a bad combination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad combination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more elements that, when combined, lead to negative outcomes or undesirable results. Example: "The high levels of stress and lack of sleep create a bad combination for anyone trying to maintain their health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It turns out that African ancestry in H. pylori strains, combined with Native American ancestry in humans, is a bad combination".

Science Magazine

That's a bad combination.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a bad combination.

The Guardian

"That's a bad combination," Kassin said.

The New Yorker

This is a bad combination.

The Washington Post

It is a bad combination.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That is a bad combination.

The New York Times - Sports

Not a bad combination for an app.

MIT Technology Review

LOST and hungry is a bad combination.

The New York Times

"It's a bad combination" for young drivers, he said.

The New York Times - Health

That, coupled with defensive lapses, was a bad combination.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase. While widely understood, it may be too informal for highly formal or technical writing. In such cases, opt for alternatives like "detrimental synergy" or "unfavorable convergence".

Common error

Avoid using "a bad combination" when the combined elements merely present a minor inconvenience or challenge. Reserve this phrase for situations with genuinely negative or harmful consequences to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad combination" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or predicate nominative. It identifies or describes something as having negative or undesirable components. Ludwig confirms its standard grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad combination" is a common and correct phrase used to describe situations where the combination of two or more things leads to negative or undesirable outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal settings may benefit from alternative expressions. When using this phrase, clarity and specific examples are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unfortunate pairing

Emphasizes the regrettable nature of the combination, suggesting a lack of harmony or compatibility.

a recipe for disaster

Highlights the potential for severe negative consequences resulting from the combination.

a hazardous mixture

Focuses on the dangerous or risky aspect of the combination.

a toxic blend

Implies a poisonous or harmful effect resulting from the combination.

a detrimental synergy

Highlights the combined negative effect being greater than the sum of its parts.

an ill-advised alliance

Suggests a poor judgment in bringing the elements together.

a flawed formula

Focuses on the inherent defects in the combination's design or structure.

a problematic convergence

Emphasizes the trouble arising from the meeting or merging of the elements.

a losing proposition

Highlights the inevitable failure or loss associated with the combination.

a doomed partnership

Suggests an inevitable and unfortunate end for the combination.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bad combination" to describe situations where the combination of two or more things leads to negative results. For example, "Lack of sleep and high stress levels are "a bad combination" for your health".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an unfortunate pairing", "a recipe for disaster", or "a hazardous mixture" to express a similar idea.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a bad combination"?

Yes, the phrase "a bad combination" inherently implies a negative outcome resulting from the combination of elements. It suggests that the elements do not work well together and produce undesirable consequences.

What makes something qualify as "a bad combination" rather than just an inconvenience?

A "bad combination" typically involves elements that, when combined, lead to significant problems or adverse effects. It goes beyond a simple inconvenience and suggests a potentially harmful or damaging situation. For example guns and grief are "a bad combination".