Cunningly sneaking into the English language, surreptitious and unwieldy are two words that often cause confusion. Are they interchangeable? Do they have similar meanings? The answer is no. In fact, they are vastly different in their definitions and usage. Surreptitious means secret or sneaky, while unwieldy means difficult to manage or handle. Let’s dive deeper into these two words and explore their meanings and usage in the English language.
Define Surreptitious
Surreptitious refers to something that is done secretly or stealthily, without attracting attention or notice. It is often associated with actions or behavior that are deceptive or dishonest, intended to be kept hidden from others. An example of a surreptitious action would be sneaking out of the house at night without telling anyone.
Define Unwieldy
Unwieldy refers to something that is difficult to manage or handle due to its size, shape, or complexity. It can also refer to something that is awkward or clumsy in movement or operation. An example of an unwieldy object would be a large and heavy piece of furniture that is hard to move around.
Unwieldy can also refer to something that is difficult to understand or use because of its complexity or lack of organization. For instance, a website with a confusing layout and navigation could be described as unwieldy.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. In this section, we will explore how to properly use the words ‘surreptitious’ and ‘unwieldy’ in a sentence.
How To Use Surreptitious In A Sentence
The word ‘surreptitious’ is an adjective that describes something that is done secretly or in a way that avoids notice. Here are some examples of how to use ‘surreptitious’ in a sentence:
- She made a surreptitious glance at her watch during the meeting.
- The spy made a surreptitious entrance into the enemy’s headquarters.
- He took a surreptitious sip of his drink when the waiter wasn’t looking.
Notice how each of these sentences conveys the idea of something being done secretly or in a way that avoids notice. When using ‘surreptitious’ in a sentence, it’s important to make sure that the context supports the idea of secrecy or avoidance of notice.
How To Use Unwieldy In A Sentence
The word ‘unwieldy’ is an adjective that describes something that is difficult to move or handle because of its size, shape, or weight. Here are some examples of how to use ‘unwieldy’ in a sentence:
- The furniture was too unwieldy to fit through the narrow doorway.
- The athlete struggled to carry the unwieldy weight during the competition.
- Her backpack was so unwieldy that she had to ask for help to carry it up the stairs.
Each of these sentences conveys the idea of something being difficult to move or handle because of its size, shape, or weight. When using ‘unwieldy’ in a sentence, it’s important to make sure that the context supports the idea of difficulty in movement or handling.
More Examples Of Surreptitious & Unwieldy Used In Sentences
When it comes to writing, using the right words at the right time is essential. In this section, we will provide you with more examples of how to use surreptitious and unwieldy in a sentence to help you improve your writing skills.
Examples Of Using Surreptitious In A Sentence
- The spy made a surreptitious entry into the building.
- The politician’s surreptitious behavior was uncovered by the media.
- She made a surreptitious glance at her watch during the meeting.
- The thief made a surreptitious attempt to steal the diamond.
- He had a surreptitious affair with his secretary.
- The company made a surreptitious attempt to raise prices without notifying its customers.
- The student made a surreptitious attempt to cheat during the exam.
- The spy used a surreptitious code to communicate with his handler.
- The hacker made a surreptitious attempt to access the company’s database.
- The employee made a surreptitious attempt to steal company secrets.
Examples Of Using Unwieldy In A Sentence
- The furniture was too unwieldy to move by himself.
- The unwieldy package was difficult to carry up the stairs.
- The athlete struggled with the unwieldy equipment.
- The car’s unwieldy size made it difficult to park.
- The unwieldy bureaucracy slowed down the approval process.
- The unwieldy project required a larger team to complete.
- The unwieldy regulations made it difficult for small businesses to compete.
- The unwieldy costume made it difficult for the actor to move on stage.
- The unwieldy machinery required a skilled operator to use.
- The unwieldy backpack made it difficult for the hiker to climb the mountain.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using words like surreptitious and unwieldy, there are some common mistakes that people tend to make. Here are some of the most frequent errors to watch out for:
Using Surreptitious And Unwieldy Interchangeably
One of the most common mistakes people make is using surreptitious and unwieldy interchangeably, when in fact they have very different meanings.
Surreptitious refers to something that is done in a secretive or sneaky way, while unwieldy means something that is difficult to handle or manage due to its size or complexity.
Using these two words interchangeably can lead to confusion and a lack of clarity in your writing. For example, if you say that a task is surreptitious when you actually mean that it is unwieldy, your readers may be left wondering what you really meant.
Not Understanding The Context
Another mistake people make is not understanding the context in which these words should be used.
Surreptitious is typically used to describe actions or behavior that are secretive or sneaky, while unwieldy is used to describe objects or tasks that are difficult to handle or manage. Understanding these nuances is key to using these words effectively.
Using Uncommon Terminology Incorrectly
Finally, some people make the mistake of using uncommon terminology incorrectly. For example, using surreptitious to describe something that is simply difficult to handle or manage is not accurate and can lead to confusion.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
Here are some tips for avoiding these common mistakes:
- Be sure to understand the meaning and context of these words before using them in your writing.
- If you’re unsure about the meaning of a word, look it up in a dictionary or thesaurus.
- Try to use these words sparingly and only when they are truly appropriate.
- Proofread your writing carefully to ensure that you have used these words correctly and in the right context.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “surreptitious” and “unwieldy,” context plays a crucial role. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between these two words might change.
Formal Writing
In formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, it is important to choose words that convey precision and clarity. In this context, “unwieldy” may be the better choice. It means difficult to manage or handle, and can be used to describe complex systems or unwieldy machinery. For example:
- The new tax code is unwieldy and difficult to understand.
- The unwieldy bureaucracy of the healthcare system makes it difficult for patients to receive timely care.
Informal Writing
When writing informally, such as in a blog post or personal essay, a more conversational tone may be appropriate. In this context, “surreptitious” might be a better choice. It means sneaky or secretive, and can be used to describe actions or behaviors that are done in secret. For example:
- The cat made a surreptitious move towards the fishbowl.
- He made a surreptitious attempt to steal a cookie from the jar.
Marketing And Advertising
When it comes to marketing and advertising, the choice between “surreptitious” and “unwieldy” can depend on the message being conveyed. If the goal is to highlight the ease of use or convenience of a product, “unwieldy” would be a poor choice. However, if the goal is to create a sense of exclusivity or intrigue, “surreptitious” might be a better fit. For example:
- Our new app makes managing your finances easy and efficient.
- Join our exclusive club for access to surreptitious perks and benefits.
Overall, the choice between “surreptitious” and “unwieldy” depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of these words, writers can choose the right one to convey their message with precision and clarity.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using surreptitious and unwieldy are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions worth noting. In certain contexts, these words may not always carry their typical connotations. Below are some examples:
Exceptions For “Surreptitious”
- Positive Connotation: In the context of a surprise party or a covert mission, surreptitious can take on a positive connotation. It implies a sense of secrecy and intrigue that can be exciting or thrilling.
- Irony: In some cases, using surreptitious in a sarcastic or ironic way can be effective. For example, if someone is being very obvious about their intentions but still claims to be acting surreptitiously, the word can be used to highlight the absurdity of the situation.
Exceptions For “Unwieldy”
- Positive Connotation: In certain contexts, unwieldy can be used to describe something that is impressive because of its size or complexity. For example, a massive sculpture or a complicated machine might be referred to as unwieldy in a way that highlights its grandeur.
- Situational: Depending on the situation, something that is unwieldy in one context might be perfectly manageable in another. For example, a large and heavy tool might be unwieldy to carry around, but once it’s in place, it might be the perfect tool for the job.
It’s important to remember that language is always evolving, and the meanings of words can shift over time. While the guidelines above can be helpful, it’s always a good idea to consider the context and connotations of a word before using it in your writing.
Practice Exercises
Improving one’s understanding and use of surreptitious and unwieldy requires practice. Here are some exercises to help:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either surreptitious or unwieldy:
- The thief made a __________ attempt to steal the priceless diamond necklace.
- The piano was too __________ to move up the narrow staircase.
- She made a __________ glance at her watch, hoping the meeting would end soon.
- The new software was __________ to use, even for experienced computer users.
- He made a __________ attempt to lift the heavy box, but it was too much for him.
Answer Key:
- surreptitious
- unwieldy
- surreptitious
- unwieldy
- unwieldy
Exercise 2: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using either surreptitious or unwieldy:
- ______________ is the best way to approach a difficult situation.
- The large package was too __________ to fit in the car.
- He made a __________ attempt to cheat on the exam.
- The new employee’s __________ behavior made it difficult for her to fit in with the team.
- She tried to be __________ in her movements so as not to wake the sleeping baby.
Answer Key:
- Surreptitious
- unwieldy
- surreptitious
- unwieldy
- surreptitious
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- The __________ package was too heavy to lift.
- a. surreptitious
- b. unwieldy
- a. surreptitious
- b. unwieldy
- a. surreptitious
- b. unwieldy
- a. surreptitious
- b. unwieldy
- a. surreptitious
- b. unwieldy
Answer Key:
- b
- a
- b
- a
- a
By practicing with these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of surreptitious and unwieldy in sentences.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between surreptitious and unwieldy, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts.
Key Takeaways:
- Surreptitious refers to something done secretly or stealthily, while unwieldy means difficult to manage or handle.
- It’s important to choose the right word to convey the intended meaning in any given situation.
- Understanding the nuances of language use and grammar can greatly enhance one’s writing and communication skills.
By continuing to learn and improve our language skills, we can better express ourselves and connect with others in a meaningful way.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.