dry prose

USAGE SUMMARY

"dry prose" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe writing that is boring, uninteresting, or lacking in emotion or creativity. Example: The novel's plot was promising, but the author's dry prose made it difficult for me to stay engaged in the story.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"I think the poem does a much better job of engaging the viewer than my dry prose on the critter".

The Guardian

When the Federal Reserve reports figures on consumer credit, despite the dry prose, we conjure up visions of shoppers throwing their Visa cards into public bonfires.

The New York Times

The irony is that Sontag's mind has such a rigorous, dauntingly original reputation; her thoughts, it is generally assumed, run on ahead of her sometimes dry prose.

The New York Times - Books

But in dry prose, it gives some additional indications of how bad things were after the quake and tsunami there and will probably be the basis for some lessons learned for the American industry.

The New York Times

Everett summons this environment in spare, dry prose that harks back to hard-boiled predecessors like James M. Cain, to whom he slips in a wry homage early on: "It could have been the... postman, ringing only once this time".

The New York Times - Books

In her modules, Ms. Schmidt-Jones explains in spare, dry prose nearly every corner of music, from theory to gamelans to guitar technique to what a parent should know about playing in school bands to the best way to practice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Much of the final narrative was little changed from Ricketts' notes; Steinbeck shifted from the first person singular to the first person plural and gave some of Ricketts' drier prose a poetic twist, but many of the scenes remained almost unchanged from the daily journal.

Wikipedia

The leaked Pentagon Papers consisted of mostly dry academic prose.

The New York Times

They were written in a dry, expository prose, so that only their narrative portions have any literary interest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Compared with the dry, mannerly prose found in many opinions, Judge Fletcher's passion in Cooper v. Brown is startling.

The New York Times

He rewrote it in dry academic prose — including a reference to "an American writer E. Hemingway" — and received a doctorate in American studies in 1957.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When revising "dry prose", focus on adding concrete details, vivid imagery, and varied sentence structures to enhance reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice, which can contribute to "dry prose". Opt for active voice to create more direct and engaging sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dry prose" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to characterize writing that lacks vibrancy, emotional depth, or engaging qualities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes writing that is boring or uninteresting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig AI confirms that "dry prose" is a correct and usable phrase, typically describing writing that is uninteresting, boring, or lacking emotion. It is widely used across diverse contexts, including news media, academia, and science, as exemplified by the numerous examples found. While grammatically sound, writers should strive to avoid "dry prose" by incorporating vivid language, varying sentence structures, and injecting their unique voice into their work. Alternatives like "uninspired writing" or "dull writing" offer similar connotations. Recognizing and actively combating the qualities of "dry prose" is crucial for effective communication and reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dull writing

Emphasizes the lack of excitement or interest.

flat prose

Suggests a lack of depth and vibrancy.

unengaging narrative

Focuses on the failure to capture the reader's attention.

uninspired writing

Focuses on the lack of creativity or originality.

colorless prose

Highlights the absence of vivid imagery and descriptive language.

monotonous writing

Highlights the uniformity and lack of variation.

lifeless writing

Emphasizes the absence of vitality or energy.

tedious prose

Highlights the quality of being monotonous and wearisome.

arid style

Draws a parallel to dry land, emphasizing the lack of richness.

stilted language

Implies an unnatural and overly formal style.

FAQs

How can I identify "dry prose" in my own writing?

Look for a lack of vivid imagery, overuse of passive voice, and a monotonous tone. If your writing feels uninspired or fails to engage your reader, it might be considered "dry prose".

What are some strategies for enlivening "dry prose"?

Incorporate sensory details, use stronger verbs, vary your sentence structure, and inject your personal voice into your writing. Consider using techniques from creative writing, even in non-fiction contexts.

Is "uninspired writing" a suitable substitute for "dry prose"?

Yes, "uninspired writing" can often be used interchangeably with "dry prose", particularly when the focus is on the lack of originality or creativity in the writing.

How does "dry prose" differ from formal writing?

"Dry prose" is characterized by a lack of engagement and vividness, while formal writing focuses on adhering to specific conventions of grammar and style. Formal writing can be engaging, while "dry prose" is inherently dull.