a bad relation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad relation" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or unpleasant relationship between two people or things. For example: - My sister and I used to have a bad relation, but we've worked through our issues and now we're very close. - I have a bad relation with spicy foods. They always give me stomach pain. - The bad relation between the two countries has resulted in an ongoing trade war.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'm such a bad relation.

TechCrunch

Polygamous marriages were neither considered promiscuous nor as a "bad relation" by the majority of the women interviewed.

BMC Women's Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I don't have a bad personal relation with Putin," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

Comment: A few ambassadors, including the Maltese, have a history of bad relations with Hammarberg.

The Guardian

The tensions have created more than a decade of bad relations with Nepal.

The New York Times

"There was a failure of governance at the bank, and much of that seemed to come down to a culture of bad relations inside the bank left over from its merger," said Nobukatsu Ono, an assistant professor of management and economics at Kaetsu University in Tokyo.

The New York Times

The young king Charles had been forced to remove his uncle from governorships after the latter's rapacious conduct had led to unrest, and the meeting in 1391 marked their reconciliation after a period of bad relations.

Wikipedia

It was a bad public-relations move: several editorials depicted Whitman as canoeing a scenic river after signing paperwork favored by industry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, Mr. Newman's raise was postponed for a year because "we felt it was premature and it sent out a bad public relations message," he added.

The New York Times

"I'm not one for holding grudges but this was a stupid mistake, a bad public relations exercise and something that should never have happened," he thunders.

The Guardian - Sport

Rich Magid, the chief executive of Stadium Capital, said the bad economy and a bad public relations year for the athletic department made it the "worst possible time" to roll out the program.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interpersonal relationships, consider using more descriptive alternatives such as "strained relationship" or "difficult association" to convey the specific nature of the negative connection.

Common error

Avoid using "a bad relation" as a catch-all term for any negative relationship. Instead, specify the characteristics that make the relation problematic (e.g., "a relationship marked by distrust").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad relation" functions as a noun phrase, describing a negative connection or association between entities. Ludwig provides examples indicating its use in discussing both interpersonal and international relationships.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad relation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a negative connection or association. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's relatively rare, with most examples found in news and scientific contexts. Consider using more descriptive alternatives such as "strained relationship" or "difficult association" to convey the specific nature of the negative connection. When using the phrase, avoid overgeneralization by specifying the characteristics that make the relation problematic. Overall, while acceptable, prioritize clarity and precision when describing complex relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strained relationship

Focuses on the tension within the relationship.

poor connection

Highlights the lack of positive interaction.

unhealthy dynamic

Emphasizes the detrimental aspects of the interaction.

difficult association

Highlights the challenging nature of the relationship.

negative rapport

Focuses on the absence of a positive connection.

fractured bond

Implies a broken or damaged connection.

contentious alliance

Highlights disagreement and conflict.

troubled partnership

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the collaboration.

antagonistic interaction

Highlights mutual hostility.

discordant affiliation

Emphasizes a lack of harmony.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a bad relation" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a strained relationship", "a fractured bond", or "a difficult association". These alternatives offer a more nuanced and professional way to describe a negative connection.

What's the difference between "a bad relation" and "a bad relationship"?

While similar, "a bad relation" is a less common and slightly more general term. "A bad relationship" typically implies a personal connection, whereas "a bad relation" can apply to broader contexts like international relations or professional associations.

Is "a bad relation" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a bad relation" is grammatically correct, but it's less frequently used than other alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples of its usage in context.

What are some synonyms for "a bad relation"?

Synonyms include "strained relationship", "poor connection", and "unhealthy dynamic". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.