a bad era

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad era" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of time characterized by negative events or circumstances. Example: "The 1930s were often considered a bad era due to the Great Depression and widespread unemployment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He, and other like-minded liberals, wanted to bring a bad era to an end and to open up new possibilities.

The Economist

Though the scene marks a bad day for Mindy, I think it also heralds what could turn out to be a bad era for American medicine.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Radiohead and the defunct Rage Against the Machine, two contemporary groups Mr. Hampton mentions as guilty of being influenced by 70's rock, are a breadth of fresh air in an otherwise inexplicably bad era of widely disseminated noise that is more accurately understood as advertisement than art.

The New York Times - Arts

One Redditer by the name of SH4FTer noticed yesterday Jan . 14) that Paul, in his pre- Breaking Bad" era, made a small cameo in the 2002 flick "Van Wilder".

Huffington Post

Rodriguez commented that the album was "wrongfully dismissed by critics because it wasn't the sales blockbuster that Thriller was" and that during the Bad era, Jackson's vocal hiccups and stammered "shamone" would become staples in his music that were "heightening and highlighting the emotion of his lyrics".

Wikipedia

"Our house was the only one in the street that didn't have a flag out on Coronation Day," boasted Terry C. We recalled a "never-had-it-so-bad" era of rationing and bombing wreckage when, crowded around the then rare, grainy black-and-white TV sets, we were assured by hushed and deferential commentators that the nation was embarking on a glorious new Elizabethan Age.

The New York Times

If debt spurred the reshaping of corporate Europe a break-up here, a cross-border merger there, a shut factory somewhere else the continent would benefit.The greed and destruction that characterised America's buy-out boom have given the era a bad name.

The Economist

The 1980s have gotten a bad rap as an "era of greed," a "me decade," in which self-aggrandizement was in and altruism was out.

Forbes

Jackson-like characters — one in the signature fedora and penny loafers; another in "Bad -era straps; a gold-suited mime — start this kaleidoscope with a Jackson 5 sequence (highlight: clips from the group's Saturday-morning cartoon) and an exhilarating "Wanna Bad -erain' strapsin'" seemingly inspired by Broadway's "Lion King".

The New York Times

"I was in an era when a bad review could close an independent movie, and you'd take it very personally.

The Guardian - Film

The simplest response was to be deck everything with all the glitter and gilt that gave the clothes of that era such a bad name.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bad era", provide specific details or examples to illustrate why the period is considered negative. For instance, instead of saying "It was a bad era", specify "It was "a bad era" due to economic instability and political unrest."

Common error

Avoid using "a bad era" without providing context. Overgeneralizing can make your statement vague and less impactful. Always specify the reasons behind the negativity. Instead of "That was "a bad era"", try "The early 2000s were "a bad era" for the tech industry because of the dot-com bubble burst."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad era" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying the noun "era" with the adjective "bad". It serves to characterize a specific period as negative or unfavorable. Ludwig confirms that this usage is correct and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bad era" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a period marked by negative events or circumstances. Ludwig confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, and is suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, it's helpful to provide specific examples or details to illustrate the reasons behind the negative assessment. Alternatives like "a difficult period" or "a troubled time" can be used for variety or to adjust the formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult period

Replaces "bad" with "difficult", emphasizing hardship.

a troubled time

Substitutes "era" with "time" and "bad" with "troubled", focusing on problems.

a dark age

Uses "dark age" to indicate a period of decline or negativity.

an unfortunate epoch

Employs more formal vocabulary to describe a period of misfortune.

a period of decline

Focuses on the declining aspects of a specific time.

a time of hardship

Highlights the challenging conditions of the period.

a period of adversity

Stresses the presence of challenges and difficulties.

a downturn

Concisely describes a decline in conditions or fortunes.

a low point

Identifies the era as a moment of significant negativity.

a rough patch

Suggests a temporary period of difficulty.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a bad era"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult period", "a troubled time", or "a dark age" depending on the specific context.

How can I make my description of "a bad era" more impactful?

Provide specific examples and details to illustrate why the period is considered negative. For example, instead of just saying "It was "a bad era"", explain what specific events or conditions made it so.

Is it appropriate to use "a bad era" in formal writing?

While acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "an unfortunate epoch" or "a period of decline" for a more sophisticated tone, especially in academic or business contexts.

What are some examples of time periods often referred to as "a bad era"?

Examples include the Great Depression, characterized by widespread economic hardship, or specific periods of political instability and conflict in a region. Always clarify the reasons for labeling a period as "a bad era".