a bad connection

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bad connection" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a poor quality or unreliable connection between two devices or systems. Example: "I tried to call my friend, but we had a bad connection and could barely hear each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

What seemed more like a party line or a bad connection becomes individually connected calls.

Huffington Post

According to sources familiar with the experiment, the 60 nanoseconds discrepancy appears to come from a bad connection between a fiber optic cable that connects to the GPS receiver used to correct the timing of the neutrinos' flight and an electronic card in a computer.

Science Magazine

O.K., it's about a bad connection.

The New York Times

I'm sorry, we have a bad connection.

The New Yorker

"It's a bad connection," Sathi explains.

The Guardian

When they do, it's a bad connection.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Seeing it from this perspective can help you to overcome feeling guilty about nipping a potentially bad connection in the bud.

WikiHow

Mr. Ledwidge, 30, wrote "Bad Connection," a thriller published by Pocket Books in April that features an Irish-American telephone cable splicer from the Bronx who roams Midtown climbing into manholes to fix phone lines.

The New York Times

In "Bad Connection," Sean Macklin, a sympathetically drawn phone repairman, overhears a conversation about an impending deal at a major chemical company and is tempted to make a quick fortune and escape with his invalid wife to Florida.

The New York Times

The loudness you adopt in response to a bad cellphone connection, in the misguided hope that talking louder will improve the connection.

The New York Times - Magazine

Emile and Paul, you wrote a song for the film called "Bad Connection".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues, be specific about the type of "bad connection". Is it related to internet, electrical wiring, or a physical port?

Common error

Instead of simply stating "a bad connection", clarify the specific domain—is it a network issue, a hardware malfunction, or a metaphorical disconnect in communication? Providing context improves clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad connection" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad connection" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of unreliable or impaired connectivity, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, it spans various contexts from technical issues to interpersonal relationships. For more precise communication, specifying the type of connection is beneficial. Consider alternatives like "faulty link" or "weak signal" depending on the specific context. Remember that overgeneralization should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a faulty link

Emphasizes the defectiveness or imperfection of the connection.

a weak signal

Specifically refers to the poor strength of a transmitted signal.

an unstable connection

Highlights the lack of reliability and potential for disruption.

a disrupted signal

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance of the signal.

a poor signal

Indicates a low-quality transmission.

a broken link

Suggests that the connection is completely non-functional.

a strained relationship

Metaphorically applies the concept to interpersonal relations.

a compatibility issue

Specifically points to a problem in aligning or working together.

a communication breakdown

Emphasizes a failure to effectively exchange information.

a tenuous link

Suggests the connection is fragile and easily broken.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bad connection" to describe various scenarios, such as "We had "a bad connection" during the phone call, so I couldn't hear you clearly" or "The device has "a bad connection", which is causing it to malfunction".

What's another way to say "a bad connection"?

Alternatives to "a bad connection" include "a faulty link", "a weak signal", or "an unstable connection", depending on the context.

What does "a bad connection" typically refer to?

"A bad connection" typically refers to a disrupted or unreliable link between two points, whether it's a phone call, internet signal, electrical circuit, or even a metaphorical connection between people or ideas.

Is it always technology-related when we refer to "a bad connection"?

While often used in technical contexts, "a bad connection" can also describe interpersonal relationships. For example, you might say that two people have "a bad connection" if they don't understand each other well or have frequent misunderstandings.