a bad patch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad patch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging period in someone's life or situation. Example: "After losing his job, he went through a bad patch that affected his mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Personal life

Economy

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cricket, too, has hit a bad patch.

The Economist

"They are going through a bad patch.

The Guardian

The SPD, in particular, is going through a bad patch.

The Economist

The BJP is going through more than a bad patch.

The Economist

Admittedly I was going through a bad patch.

The Guardian - Film

"Over the last few years, he recovered very well, even after a bad patch.

The New York Times - Sports

Gail: This has been a bad patch for moderates in general.

The New York Times

A bad patch can also test the very foundation of a marriage.

The New York Times

The marriage is going through a bad patch, but they are trying to stick together".

Independent

LONDON — The marriage between France and Germany appears to be going through a bad patch.

The New York Times

But sometimes, meds can tide you over a bad patch – not everyone gets addicted, after all.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bad patch" to describe a temporary period of difficulty or decline in various contexts, such as personal life, business, or sports.

Common error

Avoid using "a bad patch" to describe a chronic or long-lasting condition. It's best suited for temporary setbacks or downturns. For persistent issues, consider terms like "ongoing struggle" or "long-term challenge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad patch" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a preposition or a complement of a verb. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes a temporary period of difficulty or misfortune. Examples show it modifying events, relationships, or performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad patch" is a commonly used phrase to describe a temporary period of difficulty or decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, applicable in contexts ranging from personal struggles to economic downturns and sporting events. When writing, it's important to use "a bad patch" to indicate a temporary situation rather than a permanent state. Alternatives like "a difficult period" or "a rough time" can be considered for slight variations in meaning. The high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources highlight the phrase's reliability and appropriateness in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A difficult period

Focuses on the difficulty experienced during the time.

A rough time

Emphasizes the unpleasantness and hardship of the situation.

A tough stretch

Implies a continuous period of difficulty or challenge.

A hard phase

Refers to a specific stage or period marked by hardship.

A period of adversity

Highlights the presence of unfavorable circumstances or misfortune.

A spell of trouble

Suggests a limited duration of problems or difficulties.

A crisis

Indicates a turning point or a situation with potentially negative outcomes.

A setback

Highlights an obstacle or temporary failure in progress.

An ordeal

Emphasizes the painful or difficult experience.

A slump

Describes a sudden decline or downturn, often in performance or economy.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bad patch" to describe a temporary period of difficulty. For example: "The team is going through "a bad patch" but is expected to recover soon."

What's a good alternative to "a bad patch"?

Alternatives include "a difficult period", "a rough time", or "a tough stretch". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone is 'in a bad patch'?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. It means they are currently experiencing a difficult or challenging phase in their life or career.

What's the difference between "a bad patch" and "a crisis"?

"A bad patch" refers to a temporary period of difficulty, while "a crisis" suggests a more serious and potentially dangerous situation that requires immediate attention.