poor wording

USAGE SUMMARY

"poor wording" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an expression of words that is not well written or stated, for example, "The author's poor wording did not convey the intended meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She was promptly branded a terrorist sympathiser by the press, who chose not to report that her only objection to the motion was its poor wording, which she wanted to correct.

The Guardian

Mr. Share and others here said they attributed the failure to poor wording on the ballot that made it look like a new tax increase, rather than the continuation of one.

The New York Times - Tech

The press materials for the app said that users could message other users to challenge them to a race, which Bosnak admitted was poor wording.

TechCrunch

This could be due to improvements over time like standardized and commiditized libraries, or possibly, Trove admitted, poor wording in their survey question.

TechCrunch

Poor wording in the original version of this story confused the accumulation of ozone with the accumulation of CFCs in a description of a feedback loop that leads to the destruction of ozone.

Science Magazine

From NAFTA to the Peru FTA, the weakness hasn't been poor wording but lack of political will.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Perhaps "pagan" was a poor word choice.

The New Yorker

Anyhow, "preparation" 's a poor word.

The New Yorker

This is poor politics as well as poor word choice.

The New York Times

Here are five defenses against poor word-of-mouth.

The New York Times

"One poor word a hundred clenches makes," laments Pope.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing "poor wording", be specific about what makes it ineffective. Provide concrete examples and suggest improvements to enhance clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that the wording is "poor". Explain why it is poor: is it ambiguous, unclear, or grammatically incorrect? Providing specific feedback is more helpful and constructive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor wording" functions as a descriptive term, identifying a deficiency in the way something is expressed. It highlights the inadequacy or ineffectiveness of the chosen words in conveying a message or idea effectively, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poor wording" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe ineffective or inadequate expression in written or spoken communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific examples and suggestions for improvement rather than simply stating that the "wording" is deficient. Alternative phrases, like "unfortunate phrasing" or "badly worded", can offer nuanced perspectives. By focusing on clarity and precision, writers and speakers can avoid "poor wording" and communicate their ideas effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate phrasing

Emphasizes the unfortunate or regrettable nature of the chosen words.

badly worded

Highlights the poor quality of the wording itself.

ineffective phrasing

Focuses on the lack of effectiveness in conveying the intended meaning.

clumsy language

Suggests the language used is awkward or unskillful.

awkward phrasing

Emphasizes the awkwardness or lack of grace in the expression.

vague language

Indicates a lack of clarity and precision in the wording.

ambiguous wording

Highlights the potential for multiple interpretations due to the wording.

imprecise language

Focuses on the lack of precision and accuracy in the wording.

unclear expression

Highlights the lack of clarity in the overall expression.

inarticulate wording

Suggests a difficulty in expressing oneself clearly and effectively.

FAQs

How can I identify "poor wording" in a text?

Look for sentences that are confusing, ambiguous, or grammatically incorrect. Also, consider whether the "wording" effectively conveys the intended message.

What are some signs of "poor wording" in a survey question?

Signs include confusing language, double negatives, and leading questions. These can result in inaccurate or unreliable data.

What's the difference between "poor wording" and "poor writing"?

"Poor wording" refers specifically to the choice of words, while "poor writing" encompasses broader issues like organization, style, and argumentation.

How can I fix "poor wording" in my own writing?

Review your writing carefully, paying attention to clarity and precision. Ask someone else to read your work and provide feedback on any areas that are confusing or unclear.