pretty dense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty dense" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe something that has a lot of information packed into a small space, is very hard to understand, or is very thick or heavy. For example, "This math problem is pretty dense - it's going to take me a while to work out the answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"It's getting pretty dense there," he said.

The New York Times

With the Yardbirds, our tour itineraries were pretty dense.

The New York Times - Arts

That's pretty dense as far as diagramless themes go.

The New York Times

What's so good about them?" "They're pretty dense" she said.

The New York Times

The document is pretty dense so if I find a helpful guide, I'll send it along.

Cornell University

That last sentence contains some pretty dense lawyer talk, but it can be untangled.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The primary red grape, mencía, can make wines ranging from light and pretty to dense and structured, yet always with beguiling, exotic aromas of wild red fruit.

The New York Times - Food

"It's pretty small, really dense, and now we find that it's extremely hot". Discovered in 2005, HD 149026b is a bit smaller than Saturn, making it the smallest extrasolar planet with a measured size.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Lilaeopsis despite the frequent interference in the environment of the bowl such as frequent water changes as well as frequent rinsing the substrate witch made of heavy stones, (goldfish in this very short time a few minutes goes to the bucket) is pretty good, forms a dense turf.

WikiHow

And people zipping around on e-scooters is a pretty common sight in another dense European city, Barcelona, which has very scooter-friendly weather but no scooter startups (yet).

TechCrunch

The language is very dense, and it's pretty dialogue-rich in several sequences, and a lot of Arabic names.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like arguments or texts, use "pretty dense" to convey that they are rich in content but possibly challenging to grasp on first encounter. For example, "That legal document is pretty dense, so take your time reading it."

Common error

While "pretty" can soften negative adjectives, "dense" often carries a negative connotation, especially when describing people. Avoid saying someone is "pretty dense" if you mean they are attractive; use "pretty" with a more positive adjective instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty dense" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically used to describe a noun. According to Ludwig, it conveys that something is complex, heavily packed, or challenging to understand. Examples from Ludwig show its application to arguments, lawyer talk, and even physical objects like pancakes or housing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

11%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty dense" is a common and generally acceptable adjectival modifier used to describe something as complex, compact, or challenging. As confirmed by Ludwig, it finds frequent application in news and media, with some usage in academic and informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to consider the context and register, as more formal situations may warrant more precise language. When used thoughtfully, "pretty dense" effectively conveys the idea of complexity or compactness, requiring careful comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather complicated

Highlights the complexity of a topic or situation.

reasonably complex

Indicates a level of complexity that is expected or manageable.

quite compact

Emphasizes the compactness of something rather than its difficulty or density.

somewhat impenetrable

Suggests difficulty in understanding or accessing something.

fairly thick

Focuses on physical thickness, suitable for describing materials or objects.

moderately compact

Similar to "quite compact" but suggests a more measured degree of compactness.

mildly perplexing

Highlights the confusing nature of something without being overly negative.

somewhat tightly packed

Emphasizes the close arrangement of elements within a space.

slightly concentrated

Implies a higher level of focus or ingredients in a smaller amount.

quite intense

Focuses on a high degree of concentration or force, rather than density in a literal sense.

FAQs

How can I use "pretty dense" in a sentence?

You can use "pretty dense" to describe something that is thick, complicated, or packed with information. For example, "The textbook was "pretty dense" with formulas and equations".

What are some alternatives to saying "pretty dense"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "quite complex", "fairly thick", or "rather complicated".

Is it appropriate to use "pretty dense" in formal writing?

While "pretty dense" is generally acceptable, it's more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives such as "highly complex" or "densely packed".

What does it mean when something is described as "pretty dense"?

When something is described as "pretty dense", it means it's packed with information, complex, or difficult to understand. It can also refer to the physical density of an object, meaning it's thick or heavy.