a bad pair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad pair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two items, people, or concepts that do not work well together or are not suitable for each other. Example: "When it comes to teamwork, John and Sarah are a bad pair; they often clash and struggle to communicate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A good pair and a bad pair.

The New York Times

"Wearing a bad pair of pants that are too tight is enough to damage your credibility," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Jennings, a leading candidate for rookie of the year, blamed his slow start on a bad pair of shoes, which he changed at halftime.

The New York Times - Sports

It could mean a chronic ailment or a life-threatening disease, but it could also mean a bad pair of shoes.

The Washington Post

Karl Hawley and Lee Hughes, probably not a bad pair of bets for the division's top scorer come the end of the season, provide firepower, while the signing of the Bradford captain Graeme Lee brings solidity to the back.

The Guardian - Sport

This is not a bad pair to start with especially for a man who admits that he began his cricketing life, rather like Moeen Ali, as a batsman who bowls.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

However, insiders sources there is no animosity between them, with one telling website TMZ: "It was just a bad pairing".

Independent

There is a deeper kinship, too, between Noughties R&B and Eighties pop: Duran's generation wrote the book on selling synthetic music to millions and pratting about on yachts, something that US R&B has since taken up to 11. Massacre is not a bad pairing per se.

The Guardian - Music

Not a bad pairing with a complementary yin and yang, anima and animus feel to it.

Huffington Post

Generally bet when heads-up and an opponent "catches bad" (pairs a card or catches a high card).

WikiHow

A good budgie pair should be alert, awake and making lots of noise whilst a bad budgie pair would be sleepy, huddled up and its eyes would be cloudy.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bad pair" to describe people, ensure the context clearly explains why they are a poor match, providing specific examples of their incompatibility to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a bad pair" as a generic criticism without providing specific reasons. Instead of saying "They're a bad pair", explain why their partnership is ineffective to offer constructive feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad pair" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object, describing two entities that are not well-suited or do not perform well together. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes items, people or concepts that do not work well together.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bad pair" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to negatively evaluate the suitability or effectiveness of two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its role in describing things that don't work well together. While not overly formal, its neutral register makes it applicable in diverse contexts, particularly in news media and scientific discussions. Alternatives like "a poor combination" or "an ill-suited couple" offer nuanced ways to express a similar sentiment. Remember to provide specific reasons when using the phrase to avoid generalizations and ensure clarity. Although the frequency is not high, the examples provided by Ludwig are enough to demonstrate its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a poor combination

Highlights the lack of synergy between two elements.

an unfortunate match

Suggests a regrettable lack of harmony.

a conflicting combination

Focuses on the opposition or contradiction between elements.

an incompatible twosome

Stresses the inability of two entities to coexist effectively.

an ill-suited couple

Focuses on the incompatibility of two people.

a clashing pair

Highlights conflict or discord between two entities.

a mismatched set

Implies a lack of correspondence or suitability.

a disastrous duo

Emphasizes the negative outcomes resulting from the pairing.

an unsuited brace

Emphasizes the inappropriateness of two items together.

a troublesome twain

Implies that the combination causes difficulty or problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bad pair" to describe items, people, or concepts that do not work well together. For example, "Those shoes are a bad pair for running."

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

You can use alternatives like "an ill-suited couple", "a poor combination", or "an unfortunate match" depending on the context.

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

Yes, using the phrase "a bad pair" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the combination or pairing is undesirable or ineffective.

When is it appropriate to use "a bad pair" versus "a good pair"?

Use "a bad pair" when you want to emphasize the incompatibility or lack of synergy between two things. Use "a good pair" to highlight their complementary qualities.