it was crude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was crude" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is rough, unrefined, or lacking sophistication, often in reference to behavior, language, or art. Example: "The artist's early work was quite raw; it was crude but full of passion and emotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It was crude, but effective.

The New York Times

Much of it was crude, one-sided.

The New Yorker

"He recognizes it was crude language.

The New Yorker

It was crude and explicit, breathtakingly so.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was crude — just a small two-dimensional grid focused on North America, with points separated by 700 kilometers.

Princeton University

It was crude, but it firmly established his image as a cheeky, up-for-it lad.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Gwede Mantashe, its secretary general, said on Monday: "It's rude, it's crude, it's disrespectful".

The Guardian

It is crude.

The Economist

So it's crude.

Cornell University

It's crude.

The Washington Post

It is crude and it is rude.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was crude" when you want to emphasize the unrefined or basic nature of something, whether it's a method, a piece of art, or behavior. Make sure the context supports the negative connotation of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "crude" in highly formal or professional writing, as it can sound overly judgmental. Opt for more neutral terms like "basic" or "unrefined" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was crude" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing something as being in a raw, unrefined, or basic state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing language, methods, or art.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was crude" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something lacking refinement or sophistication. Ludwig AI's analysis, backed by numerous examples from news, academic, and general sources, shows that it is generally acceptable across various contexts, though caution is advised in highly formal settings. While "crude" can carry a negative connotation, Ludwig examples highlight its descriptive power, emphasizing the importance of considering context when choosing this phrase. Consider alternatives like "it was unrefined" or "it was basic" for a more neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was coarse

Similar to crude, but can also imply a rough texture or manner.

it was unrefined

Emphasizes a lack of polish or sophistication.

it was unsophisticated

Highlights the absence of complexity or elegance.

it was basic

Focuses on the simplicity and lack of advanced features.

it was rough

Implies a lack of smoothness or gentleness.

it was raw

Suggests an unprocessed or unpolished state.

it was vulgar

Highlights the offensive or indecent nature.

it was rudimentary

Highlights that something is at an initial or undeveloped stage.

it was tasteless

Emphasizes a lack of aesthetic judgment or refinement.

it was primitive

Highlights the fundamental or early stage of development.

FAQs

What does "it was crude" mean?

The phrase "it was crude" means that something was in a raw, unrefined, or basic state. It often implies a lack of sophistication or polish.

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

You can use "it was crude" to describe something lacking refinement, such as: "The initial prototype was functional, but "it was crude"." or "The language used in the argument, "it was crude" and insensitive.

What can I say instead of "it was crude"?

You can use alternatives like "it was unrefined", "it was basic", or "it was rough", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when describing something that lacks sophistication or is in an unpolished state. Be mindful of the negative connotation and consider whether a more neutral term might be more suitable for formal contexts.