disjointed prose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disjointed prose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe writing that lacks coherence or flow, making it difficult for readers to follow the author's ideas. Example: "The author's latest novel was criticized for its disjointed prose, which left readers confused about the plot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ultimately, the disjointed prose mirrors brilliantly the fragmented nature of both memory-­keeping and nation-­building.

The New York Times - Books

It is this disavowal of righteousness that makes Guantánamo Diary more than a simple record of atrocity, and gives Slahi's untutored, disjointed prose a kind of nobility.

The Guardian - Books

The host, James H. Billington, the librarian of Congress, drew laughs when he expressed concern about "the slow destruction of the basic unit of human thought — the sentence," as young Americans do most of their writing in disjointed prose composed in Internet chat rooms or in cellphone text messages.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He talks on: something reminds him of something else, which reminds him of another thing, and suddenly what risked becoming a disjointed ramble blossoms into a prose poem.

The New York Times - Books

— "How I Write My Songs" (1978) Even when there is straightforward narration or dialogue, the prose typically has a flat, disjointed, deliberately unliterary delivery.

The New Yorker

The words flash out and then fade, like something from the cut-up prose of William S. Burroughs or the disjointed Americana of John Ashbery: "You won't be asked to leave, but you will want to leave".

The New York Times - Arts

The prose becomes too prim, as though the author was possessed by a strict governess, and the chapter seems disjointed and unsubstantial.

The Guardian - Books

A little disjointed.

Stanford University

It was very disjointed.

Cornell University

Time had become disjointed.

The New Yorker

Francine Prose.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disjointed prose" to describe writing that lacks a smooth transition between ideas, creating a sense of fragmentation. This term is particularly effective when analyzing narrative structure or argumentative essays.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling writing as "disjointed prose" without further explanation. This provides little constructive feedback. Instead, specify why the prose feels disjointed – is it due to abrupt topic changes, lack of transitional phrases, or inconsistent tone?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disjointed prose" functions as a descriptive term, combining an adjective ("disjointed") with a noun ("prose"). Ludwig AI confirms this usage. It typically serves to negatively characterize writing, highlighting its lack of coherence and smooth flow.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disjointed prose" is a term used to describe writing that lacks coherence and smooth transitions. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions as a critique of writing quality. It appears most frequently in news and media, and academic contexts. To use the term effectively, provide specific examples of why the prose is disjointed, rather than relying on it as a vague criticism. Consider alternatives like "incoherent writing" or "fragmented prose" to provide nuance. Improving flow and logical connections can address this issue in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incoherent writing

Focuses more on the lack of logical connection and clarity in the writing.

fragmented prose

Emphasizes the broken or incomplete nature of the writing, suggesting a lack of unity.

rambling prose

Suggests a lack of focus and a tendency to stray from the main topic.

disconnected writing

Highlights the lack of connection between different parts of the text.

choppy writing

Implies short, abrupt sentences and a lack of smooth transitions.

unglued narrative

Suggests the narrative is falling apart or lacking cohesion, using a more figurative expression.

unconnected sentences

Focuses on sentences that do not flow together logically, with minimal descriptive language.

erratic composition

Highlights inconsistency and unpredictability in the writing style.

jumbled text

Focuses on the disorganized nature of the writing, suggesting a lack of order.

disorganized writing

Emphasizes the lack of structure and planning in the writing.

FAQs

What does "disjointed prose" mean?

"Disjointed prose" refers to writing that lacks coherence and smooth transitions between ideas, resulting in a fragmented and confusing reading experience.

How can I identify "disjointed prose" in a text?

Look for abrupt shifts in topic, lack of transitional phrases, inconsistent tone, and sentences that don't logically connect to each other. These are common indicators of "disjointed prose".

What are some alternatives to saying "disjointed prose"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "incoherent writing", "fragmented prose", or "rambling prose".

How can I fix "disjointed prose" in my writing?

Focus on improving the flow of your ideas by using transitional phrases, creating clear topic sentences, and ensuring that each sentence logically connects to the previous one. Outlining your writing beforehand can also help.