a bad call

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bad call" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a decision, action, or judgement that is thought to be wrong in some way. For example, "The coach made a bad call by not substituting the injured player."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Probably a bad call.

The New York Times - Food

Was that a bad call?

The New York Times - Magazine

A bad call?

The Washington Post

Just a bad call".

The New York Times - Sports

In retrospect, it was a bad call.

Independent

"He made a bad call!" he sobbed.

The New York Times

It was a bad call".

The New York Times

If she wouldn't, it's a bad call".

Independent

This was almost certainly a bad call.

The New York Times

"We get it was a bad call.

The Guardian - Film

It was still a bad call".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bad call", ensure the context clearly indicates who made the call and what the negative consequences were. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

While versatile, using "a bad call" excessively in casual conversations can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "mistake" or "error" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad call" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or object, typically describing a decision or action considered to be incorrect or unwise. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples showcase it describing choices made in sports, business, and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad call" is a common and readily understood phrase used to critique decisions or actions deemed incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, as showcased by Ludwig's examples, the phrase serves to express disapproval across various domains. While generally neutral, its use should be tailored to the context, with more formal alternatives considered for academic or scientific writing. Remember to clearly identify the decision-maker and consequences for optimal impact. Avoid overuse in casual conversation and consider swapping with a "mistake" or "error" to improve writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a poor decision

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the decision-making process.

an error in judgement

Highlights the faulty assessment leading to the negative outcome.

a mistake

A general term indicating an incorrect action or decision.

a blunder

Suggests a significant and often embarrassing mistake.

a misstep

Implies a slight error that leads to negative consequences.

an oversight

Focuses on the failure to notice or consider something important.

a lapse in judgement

Highlights a temporary failure in making sound decisions.

a regrettable choice

Emphasizes the speaker's sorrow or disappointment regarding the decision.

an unfortunate decision

Highlights the negative consequences associated with a particular choice.

an ill-advised move

Suggests that the action was imprudent and likely to result in problems.

FAQs

How can I use "a bad call" in a sentence?

You can use "a bad call" to describe a poor decision or action. For instance, "The manager's decision to bench the star player was "a bad call" that cost the team the game."

What are some alternatives to saying "a bad call"?

Instead of "a bad call", you could use phrases such as "a poor decision", "an error in judgment", or simply "a mistake", depending on the context.

Is "a bad call" appropriate for formal writing?

While "a bad call" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for news articles or general communication. In formal writing, consider more precise terms like "a flawed strategy" or "an ill-advised decision".

What's the difference between "a bad call" and "a misjudgment"?

"A bad call" generally refers to a specific decision made in the moment that proves to be wrong, whereas "a misjudgment" suggests a more fundamental flaw in someone's ability to assess a situation. For example, "Missing the deadline was "a bad call"", versus "His entire approach reflected "a misjudgment" of the market."