sloppily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sloppily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something done in a careless or untidy manner. Example: "The report was written sloppily, with numerous spelling and grammatical errors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The second half we started really sloppily, which was disappointing, but we got the win in the end.

The Guardian - Sport

Schott told the commission on Monday that AWH had a "sloppily drafted" agreement with Sydney Water to provide water and sewerage services for housing developments in Sydney's north-west.

The Guardian

Before the election Cameron sloppily conceded more devolution to Edinburgh with no commensurate fiscal responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

This has been cited as new evidence that sloppily supervised campuses are becoming breeding-grounds for ultra-radical groups.

The Economist

Far too many diversified firms have become unfocused and sloppily run.

The Economist

It may of course be that Muslims found the formula too sloppily generous to others whereas Christians deemed it insufficiently so.

The Economist

At Sadia's abattoirs in the southeastern state of Paraná some 50m chickens a year face Mecca for slaughter.In sectors where the processors are small, weak or sloppily run they are becoming less so.

The Economist

I worked at an ice-cream parlor in college, and they were famous for making sundaes sloppily and having the hot fudge rolling over the sides.

The New York Times - Magazine

Trying to cut deficits when economies are weak will lead to stagnation, they say, and even bigger debt burdens.Emotions run high and both sides treat evidence sloppily.

The Economist

Laws are sloppily drafted, laden-down with last minute amendments then rushed through Parliament as private members' bills, rather than government business, to prevent proper scrutiny.Some decisions seem bizarre.

The Economist

In an attempt to show it was not "banning" it, Singapore sponsored a sloppily printed, advertisement-free pirate version distributed selectively and very hard to find on newsstands.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sloppily", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being done carelessly. Be specific about the action being performed and the resulting lack of quality or precision.

Common error

Avoid using "sloppily" in contexts where a neutral or positive tone is required. While grammatically correct, its negative connotation can be inappropriate for situations where carelessness is not intended.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sloppily" is to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It serves as an adverb of manner, describing that something is done carelessly or without proper attention to detail, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sloppily" is a grammatically correct adverb that describes an action performed in a careless or untidy manner. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media contexts to express criticism or disapproval. While its meaning is clear, it's important to consider the connotation and register when using "sloppily", as it can be inappropriate for formal or positive contexts. Alternative phrases like "carelessly" or "messily" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carelessly

Focuses on the lack of care or attention in the action.

negligently

Highlights a failure to exercise the appropriate and expected degree of care.

messily

Emphasizes the untidy or disordered nature of the action.

haphazardly

Stresses the lack of planning or organization in the action.

clumsily

Indicates a lack of skill or grace in the action.

inefficiently

Highlights the wasteful or unproductive nature of the action.

in a slipshod manner

Emphasizes the lack of quality or thoroughness in the action.

slapdash

Indicates something done quickly and carelessly.

recklessly

Focuses on the disregard for potential consequences in the action.

in a crude fashion

Emphasizes the lack of refinement or skill in the action.

FAQs

How can I use "sloppily" in a sentence?

"Sloppily" is an adverb that describes an action done in a careless or untidy manner. For example, "The report was written "sloppily", with numerous spelling errors."

What words can I use instead of "sloppily"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "carelessly", "messily", or "negligently".

Is it correct to say "sloppily done"?

Yes, "sloppily done" is a grammatically correct phrase. It means something was done in a sloppy or careless manner.

What's the difference between "sloppily" and "carelessly"?

While both words describe a lack of attention to detail, "sloppily" often implies a lack of neatness or order, while "carelessly" emphasizes a lack of concern or caution.