Quite badly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Quite badly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is done in a very poor manner or to a significant degree of inadequacy. Example: "The project was executed quite badly, leading to numerous issues that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quite badly.

The Guardian - Sport

"I had gangrene quite badly.

The Guardian

It affected me quite badly.

The Guardian - Arts

He must want that haircut quite badly.

Independent

So your snottiness comes off quite badly.

The New Yorker

Yet stocks took the news quite badly.

The Economist

But I got beaten quite badly.

The New York Times

"It affected my schooling quite badly.

The Guardian

"It was flaking quite badly," said O'Hagan.

The Guardian

I got stage fright, quite badly.

The Guardian

"We burnt ourselves quite badly," Mr. Schlee says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite badly" to express a noticeable degree of deficiency or failure, but be mindful of the context. In highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "significantly deficient" for added precision.

Common error

Avoid using "quite badly" in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise and less colloquial term would be more appropriate. For instance, in a scientific report, consider using "significantly deviated" instead of "went quite badly".

Linguistic Context

The adverb phrase "quite badly" functions primarily as an intensifier, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate the extent or degree to which an action is performed or a condition exists. Ludwig examples show this phrase describing poor performance or negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

18%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb phrase "quite badly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a significant degree of inadequacy or poor performance. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly found in news and media, academia, and lifestyle content. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in technical writing. Ludwig examples clearly demonstrate its function as an intensifier. Always consider the context when using "quite badly" to ensure the tone and level of formality are appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Very poorly

Emphasizes the poor quality of performance or condition. This is a direct synonym focusing on the degree of inadequacy.

Extremely inadequately

Highlights the lack of sufficiency or suitability in a stronger manner.

Really terribly

Conveys a sense of something being done or existing in a dreadful manner.

Significantly deficiently

Focuses on the marked lack of something necessary or expected.

Gravely deficient

This alternative indicates a serious lack or shortage of something.

Seriously flawed

Highlights fundamental imperfections or faults.

Considerably amiss

Implies that something is significantly out of order or incorrect.

Notably substandard

Emphasizes that something fails to meet the required or expected level of quality.

Remarkably inferior

Underscores the low quality or status compared to a standard.

Appallingly deficient

Indicates a shocking or terrible lack of something essential.

FAQs

How can I use "Quite badly" in a sentence?

You can use "Quite badly" to describe something done poorly or a situation that has deteriorated significantly. For example, "The team performed "quite badly" in the finals", or "The negotiations went "quite badly"".

What are some alternatives to "Quite badly"?

Alternatives include "very poorly", "extremely inadequately", or "seriously flawed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "Quite badly" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "Quite badly" might be too informal for highly formal or technical writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "significantly deficient" or "considerably amiss" in such contexts.

What's the difference between "Quite badly" and "Very badly"?

Both phrases indicate a high degree of inadequacy, but "Very badly" is slightly more direct and intense. "Quite badly" can sometimes imply a more understated or noticeable degree of failure, but the difference is subtle and often depends on personal preference and context.