.

clumsy language

Substitutes both 'cumbersome' and 'wording' with synonyms indicating a lack of refinement.

unwieldy language

Replaces 'cumbersome' with 'unwieldy', emphasizing the difficulty in managing or using the language effectively.

ponderous expression

Replaces both words with synonyms, implying the language is heavy and difficult to bear.

tortuous phrasing

Implies the wording is complex and convoluted, making it difficult to follow.

verbose formulation

Focuses on the excessive length of the wording, making it burdensome.

difficult to understand language

Rephrases the idea to explicitly state the language is hard to understand.

complicated terminology

Highlights the complexity of the terms used as the source of difficulty.

inelegant prose

Indicates the wording lacks grace and beauty, making it less appealing.

roundabout phrasing

Replaces "cumbersome" to describe a phrasing that is indirect and inefficient.

FAQs

How can I avoid "cumbersome wording" in my writing?

Prioritize clarity and conciseness. Use shorter sentences, simpler vocabulary, and avoid unnecessary jargon. Consider alternatives such as "awkward phrasing" or "clumsy language" to describe such writing.

What does "cumbersome wording" mean?

It describes language that is excessively long, complicated, and difficult to understand or use. It often implies that the wording is inefficient and burdensome.

In what contexts is "cumbersome wording" most likely to appear?

It can appear in various contexts, but is more frequently found in discussions about legal documents, academic papers, or technical manuals, where precision can sometimes lead to "complex wording".

Is "cumbersome wording" always a negative attribute?

Generally, yes. While precision is important, "cumbersome wording" suggests that the language is unnecessarily difficult, hindering effective communication. Strive for clarity over complexity.