a bad driver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad driver" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who does not drive well or is unsafe on the road. Example: "After witnessing her reckless maneuvers, I can confidently say she is a bad driver."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"He's not a bad driver," said Palmer.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm a mother first, then a bad driver".

The New Yorker

It is analogous to a defective vehicle with a bad driver.

The New York Times

Or was he just a bad driver who got lost at every turn?

The New York Times

You have options other than choosing between a bad driver and a drunken driver.

The New York Times - Magazine

The urge to turn and glare at a bad driver you've just overtaken.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

He carries his deck, which is to say his skateboard, everywhere he goes, and he likes to wear his helmet in the car, which makes his mother, Julie, wonder whether other drivers will think she is either a very bad driver or a neurotically protective mother.

The New York Times - Magazine

She was just a very bad driver".

The New York Times

The friends also repeatedly said that Dzohkar Tsarnaev is a notoriously bad driver.

The Guardian

"I'm a very bad driver, and I wouldn't be surprised if I got killed someday," he said.

The New Yorker

"It didn't seem to matter that this girl — who was a dangerously bad driver — was getting her license.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a bad driver", be specific about the behaviors that make them so, such as frequent speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or poor lane discipline.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling someone as "a bad driver" without concrete examples. Instead of saying "He's a bad driver", try "He's a bad driver because he often tailgates and doesn't check his blind spots."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad driver" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "bad" modifies the noun "driver". It serves to categorize or identify an individual based on their driving abilities, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bad driver" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone who drives poorly or unsafely. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally acceptable, providing specific examples of the driver's poor behavior adds clarity and avoids overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "an unsafe driver" or "a poor driver" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a poor driver

Replaces "bad" with "poor", a direct synonym, indicating a deficiency in driving ability.

an unsafe driver

Replaces "bad" with "unsafe", emphasizing that the driver poses a risk to themselves and others.

an incompetent driver

Substitutes "bad" with "incompetent", highlighting a lack of necessary skills or qualifications for driving.

an unskilled driver

Replaces "bad" with "unskilled", focusing on the driver's lack of expertise or proficiency.

a terrible driver

Uses a stronger adjective, "terrible", to describe the driver's lack of skill.

a reckless driver

Indicates that the driver is not only bad but also drives dangerously, disregarding safety.

a dangerous driver

Similar to "reckless driver", but places more emphasis on the potential harm caused by their actions.

a negligent driver

Implies the driver's poor performance is due to a lack of proper care and attention.

a menace on the road

Figurative language to describe a driver whose poor skills make them a threat to others.

a hazard behind the wheel

Suggests the driver's lack of skill makes them a danger when driving.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "a bad driver"?

You can use alternatives like "a poor driver", "an incompetent driver", or "an unsafe driver" depending on the context.

How do you use "a bad driver" in a sentence?

You might say, "He's "a bad driver" because he frequently speeds and cuts people off" or "The accident was caused by "a bad driver" who ran a red light".

Is it appropriate to call someone "a bad driver"?

While it's grammatically correct, consider using more specific language to describe their driving behavior. Instead of saying "She's "a bad driver"", you could say "She has difficulty staying in her lane" or "She often drives too fast".

What makes someone "a bad driver"?

Factors that contribute to someone being "a bad driver" include reckless behavior, disregard for traffic laws, poor awareness of surroundings, and lack of experience.