it was coarse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was coarse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a rough texture or is lacking in refinement, whether referring to physical objects or metaphorical concepts. Example: "The fabric felt rough against my skin; it was coarse and uncomfortable to wear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Instantaneously France's captain sentenced himself to humiliation, marking the end of his career with a deed as stupid as it was coarse.

The Guardian - Sport

A seafood terrine special could only be described as odd: It was coarse and encircled by a thin ribbon of soggy pastry.

The New York Times

Most members of the audience found it very amusing but it was coarse compared to the more varied and subtle versions seen in Britain in past decades, by London Festival Ballet (now ENB) and, notably, Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet (now BRB).

The Guardian

He put out his hand and it was coarse as old wood.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere".

The Guardian - Film

Grate in the butter, then rub together until it is coarse crumbs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

★★★ Aldi Specially Selected Bread Sauce 300g, £1.49, aldi.co.uk The texture isn't great – it's coarse.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's coarse and it's stupid, but it is, thanks mostly the two good performances and some stylish use of music and editing, a little bit moving.

The Guardian - Film

It is coarse, strong, lustrous, and resilient and usually has a hollow central canal, or medulla, making it fairly low in density.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is coarse, stiff and not extensible.

Fashion and Textiles

Either it is coarse and fine symbol timing estimation or it is carrier frequency offset estimation.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or textures, ensure that "it was coarse" is followed by details that specify the exact sensation or appearance, enhancing the reader's understanding. For example, "It was coarse, like sandpaper against bare skin."

Common error

Avoid using "it was coarse" to describe overly complex or nuanced situations better suited to words like "crude" or "simplistic". "Coarse" is best used for describing the tangible or sensory rather than purely conceptual matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was coarse" functions as a descriptive statement. It attributes a quality of roughness or lack of refinement to a subject. Ludwig's analysis shows varied applications, from describing physical textures to qualities of humor or behavior. The "it" acts as a placeholder for the subject, while "was coarse" serves as the predicate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

29%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was coarse" is a grammatically sound descriptive statement used to convey a sense of roughness, lack of refinement, or uneven texture. As Ludwig AI states, it is applicable to both physical objects and abstract concepts. Found most frequently in News & Media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register. To enhance writing precision, consider the specific context and explore synonyms like "rough", "unrefined", or "grainy". When using "it was coarse", ensure it appropriately describes the subject and consider adding detail to clarify the specific quality being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had a rough texture

Focuses specifically on the tactile quality and surface feel of something.

it was unrefined

Emphasizes a lack of sophistication or polish.

it was crude

Highlights a lack of delicacy or precision, often implying a lack of skill or taste.

it was grainy

Specifically describes a texture composed of small particles.

it was harsh

Emphasizes an unpleasant or severe quality.

it was rugged

Implies a strong, uneven, or weathered texture.

it was abrasive

Focuses on the quality of causing friction or irritation.

it lacked finesse

Highlights the absence of delicate skill or elegance.

it was unsmooth

A direct antonym of smooth, emphasizing the lack of a sleek surface.

it felt raw

Emphasizes a lack of processing or refinement, often used for sensory experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "it was coarse" in a sentence?

You can use "it was coarse" to describe the texture of something, like "The fabric felt rough; it was coarse against my skin". It can also describe something lacking refinement, like "The joke "was crude"; it was coarse and insensitive".

What are some synonyms for "it was coarse"?

Alternatives to "it was coarse" include "it was rough", "it was unrefined", or "it was grainy", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it was coarse"?

It's appropriate to use "it was coarse" when describing something with a rough or uneven texture, or when referring to something that lacks refinement or delicacy. For example, "The sand "felt rough"; it was coarse and uncomfortable".

How does "it was coarse" differ from "it was rough"?

While both describe uneven textures, "coarse" often implies a larger grain or more pronounced roughness compared to "rough". Something "coarse" might feel noticeably uneven to the touch, whereas something "rough" might simply lack smoothness. You could say, "The sandpaper "was rough", but the gravel "was coarse"".