dense paragraph

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dense paragraph" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a paragraph that is packed with information, making it difficult to read or understand due to its complexity or length. Example: "The article was well-researched, but the dense paragraph in the middle made it challenging to grasp the main point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Advertisements that make airfares seem enticingly low will soon lose that asterisk pointing to a dense paragraph of additional taxes and fees that make a cheap ticket much more costly.

The New York Times

In a dense paragraph (screenshot below) setting out its fifth reason for reaching the conclusion that Uber drivers are working for Uber as drivers, the tribunal articulates the Kafka-esque logic deployed by the company to try to eschew responsibility for being the employer of a very large workforce — concluding that: "The absurdity of  these propositions speaks for itself".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ms. Ireland warns against the "big cement block" effect, meaning the use of dense paragraphs.

The New York Times

Unlike your college essays or academic paper, nobody is being paid to read your carefully crafted words, they will not feel duty-bound to plough through dense paragraphs of important findings while marvelling at how clever you are.

The Guardian

One pattern emerging in my reading of the bill is the arrival, after dense paragraphs of "provided furthers" and "not to exceeds," of the occasional one-sentence, eye-popping, unrestricted allocation.

The New Yorker

The opposite problem is to write several pages of dense paragraphs.

Usability for the Web

Lists break up dense paragraphs and make your report easier to scan.

WikiHow

The committee member also noted how, "in longer, denser paragraphs" within the app's T&Cs, the legalese does also state that "whatever that primary purpose is you can sell this data for any purposes whatsoever" — making the point that such sweeping terms are unfair.

TechCrunch

She takes pleasure in describing India's stylish new clothes, her touches of home improvement and, after some dense explanatory paragraphs on the mortgage business, the trading floor itself.

The New York Times - Books

Can I find the key skills easily without slogging through dense bullets and paragraphs?" But, regardless of individual recruiter preferences, video appears to be poised to be ready to go mainstream — or at least become a more mainstream option for professionals and jobseekers.

BBC

This means that the exact content of the discussions are examined more closely and different aspects of a 'dense' paragraph of data can be assigned to several themes.

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "dense paragraph", consider whether breaking it down into smaller, more digestible paragraphs would improve readability.

Common error

Avoid filling a "dense paragraph" with excessive technical jargon, as this can alienate readers who are not familiar with the terminology. Aim for clarity and explain complex concepts in simpler terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dense paragraph" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It's used to characterize a paragraph based on its content and structure, indicating that it is packed with information and potentially difficult to read, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dense paragraph" is a descriptive noun phrase used to characterize a paragraph as complex, information-heavy, and potentially challenging to read. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes a paragraph's readability or lack thereof. While grammatically correct, its frequency is rare, with usage concentrated in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. When encountering or creating a "dense paragraph", writers should consider readability and clarity. Strategies include breaking the paragraph into smaller units, simplifying language, and ensuring a clear structure. Alternatives like "complex paragraph" or "intricate paragraph" can offer nuanced descriptions. In essence, "dense paragraph" serves as a valuable descriptor, prompting attention to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex paragraph

Replaces "dense" with a synonym that emphasizes the intricate nature of the paragraph.

complicated paragraph

Similar to "complex paragraph", highlighting the difficulty in understanding the paragraph.

intricate paragraph

Focuses on the detailed and interwoven nature of the paragraph's content.

packed paragraph

Emphasizes the high volume of information contained within the paragraph.

information-heavy paragraph

Directly describes the paragraph as containing a large amount of information.

impenetrable paragraph

Highlights the difficulty in understanding or making sense of the paragraph.

convoluted paragraph

Suggests that the paragraph is unnecessarily complex and difficult to follow.

thick paragraph

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the paragraph's content and structure.

overloaded paragraph

Focuses on the excessive amount of detail or information present in the paragraph.

jampacked paragraph

Similar to "packed paragraph", but with a stronger emphasis on the fullness of information.

FAQs

How can I identify a "dense paragraph" in my writing?

A "dense paragraph" is characterized by its complexity, length, and the amount of information packed into it. If readers struggle to understand the main point or feel overwhelmed while reading, it's likely a dense paragraph.

What are some strategies for improving a "dense paragraph"?

You can improve a "dense paragraph" by breaking it into smaller paragraphs, using simpler language, adding transitional phrases, and ensuring a clear topic sentence. Visual aids like bullet points can also help.

What words can I use instead of "dense" when describing a paragraph?

Alternatives to "dense" include "complex", "complicated", "intricate", or "packed", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it always bad to have a "dense paragraph" in my writing?

Not necessarily. In some academic or technical contexts, a "dense paragraph" may be unavoidable due to the complexity of the subject matter. However, it's generally best to aim for clarity and readability, even if it means breaking up longer paragraphs.