too cumbersome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too cumbersome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is overly complicated, heavy, or difficult to manage or handle. Example: "The new software update is too cumbersome for our team to implement effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rules are too cumbersome, said.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the cameras proved too cumbersome.

The Guardian - Film

"It's too cumbersome," said Deirdre Macnab, the league's president.

The New York Times

Laptops and PCs have been too cumbersome for the job.

The Economist

But some experts said it had become too cumbersome.

The New York Times - Health

"It was ineffective, too cumbersome, too involved," Ms. Spitaliere said.

The New York Times

Congressional officials said the old policy was too cumbersome.

The New York Times

Such surveillance, however, would be too cumbersome and expensive.

The New York Times

The patent system is too cumbersome, and it doesn't protect the small inventor.

The New York Times

Although he'll take reservations, he's bypassing the Web service Open Table (too cumbersome).

The New York Times - Food

Labour organisers say this is too cumbersome, and gives companies the chance to intimidate workers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "too cumbersome", consider if there's a simpler alternative or process available. Addressing the complexity directly can improve clarity and efficiency.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "too cumbersome" in formal documents. While understandable, it can sometimes sound less precise than alternatives like "excessively complex" or "impractical" in specific contexts. Choose words that more accurately reflect the nature of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too cumbersome" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe it as excessively complicated or difficult to handle. Ludwig examples show it describing processes, systems, equipment, and rules that are overly complex.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "too cumbersome" is a widely recognized and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something excessively complex or difficult to manage. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, it is essential to select precise language for clarity, especially in formal writing. Alternatives such as "excessively complicated" or "overly burdensome" may be more suitable depending on the context. Understanding the phrase's nuances and appropriate usage helps enhance communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively complicated

Emphasizes the complexity aspect, implying more intricate steps or elements.

overly burdensome

Focuses on the heaviness and difficulty it imposes.

unduly unwieldy

Highlights the difficulty in handling or managing something.

impractically complicated

Suggests the level of complication makes it not suitable for practical application.

needlessly intricate

Emphasizes the lack of a valid reason for the complexity.

overly elaborate

Highlights excessive detail or ornamentation that adds unnecessary complexity.

difficult to handle

Focuses on the challenges in managing or manipulating something.

unnecessarily complex

Indicates a complexity that could be simplified without losing functionality.

awkward to manage

Highlights the clumsiness and difficulty associated with the task.

unmanageably awkward

Highlights how awkward it is to manage, suggesting it's beyond practical handling.

FAQs

What does "too cumbersome" mean?

The phrase "too cumbersome" means something is overly complicated or difficult to handle, often to the point of being impractical or inefficient.

How can I use "too cumbersome" in a sentence?

You can say, "The application process is "too cumbersome", discouraging many potential applicants" or "The equipment was "too cumbersome" for field use".

What are some alternatives to "too cumbersome"?

Alternatives include "overly burdensome", "excessively complicated", "unduly unwieldy", or "impractically complicated" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "too cumbersome" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "too cumbersome" when you want to convey that something is not only complicated but also difficult to manage or use effectively due to its complexity. Consider its formality, and use more precise language in formal contexts.