raw

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "raw" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something in its natural, unprocessed state. Example: "The chef prefers to use raw vegetables in the salad." Alternative expressions include "uncooked" and "unprocessed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But before a cotton dress is cut and stitched it is dyed and printed; before that it is woven from yarn into cloth; before that it is spun from raw cotton into yarn.

The Guardian - Opinion

Andy Roddick doesn't have one of those T-shirts either, but that has not stopped the promising but raw 18-year-old from being promoted as a champion elect.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, London dominates in terms of raw numbers.

The Guardian

Mark Wood is the uncapped quickie in question and, after a month of carrying the drinks in the Caribbean, the 25-year-old is hoping raw skills trump a lack of familiarity with the home of cricket and that he is granted a Test debut by the captain, Alastair Cook, and the caretaker coach, Paul Farbrace.

The Guardian - Sport

The chickens were apparently a reference to a 2010 stunt carried out by Voina, a radical art collective to which some Pussy Riot members previously belonged, in which a participant stole a whole raw chicken from a supermarket and inserted it into her vagina.

The Guardian - Music

Her first novel, Mornings in Jenin, a bestseller in 2010, was a raw and emotional account of four generations of one Palestinian family.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One might expect that more opinionated people would volunteer to answer questions – including about politics – and indeed there is evidence that parties that speak to people with strong views, such as Ukip, are systematically over-represented in the raw online numbers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then again, you wouldn't want to take away too much of that raw aggression or remove much of that swagger, the kind of boundless energy that simply saved 2013 for Los Angeles.

The Guardian - Sport

Zaha, raw and unorthodox, often found two defenders doubling up on him.

The Guardian - Sport

China needs ever-increasing supplies of food and raw material, and markets for its manufactures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cook on a low, slow heat for a few minutes to soften the onions and take the raw edge off the garlic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, use the term to describe information that has not yet been interpreted, such as "raw data" or "raw intelligence".

Common error

Avoid using "raw" as a synonym for 'rare' when describing steak in a restaurant. While "raw" implies no cooking at all, "rare" indicates a specific level of cooking that is safe and intentional.

Linguistic Context

The word functions primarily as an adjective to modify nouns, denoting a natural, untreated or exposed state. According to Ludwig, this is the standard usage in diverse contexts like culinary arts, data science and political analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Social Media

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The query "raw" is an exceptionally versatile adjective in English, primarily used to denote a lack of processing, cooking or refinement. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency across reputable news sources like The Guardian, where it appears in contexts ranging from "raw materials" to "raw emotions". Its usage is grammatically straightforward, typically preceding a noun to provide immediate descriptive depth regarding the natural or exposed state of the subject. Whether used literally, as in food hygiene discussions, or figuratively, as in descriptions of political power and honesty, it remains a powerful tool for writers seeking to convey a sense of directness and unvarnished truth. Alternatives like "unprocessed" or "vulnerable" can provide more specific nuances when the general nature of "raw" needs narrowing down.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncooked

focuses exclusively on the lack of heat application in food preparation

unprocessed

emphasizes that a material has not undergone industrial or chemical treatment

unrefined

specifically refers to substances like sugar or oil that remain in their natural state

crude

suggests a lack of sophistication or a primitive, basic form

unfiltered

highlights the absence of editing, analysis or censorship

vulnerable

captures the emotional exposure often implied when describing feelings as raw

natural

stresses that something exists in its original form without human intervention

inexperienced

applies specifically to individuals who lack training or time in a professional role

sore

used when the word refers to physically sensitive or abraded skin

stark

describes a reality or power that is harsh and unadorned

FAQs

What is the difference between raw and uncooked?

While both mean not cooked, "uncooked" refers specifically to food, whereas "raw" can also describe materials, emotions or data in a more versatile way.

What can I say instead of raw when describing a beginner?

You can use terms like "novice", "green" or "inexperienced" depending on the level of formality required.

What does the expression raw deal mean?

It means receiving "unfair treatment" or being put at a significant disadvantage in a situation.

Is raw data the same as primary data?

Yes, they are closely related. You might refer to it as "unprocessed data" or "original data" before any analysis has been performed.