that was coarse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was coarse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is rough, unrefined, or lacking in delicacy, often in reference to behavior or language. Example: "His comments during the meeting were inappropriate; that was coarse and uncalled for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Another problem arose with an appetizer best left, it would seem, to Japanese experts: a prettily presented trio of bluefin tuna brought only passable components of a slice of peppered, seared tuna; tuna tartare that was somewhat better; and a roll of tuna and crab that was coarse and heavy.

The New York Times

Hard wheat varieties were insufficiently ground and sifted by mills, leaving a flour that was coarse and brown.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Just for a change, how about ice cream that is coarse and crunchy?

The New York Times

The lawmakers did pay special attention, they said, to transcripts of federal wiretaps that were included in the complaint and that appear to show Mr. Blagojevich bartering over the Senate seat in language that is coarse and unambiguous.

The New York Times

Some nevi, especially acquired "congenital-appearing" nevi, contain hairs that are coarse and dark compared with those in the surrounding skin.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

The RTA texture-based features selected in this study characterize similar parenchymal attributes found in previous studies on digitized screen/film mammograms [ 19, 27, 28, 30], such that BRCA1/2 mutation carriers tend to have retro-areolar parenchymal patterns that are coarse in texture.

Breast Cancer Research

Titanium barrels are good for hair that is coarse, hard to heat, doesn't hold heat, or unmanageable.

WikiHow

Again, do not use any fabrics that are coarse or abrasive on their own; they will leave additional scratches in the lens.

WikiHow

The Bhabar area is characterized by soils that are coarse-textured, sandy to gravelly, highly porous, and largely infertile.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hersh is now a middle-aged mum with a voice that's coarser than it was, but with rhythm section Dave Narcizo and Bernard Georges giving the required oomph, the songs still bewitchingly combine beauty and tension.

The Guardian - Music

As is evident from the results, however, this form of the test yields a classification that is coarser than some researchers might find ideal.

European Economic Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that was coarse", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is considered unrefined or lacking delicacy to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "that was coarse language" or "that was a coarse attempt".

Common error

Avoid using "that was coarse" when you mean something is simply strong or robust. "Coarse" implies a lack of refinement, not necessarily strength or intensity. Consider alternatives like "strong", "intense", or "robust" if that is your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was coarse" functions as a comment or judgment on a previous action, statement, or object. It expresses disapproval or criticism by indicating that something lacked refinement or delicacy. Ludwig AI demonstrates, in its analysis, that the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was coarse" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express disapproval or criticism of something lacking refinement or delicacy. While Ludwig identifies its frequency as rare, it is understood and usable in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general discussions. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey a sense of disappointment or disapproval, prompting reflection or improvement. Alternatives like "that was crude" or "that was vulgar" can be used to add nuances in meaning. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the context clearly indicates what aspect is being criticized and that the meaning aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was crude

Replaces "coarse" with "crude", implying a lack of sophistication or refinement in taste or execution.

that was vulgar

Substitutes "coarse" with "vulgar", suggesting a lack of good taste or politeness, often offensive.

that was unrefined

Replaces "coarse" with "unrefined", emphasizing the lack of polish or sophistication.

that was rough

Substitutes "coarse" with "rough", implying a lack of smoothness or gentleness.

that was tasteless

Replaces "coarse" with "tasteless", suggesting a lack of aesthetic or moral judgment.

that was improper

Substitutes "coarse" with "improper", emphasizing a violation of social norms or etiquette.

that was indelicate

Replaces "coarse" with "indelicate", highlighting a lack of sensitivity or tact.

that was graceless

Substitutes "coarse" with "graceless", emphasizing a lack of elegance or charm.

that was boorish

Replaces "coarse" with "boorish", implying rudeness and a lack of social skills.

that was blunt

Substitutes "coarse" with "blunt", which can refer to directness that lacks subtlety and may be considered rude.

FAQs

What does "that was coarse" mean?

"That was coarse" generally means something was unrefined, crude, or lacking in delicacy. It often refers to behavior, language, or workmanship that is considered vulgar or rough.

How can I use "that was coarse" in a sentence?

You can use "that was coarse" to express disapproval of something. For example: "His joke was insensitive; "that was coarse" and inappropriate."

What are some alternatives to saying "that was coarse"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "that was rude", "that was crude", or "that was vulgar". These options offer slightly different nuances of meaning.

Is "that was coarse" formal or informal?

"That was coarse" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. The level of formality depends more on the context and what is being described as "coarse".