patchy work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patchy work" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe work or a project that is inconsistent or incomplete. Here is an example: The final report had a lot of patchy work, with some sections that were thoroughly researched and others that lacked detail and evidence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Now imagine you are either without a job or in low-paid, patchy work, in economies facing the resulting efficiency gains but lowering the price of labour and wearing away workers' bargaining power.

The Guardian - Opinion

The European Union's approach to its eastern borders is a patchy work in progress, stitched together slowly even as the facts change on the ground.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The three patchy works in the second programme were all created during Ailey's lifetime and even his Pas de Duke (1976) has its disappointments.

The Guardian

This script had four writers in two teams and you can feel the baggy seams and the patchy upholstery work throughout.

The Guardian - Film

After a year of patchy freelance work while he lived off his savings, my friend now has a job in Shanghai at a foreign-owned company.

The New York Times

As a result, parts of the show feel cramped and patchy, and the work doesn't have the impact it should.

The New York Times - Arts

Although the findings were based on a species adapted to a "patchy" environment, the work could help biologists understand how habitat fragmentation may affect other animals.

BBC

Despite cell signal on the farm being "very patchy," MyFarm is working on a smartphone app to keep Wimple Estate manager Richard Morris abreast of online developments.

TechCrunch

But his softer singing was labored and patchy, and his overall work lacked energy and emphasis.

The New York Times - Arts

Many existing schemes have not been given time to bed down and the evidence that they work is patchy.

The Guardian

But in Russia corruption is not a side-effect: it is a product almost as important as the sporting event itself.The quality of the work is patchy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "patchy work", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect of the work is inconsistent or incomplete. Be specific about the deficiencies.

Common error

Avoid using "patchy work" as a vague criticism. Instead of simply stating that the work is "patchy", pinpoint the specific areas where the inconsistencies or deficiencies are apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patchy work" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "patchy" modifies the noun "work". It typically describes the quality or state of a task or project, indicating inconsistencies or incompleteness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and typical use to describe inconsistent work.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patchy work" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe inconsistent or incomplete effort, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Although relatively rare, it is predominantly found in news and media contexts. It functions as a noun phrase used to evaluate or critique work, highlighting its deficiencies. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the areas of inconsistency. Alternatives such as "uneven performance" or "inconsistent effort" can offer nuanced descriptions. By avoiding vague usage, writers can effectively convey the specific shortcomings of the described work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uneven performance

Focuses on the inconsistency in the quality of the work.

uneven workmanship

Highlights the inconsistency in the quality of the craftsmanship.

spotty performance

Emphasizes the sporadic nature of good results.

inconsistent effort

Highlights the lack of uniformity in the application of effort.

haphazard job

Implies a lack of planning and organization in the work.

fragmentary project

Emphasizes the broken and disjointed nature of the work.

irregular labor

Refers to the sporadic and unpredictable nature of the work.

incomplete task

Directly points out the lack of completion in the work.

unfinished business

Highlights the incomplete nature of the work.

deficient outcome

Focuses on the lacking or insufficient result of the work.

FAQs

How can I use "patchy work" in a sentence?

You can use "patchy work" to describe something that is inconsistent or uneven in quality. For example, "The report showed a lot of "patchy work", with some sections well-researched and others lacking detail."

What are some alternatives to saying "patchy work"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "inconsistent effort", "uneven performance", or "spotty performance" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "patchy work" a negative term?

Yes, "patchy work" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that the work is not up to par due to inconsistencies or incompleteness. It suggests a lack of thoroughness or quality in certain areas.

What does "patchy" mean in the context of "patchy work"?

In the context of "patchy work", "patchy" refers to something that is not uniform or consistent. It suggests that some parts are well-done while others are lacking, creating an uneven or irregular result.