lousy paragraph

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lousy paragraph" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a paragraph that is poorly written or lacks quality. Example: "After reviewing the essay, I realized that the second paragraph was a lousy paragraph that needed significant revisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"On a recent flight, I spent about an hour writing one paragraph, and it was a lousy paragraph," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's lousy, lousy, lousy," Pucher said.

The New York Times

Lousy orphans.

The New Yorker

Lousy ending.

The New Yorker

"Lousy prom".

The New York Times

Lousy house".

The Guardian

Lousy jobs report.

The New York Times

It's lousy.

The New York Times - Arts

This paragraph.

The New York Times

That lousy fucking Pajarito.

The New Yorker

Great visuals, lousy plot.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lousy paragraph", ensure the context makes it clear what specific aspects of the paragraph are deficient (e.g., clarity, structure, argumentation).

Common error

While "lousy" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound informal or unprofessional. Consider using more precise alternatives like "poorly written" or "substandard" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lousy paragraph" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "lousy" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "paragraph". It expresses a negative assessment of the paragraph's quality. Ludwig confirms this usage by providing examples of how it is used in context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lousy paragraph" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a paragraph of poor quality. While Ludwig indicates that it is relatively rare, it effectively conveys dissatisfaction with the paragraph's writing. Its use is primarily found in News & Media contexts and may be considered informal in more professional settings. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the reasons for the paragraph's deficiency, ensuring clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly written paragraph

This alternative directly addresses the quality of writing in the paragraph.

substandard paragraph

This suggests the paragraph is below the expected standard.

inferior paragraph

This indicates the paragraph is of lower quality compared to others.

deficient paragraph

This emphasizes that the paragraph is lacking in some essential quality.

weak paragraph

This implies the paragraph is unconvincing or ineffective.

badly constructed paragraph

This focuses on the structural flaws of the paragraph.

shoddy paragraph

This suggests the paragraph is poorly made or of low quality.

terrible paragraph

This is a stronger, more emphatic way of saying the paragraph is bad.

awful paragraph

Similar to "terrible paragraph", this conveys strong disapproval.

unimpressive paragraph

This highlights that the paragraph fails to make a positive impact.

FAQs

What does "lousy paragraph" mean?

A "lousy paragraph" refers to a paragraph that is poorly written, of low quality, or ineffective in conveying its intended message. It suggests the paragraph is deficient in some way.

What can I say instead of "lousy paragraph"?

You can use alternatives like "poorly written paragraph", "substandard paragraph", or "inferior paragraph" depending on the specific issue with the paragraph.

Is "lousy" too informal for academic writing?

While "lousy" is generally understood, it can be considered informal for academic writing. Using more precise and formal terms like "deficient", "substandard", or "inadequate" may be more appropriate in academic contexts.

How do I identify a "lousy paragraph" in my writing?

Look for paragraphs that lack clear focus, contain grammatical errors, are poorly organized, or fail to support the overall argument. Consider seeking feedback from others to get an objective perspective.