it was cumbersome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was cumbersome" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unwieldy, difficult to manage, or inconvenient. Example: "The old software was cumbersome, making it hard for employees to complete their tasks efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It was cumbersome.

The New York Times

It was cumbersome, but it was also great fun.

The Guardian - Books

Corwin said that even when the system worked, it was "cumbersome and sometimes less than accurate".

The New York Times - Sports

It was cumbersome, half again as big as the stroller she was used to.

The New Yorker

"Earlier we would write the case details in a register... it was cumbersome.

The Guardian

"It was inconvenient, it was embarrassing, it was cumbersome," Mr. Gibbs said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It is cumbersome, expensive, controversial and, say its critics, wrongheaded.

The New York Times

Still, it is cumbersome.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's cumbersome and dangerous".

The New York Times - Tech

"It's cumbersome and it doesn't have to be".

The New York Times - Tech

It is cumbersome, and can take months to adjust to it.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or systems, use "it was cumbersome" to clearly convey inefficiency or difficulty. For instance, "The old system required multiple steps; it was cumbersome and prone to errors."

Common error

Avoid using "it was cumbersome" without explaining why something was cumbersome. Instead of just saying "The process was cumbersome", specify what made it so, like "The process required manual data entry, making it cumbersome and time-consuming."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was cumbersome" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It qualifies a subject (often a process, system, or object) by indicating that it presented difficulties or inconveniences in the past. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to describe something unwieldy, difficult to manage, or inconvenient.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was cumbersome" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to describe something that presented difficulties or inefficiencies in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and acceptable. This phrase commonly appears in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, conveying a negative assessment of a past experience, often explaining why a process, system, or object was improved or replaced. While generally neutral, providing specific details about what made something "cumbersome" enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unwieldy

Replaces "cumbersome" with "unwieldy", focusing on the difficulty in handling something physically or practically.

it was burdensome

Substitutes "cumbersome" with "burdensome", highlighting the weight or difficulty it adds to a task or situation.

it was awkward

Replaces "cumbersome" with "awkward", suggesting a lack of ease or grace in dealing with something.

it was inconvenient

Substitutes "cumbersome" with "inconvenient", focusing on the trouble or difficulty it causes.

it was tedious

Replaces "cumbersome" with "tedious", emphasizing the slowness and monotony involved.

it was complicated

Substitutes "cumbersome" with "complicated", focusing on the complexity and difficulty in understanding or using it.

it was laborious

Replaces "cumbersome" with "laborious", stressing the amount of effort and time required.

it was troublesome

Substitutes "cumbersome" with "troublesome", emphasizing the problems or difficulties it presents.

it was clunky

Replaces "cumbersome" with "clunky", suggesting something is inefficient and awkward to use, especially in technology.

it was heavy going

Replaces "cumbersome" with "heavy going", focusing on the difficulty and slow progress experienced.

FAQs

What does "it was cumbersome" mean?

The phrase "it was cumbersome" means something was difficult to handle or manage, often due to its complexity, size, or inefficiency.

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

You can use "it was cumbersome" to describe a process, system, or object that is difficult to use or manage. For example, "The old software was slow and "it was cumbersome" to navigate."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was unwieldy", "it was burdensome", or "it was awkward" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "it was cumbersome" or "it is cumbersome"?

"It was cumbersome" refers to something that used to be difficult, while "it is cumbersome" describes something that currently is difficult. The choice depends on whether you're speaking about a past or present situation.