is pretty cumbersome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is pretty cumbersome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is awkward, difficult, or unwieldy in a particular context. Example: "The process of submitting the application is pretty cumbersome, requiring multiple forms and lengthy explanations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

So Raybould is a fan of newsletters, but he said the current system is pretty cumbersome.

TechCrunch

You can mute individual words, but the process behind that is pretty cumbersome since it involves copy-paste and manual entry.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Instead of being a $70 box of cassette tapes that were pretty cumbersome, they're now something you can play on a device that just about every one of us carries around in our pocket or our bag".

The Guardian - Books

More cumbersome is Pretty Young Soldier, a tale of a military romance.

The Guardian - Music

These trips are very cumbersome, and the ratio of substance to ceremony is pretty unimpressive.

The New York Times

A strip of wood is pretty flexible.

Interactive QuickTime Authoring wired media

It is pretty straightforward to use.

Embedded Systems Design Using the TI MSP430 Series

The linkage is pretty compelling.

Health Research Policy and Systems

So this is pretty close.

Biology Direct

The current CMU prototype is clearly pretty cumbersome.

TechCrunch

Then it was by dial-up, which was pretty slow and cumbersome.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or systems, use "is pretty cumbersome" to highlight inefficiencies or unnecessary complexity that make them difficult to use or manage.

Common error

While "is pretty cumbersome" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can sound informal. Opt for stronger, more precise synonyms like "unwieldy", "burdensome", or "complex" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is pretty cumbersome" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something possesses the quality of being awkward or difficult to handle. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is pretty cumbersome" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes something as awkward, difficult, or unnecessarily complex. Ludwig AI confirms this. While versatile and prevalent in news and media, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings. Be mindful of overusing this phrase, and consider stronger synonyms like "unwieldy" or "burdensome" to maintain a professional tone. The phrase is used to critique something's quality and is registered to have a neutral register. This can be easily found among news, scientific papers and other publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite burdensome

This alternative uses 'burdensome' which implies a heavy load or obligation, making it slightly more formal than 'cumbersome'.

is rather unwieldy

This uses 'unwieldy' which refers more to the physical difficulty in handling something, or a system that is difficult to manage due to its size and complexity.

is fairly awkward

This substitute 'awkward' which suggest something is clumsy or not graceful, can be applied to processes or systems.

is somewhat complicated

This option replaces "cumbersome" with "complicated", focusing on the complexity and difficulty in understanding or using something.

is a bit tedious

This option shifts the focus to the boring and repetitive nature of the task or process.

is quite elaborate

Using "elaborate" indicates that something has many details or intricate parts, making it complex and potentially difficult to manage.

is a challenging process

This alternative phrase frames the situation as a "challenging process", highlighting the difficulty involved.

is somewhat convoluted

This substitute uses "convoluted", stressing its intricate and complicated nature that makes it difficult to follow.

is a complex undertaking

This option focuses on "complex undertaking" implying a task that is not straightforward and requires significant effort.

is a labor-intensive task

This alternative focuses on the amount of effort and work required, making it "labor-intensive".

FAQs

What does "is pretty cumbersome" mean?

The phrase "is pretty cumbersome" means something is awkward, difficult, or unwieldy, often implying unnecessary complexity that makes a task or process inefficient.

What can I say instead of "is pretty cumbersome"?

You can use alternatives like "is quite burdensome", "is rather unwieldy", or "is somewhat complicated" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is pretty cumbersome"?

It's appropriate to use "is pretty cumbersome" when describing a process, system, or object that is inefficient or difficult to handle. While versatile, it may sound less formal than alternatives.

Is "is pretty cumbersome" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is pretty cumbersome" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules, where "is" is a verb and "pretty cumbersome" functions as an adjective phrase.