poor phrasing

USAGE SUMMARY

'poor phrasing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person's poorly chosen words or clumsily phrased ideas. For example: "I could tell from his poor phrasing that he was really struggling to express himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Because of poor phrasing, it might even keep some legal migrants out of state universities.

The Economist

There's a great running gag about him correcting his 13-year-old daughter Holly's poor phrasing.

The Guardian

An Environment Agency spokesman denied its information was misleading and said the omission was down to "poor phrasing".

The Guardian

And while Rocky makes remarks that seem to be inflammatory, they do appear to be more the result of poor phrasing than malice.

The Guardian - Music

Trump "has been more a victim than a victimizer", she says, a clumsy rewording of "more sinned against than sinning", which is likely a tactically poor phrasing to use when addressing a candidate whose favorite Bible passage comes from "Corinthians: The Deuce".

The Guardian - Opinion

Poor phrasing and verboseness aside, yes, there have been a large number of layoffs.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Pichação gangs often consist of about 10 members, mostly young men from São Paulo's poor periphery, who paint short phrases, like "Poetic Terrorism," or their own names, like "Zé." Their tags rarely carry explicit political statements.

The New York Times

That's what we do to Hillary Rodham Clinton — or so says Libby Copeland of The Washington Post, who analyzes the "Poor Hillary" phrase so often used by pundits and bloggers.

The New York Times

For example, the phrase "poor John" is a construction analyzable into, or composed of, the constituents "poor" and "John".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Modern-day Berlin might own the phrase "poor but sexy," but Glasgow was both long before the Wall rose and fell.

The New York Times - Travel

Fittingly for someone whose compassion has made his existence untenable, his final utterance as he dissipates into nothingness is the repeated phrase: "Poor things".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing someone's "poor phrasing", be specific about what makes it ineffective. Provide examples and suggest alternative word choices for clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "poor phrasing" without explaining why. Instead, identify the specific grammatical errors, word choices, or structural issues that contribute to the lack of clarity or effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

Poor phrasing functions as a descriptive term. It's typically used to identify and critique writing or speech where the words or sentence structure are ineffective in conveying the intended message. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "poor phrasing" is a grammatically correct and usable term that describes ineffective or clumsy language. Ludwig confirms its validity, with real-world examples primarily appearing in news and media contexts. To avoid "poor phrasing" in your writing, focus on clarity, precision, and audience awareness. When critiquing others, provide specific examples and offer constructive alternatives. Consider using synonyms like "ineffective wording" or "clumsy language" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ineffective wording

Focuses on the impact of the wording being ineffective, rather than the quality of the phrasing itself.

clumsy language

Highlights the awkward or unskilled use of language.

awkward wording

Emphasizes the lack of smoothness or grace in the way something is worded.

badly worded

Directly points out the low quality of the wording.

unclear articulation

Indicates a lack of clarity and precision in expressing ideas.

vague expression

Focuses on the lack of specificity and detail in the phrasing.

imprecise language

Highlights the lack of accuracy and exactness in word choice.

unskillful phrasing

Points to a lack of skill or competence in how something is phrased.

deficient wording

Suggests that the wording is lacking or incomplete.

inadequate expression

Highlights the insufficiency of the phrasing to convey the intended meaning.

FAQs

How can I identify "poor phrasing" in my own writing?

Look for sentences that are convoluted, ambiguous, or use unnecessarily complex language. Read your writing aloud to identify areas where the flow is disrupted or the meaning is unclear. Consider asking a peer to review your work for a fresh perspective.

What are some common causes of "poor phrasing"?

Common causes include using incorrect grammar, choosing inappropriate vocabulary, constructing sentences with awkward structures, and failing to consider the target audience. Rushing the writing process can also lead to overlooking errors and inconsistencies.

What can I say instead of "poor phrasing"?

You can use alternatives like "ineffective wording", "clumsy language", or "awkward wording" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "poor phrasing" affect communication?

"Poor phrasing" can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, and frustration among readers or listeners. It can also undermine the credibility of the writer or speaker, making it difficult to convey their intended message effectively.