a bad move

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bad move" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a decision, action, or choice that turned out to be unfavorable or misguided. Example: Choosing to invest in that company was a bad move. Their stocks plummeted the next day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The probability that a bad move is accepted is based on a temperature and the degree of badness.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It's a bad move".

The Economist

A bad move!

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a bad move, image-wise.

The New York Times

It's a bad move theoretically.

The Guardian

"A bad move," he said.

The New York Times

Draughts Pl. 4. A Bad Move.

Yale University

Installing Mr. Akerson isn't a bad move.

The New York Times

I think this is a bad move.

The Guardian - Money

Nice idea, but a bad move.

The New York Times - Sports

To me, that's a bad move.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "a bad move", clearly articulate the reasons why it was unfavorable. Providing context and consequences strengthens your analysis.

Common error

While "a bad move" is widely understood, it may sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Consider using more precise language, such as "an ill-advised decision" or "a strategic error", to maintain a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad move" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It identifies and categorizes a specific action or decision as unfavorable or detrimental, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

23%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad move" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to describe a decision or action with negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While prevalent in news and general contexts, it may be perceived as too informal for certain professional or academic settings, where alternatives like "an ill-advised decision" or "a strategic error" may be more suitable. Remember to provide clear context when using this phrase to maximize its impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unwise decision

Focuses on the lack of wisdom in the choice.

a poor choice

Highlights the sub-optimality of the selection.

a mistake

Emphasizes the error in judgment.

an error in judgment

Formal way to highlight the mistake.

a blunder

Implies a significant and often clumsy error.

a misstep

Suggests a slight but consequential error.

an unfortunate action

Highlights the negative consequences of the action.

a regrettable decision

Focuses on the feeling of remorse associated with the choice.

a strategic error

Specifically refers to errors in planning or strategy.

a faux pas

A social blunder

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a bad move"?

You can use alternatives like "an unwise decision", "a poor choice", or "a mistake" depending on the context.

How to use "a bad move" in a sentence?

You can use "a bad move" to describe a decision or action that has negative consequences. For example: "Investing in that company proved to be a bad move."

What's the difference between "a bad move" and "a strategic error"?

"A bad move" is a general term for any unfavorable action. "A strategic error" specifically refers to a mistake in planning or strategy, often in a business or military context.

Is "a bad move" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "a bad move" might be considered too informal for certain professional contexts. Consider using alternatives such as "an ill-advised decision" or "a regrettable decision" for a more formal tone.