a bad play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a theatrical performance that is poorly executed or lacks quality. Example: "The critics were harsh, stating that it was a bad play with weak performances and a confusing plot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a bad play.

The New York Times - Sports

Like a bad play.

The New Yorker

"It's just a bad play.

The New York Times - Sports

"What a bad play," Lundqvist said.

The New York Times

I made a bad play.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was a bad play.

The New York Times - Sports

This isn't a bad play.

The Guardian

It is not a bad play.

The Guardian - Film

It was just a bad play.

The New York Times - Sports

Obviously, it was a bad play".

The New York Times - Sports

It was a bad play on my part".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a play, be specific about why it was "a bad play". Details about the acting, plot, or direction will strengthen your critique.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "a bad play" without providing context or justification. Explain what made it bad to offer meaningful feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad play" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "bad" modifies the noun "play". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity through numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad play" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a theatrical performance of low quality. Ludwig AI examples show its prevalent use in news, sports, and entertainment contexts. While generally neutral in register, providing specific reasons for the negative assessment is crucial for effective communication. Related phrases like "a poor performance" and "a flawed production" offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. The phrase's consistent usage across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and widespread understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a poor performance

Focuses on the quality of the execution, applicable to various contexts beyond just theatrical plays.

a terrible act

Emphasizes the negative quality of the action or performance.

a flawed production

Highlights imperfections in the overall creation and presentation of the play.

an unsuccessful endeavor

Broader term, referring to any attempt that did not achieve the desired outcome.

a misguided effort

Suggests that the attempt was based on flawed judgment or planning.

a losing move

Implies a strategic error that led to a negative result, often used in games or business.

an unfortunate incident

Highlights the negative consequences and perhaps the element of chance or bad luck.

a failed attempt

Simply states that the effort did not succeed.

a regrettable decision

Focuses on the negative consequences of a choice that was made.

an ill-advised action

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom or good judgment in the action taken.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "a bad play"?

Alternatives include "a poor performance", "a terrible act", or "a flawed production", depending on the specific context.

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

You can say, "The critics described the new show as "a bad play" due to its weak plot and uninspired acting".

Is it better to say "a bad play" or "a poorly written play"?

"A poorly written play" is more specific and directly addresses the writing quality. "A bad play" is more general and could refer to various aspects such as acting, direction, or set design.

What's the difference between "a bad play" and "a bad game"?

"A bad play" usually refers to a theatrical performance, while "a bad game" typically refers to a sporting event. The terms are specific to their respective contexts.