wall of text

USAGE SUMMARY

"wall of text" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a large block of text or a long, unbroken list of words that can be difficult to read because of its length and lack of organization. For example: When I opened the document, I was confronted with a wall of text that was impossible to decipher.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Avoid the wall of text.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When you look at them on the page, it's a jagged wall of text.

The New Yorker

I see a wall of text and I just look at the picture and click "Next".

The New York Times

The messages form the two left-hand panels of the sculpture's wall of text; the other two panels on the right side provide the key to cracking some of the text.

The New York Times

Some Polywhores use advanced techniques, such as the "mosaic," in which the objects are arranged like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, with no items overlapping ("That's a tough one"); or "text and pics," with Lilliputian products arranged before a wall of text ("Some girls from Italy started that").

The New Yorker

In the Spanish pavilion Lara Almarcegui has placed a vast mound of rubble that reaches up to the ceiling; Stefanos Tsivopoulos in the Greek pavilion has created a wall of text about alternative currencies and a three-part film in which a woman makes bouquets of flowers out of euro notes.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The new princeton.edu uses big, beautiful images to tell our story, a substantial change from the walls of text we presented on the old site.

Princeton University

Yet while reading through walls of text is going to be a deal breaker for some, those with the patience will find this to be an incredibly absorbing experience.

The Guardian - Tech

No one likes walls of text.

TechCrunch

For one, avoid creating "walls of text" on your blog.

Forbes

Don't write walls of text if you're going for long-form content.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting information, break up long paragraphs into shorter, more digestible segments. Use bullet points or numbered lists to organize key points and improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex or technical vocabulary without providing context or explanation. While precision is important, clarity should be prioritized to ensure your audience understands the message without being overwhelmed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wall of text" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe large, unbroken blocks of written content. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term refers to visually intimidating texts due to the lack of formatting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wall of text" is a common phrase used to describe large, unbroken blocks of text that are visually overwhelming and difficult to read. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. To avoid creating a "wall of text", break up content with shorter paragraphs, headings, and visuals. While the phrase is generally neutral to informal, more precise academic or professional terminology may be preferred in formal settings. Related phrases include "text block" and "dense writing". Be mindful of readability to ensure your audience engages with and understands your message effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incomprehensible block of text

Highlights not only the length but also the readability issues of the text.

text block

Refers more generally to a block of text, without necessarily implying it's overwhelming.

text overload

Highlights the excessive amount of information and its overwhelming effect.

dense writing

Highlights the compactness and complexity of the writing.

information dump

Emphasizes the sudden and large influx of textual information.

unbroken text

Emphasizes the lack of formatting and breaks in the text.

massive text

Stresses the large quantity and size of the text.

lengthy passage

Focuses on the considerable length of the text.

prolix writing

Highlights the excessive wordiness and length.

extended prose

Focuses on the continuous nature of the written content.

FAQs

What does the phrase "wall of text" mean?

The phrase "wall of text" refers to a large block of text without clear paragraph breaks or formatting, making it difficult to read and visually overwhelming.

How can I avoid creating a "wall of text" in my writing?

Use shorter paragraphs, bullet points, headings, and subheadings to break up the text and make it more accessible. Incorporating images and other visual elements can also help.

What are some synonyms for "wall of text"?

Alternatives include "text block", "dense writing", or "unbroken text" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Why is it important to avoid "walls of text"?

Large blocks of uninterrupted text can discourage readers and make it difficult to retain information. Clear formatting improves engagement and comprehension.