Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
raw translation
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "raw translation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a direct or literal translation of text without any interpretation or adaptation. Example: "The raw translation of the poem does not capture its emotional depth and cultural nuances."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
In Colin Teevan's brilliant new translation, Ibsen's folk story becomes a scabrous "old whore of a tale" in which the young Gynt's fantasies take on a raw, earthy vitality.
News & Media
Commonly used programs perform raw file translation, pre-processing of mass chromatograms including peak picking and deconvolution and export peak tables suitable for statistical treatments.
Science
And since dubbing has such a strong following in some countries, some of those voice translations could even potentially be used in raw formats, without translation to text.
News & Media
This is how we turned making a living into "labor" and nature into "real estate". Surveillance capitalism now claims private human experience as free raw material for translation into behavioral predictions that are bought and sold in a new kind of private marketplace.
News & Media
However, the translation of raw spectra into a final analysis remains a complex challenge.
In the masterly manner of P. D. James, Mankell projects his hero's brooding thoughts onto nature itself, rendered raw in Laurie Thompson's translation.
News & Media
The translation of raw NGS reads into tangible variants (SNVs, InDels, CNVs, etc).
Science
As these results were based solely on a basic translation of raw genomic sequence, these peptides represent only tryptic peptides wholly within a single exon.
Science
In silico biology explores various tools that enable the translation of raw data into workable models and provides guidance for high-throughout gene analysis to 'make sense' of the genomic data.
Science
More detailed analysis was based on a subset of 506 "high quality" translation products whose raw self-BLAST scores exceeded 60 (see Materials and Methods).
Science
In general, a protein database derived from the genome is used in shotgun proteomics to identify peptides and proteins from mass spectrometric raw data, but six frame translation of the genome is also frequently employed [ 24, 25].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "raw translation", consider specifying the type of raw data or the context in which the translation is occurring to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "raw translation" without providing sufficient context. Ensure that the reader understands what type of source material is being translated and why the translation is considered "raw".
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "raw translation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to describe the initial, unprocessed form of a translation, emphasizing its unrefined state before any editing or interpretation has taken place. Ludwig's examples showcase how it's used in various fields like science and literature.
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "raw translation" refers to a direct, unedited form of translated text. As confirmed by Ludwig, while the phrase is grammatically sound, it's essential to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "literal translation" or "direct translation" may also be suitable, depending on the desired nuance. Remember, describing a translation as "raw" isn't inherently negative; it simply specifies a stage in the translation process. Understanding how to use this phrase correctly enhances your writing and ensures that your message is accurately conveyed.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
literal translation
Focuses on direct word-for-word conversion, emphasizing accuracy over stylistic adaptation.
direct translation
Similar to literal translation, highlighting the straightforward transfer of meaning.
unprocessed translation
Emphasizes the lack of editing or refinement in the translated text.
unedited translation
Indicates that the translation has not been reviewed or revised.
preliminary translation
Suggests a translation that is still in its early stages and subject to change.
rough translation
Implies a translation that is not polished or finalized.
basic translation
Indicates a simple and straightforward translation without added complexity.
initial translation
Similar to preliminary translation, denoting the first version of a translation.
unrefined translation
Highlights the lack of sophistication or elegance in the translated text.
crude translation
Suggests a translation that is basic and possibly lacking in accuracy or nuance.
FAQs
How can I use "raw translation" in a sentence?
You can use "raw translation" to describe a preliminary or unedited version of a translated text. For example: "The "literal translation" of the poem didn't capture its nuance, but it provided a base for further refinement."
What's the difference between "raw translation" and "literal translation"?
"Raw translation" implies an initial, unprocessed translation, while "literal translation" refers to a direct, word-for-word conversion, regardless of whether it's been refined.
What can I say instead of "raw translation"?
Alternatives include "direct translation", "preliminary translation", or "unedited translation", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.
Is it always negative to describe a translation as "raw"?
Not necessarily. While "raw" can suggest a lack of polish, it can also imply authenticity or a focus on conveying the core meaning without added interpretation.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested