dense language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dense language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe writing that is complex, packed with information, or difficult to understand due to its intricacy. Example: "The academic paper was filled with dense language, making it challenging for the average reader to grasp the main concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The dense language, some taken directly from period journals, luxuriates in a poetic surrealism.

The Guardian - Film

(The uneven acting doesn't do justice to the playwright's compact, dense language).

The New York Times

And as in many cultural histories, there are places where dense language stands in for proper argument.

The Guardian - Books

Some companies have not done that in the past, while others have done so only in very dense language that is difficult to understand.

The New York Times

You could argue that he's just more honest and open in his bigotry than others in his party who hide it behind spin and dense language.

The Guardian

The plaintiffs, it turned out, had not responded properly to notices from the agency because they had been unable to understand the dense language in them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But she is a philosopher, and her long involvement in what one might call the sociology of science shows in the occasionally too-dense language in which her arguments are phrased.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Her early poems, usually in rhymed quatrains, offered random observations on everyday life -- buying soda from a vending machine, coming down with the flu -- in dense, allusive language enriched by coined words and archaisms.

The New York Times

The back side of print ads typically provides the material in small print, sometimes in dense medical language.

The New York Times

With "cold curiosity" he even describes the decomposition of his brother's corpse in dense, poetic language.

The Guardian - Books

Stories written in a dense, institutional language that fails to clarify important subjects and feels alien to younger readers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dense language" in your writing, be mindful of your audience. If clarity is paramount, consider simplifying your language or providing definitions for complex terms.

Common error

Avoid using excessive jargon or technical terms without explanation. While precise, it can alienate readers unfamiliar with the field, hindering comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dense language" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dense" modifies the noun "language". It describes a characteristic of language, specifically its complexity and difficulty to understand. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, including legal, academic, and creative writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dense language" is a noun phrase used to describe language that is complex, intricate, and difficult to understand. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily used in news, scientific and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, often implying that language is difficult to comprehend. When employing "dense language", consider audience familiarity to avoid unnecessary complexity. Alternatives such as "complex vocabulary" or "technical terminology" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex vocabulary

Focuses specifically on the vocabulary being intricate or elaborate.

convoluted phrasing

Highlights the intricate and often confusing arrangement of words.

intricate wording

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate nature of the word choice.

impenetrable jargon

Emphasizes the use of specialized terms that are difficult for outsiders to understand.

opaque prose

Suggests that the writing is difficult to see through or understand clearly.

technical terminology

Refers to the use of specific terms related to a particular field or subject.

abstract diction

Highlights the use of words that refer to general concepts rather than concrete realities.

abstruse verbiage

Implies that the language is obscure and difficult to grasp due to its complexity.

Byzantine prose

Suggests an overcomplicated writing style, full of twists and turns.

laborious expression

Describes language that is hard to follow and understand due to being overworked.

FAQs

How can I identify "dense language" in a text?

Look for complex sentence structures, abstract vocabulary, and frequent use of jargon specific to a particular field. If you find yourself re-reading sentences multiple times to understand them, it's likely the language is dense.

What are some synonyms for "dense language"?

You can use terms like "complex vocabulary", "convoluted phrasing", or "technical terminology" to describe language that is difficult to understand.

Is "dense language" always a negative attribute?

Not necessarily. In academic or technical writing, "dense language" may be necessary for precision and accuracy. However, in general communication, it can hinder understanding and should be used judiciously.

How can I avoid using "dense language" in my own writing?

Prioritize clarity and conciseness. Use simpler vocabulary, break down complex sentences, and define any technical terms you use. Consider your audience and their level of familiarity with the subject matter.