a bad report

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad report" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like, "My teacher gave me a bad report after I failed my midterm exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

A bad report card".

The New York Times - Books

For some consumers, however, straightening out a bad report is no easy task.

The New York Times

It was like receiving a bad report card when you expected straight A's.

The New York Times - Style

Still, 14 A's and one F isn't a bad report card.

The New York Times

Mr. Kurtz reports that Mr. Cramer "winces" at a bad report; he "grumbles"; he is "mad"; he "barks"; he is "bitter"; he is "totally stressed out".

The New York Times - Books

He excels at school, is a clever and diligent boy who has never brought home a bad report card, and never will.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

But "if it's a very bad report, I might chair it," she says with a smile.

The Economist

"If you had a really bad report, that would spur people into action more," Mr. Hatzius said.

The New York Times

"We've got a bad jobs report, a good trade report and a neutral inflation report in the U.S.," said Tom Wirth, senior investment officer for Chemung Canal Trust, in Elmira, N.Y.

The New York Times

News reports blamed a bad trade report, which put pressure on the dollar, and a legislative proposal to use tax policy to discourage takeovers, but neither seemed enough to explain such a big fall.

The New York Times

"The matter may be reported to a national credit reporting agency," the notice read, effectively threatening a baby with a bad credit report.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of "a bad report", be specific about the area affected. For example, specify "a bad credit report" or "a bad performance report" to provide context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all types of "a bad report" have the same consequences. A bad financial report has different implications than a bad school report; therefore, be specific about the report type and its context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad report" typically functions as a noun phrase, serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bad report" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an unfavorable evaluation or assessment. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to convey negative feedback or poor performance. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, making it suitable for a wide range of communication. While the phrase is generally understood, being specific about the type of report – such as "a bad credit report" or "a bad performance report" – enhances clarity and avoids potential misunderstandings. When constructing related sentences consider alternatives like "a negative assessment" or "an unfavorable review". Overall, understanding the nuances of this phrase helps ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a negative assessment

Replaces "report" with "assessment" to emphasize the evaluative nature of the document or feedback.

an unfavorable review

Substitutes "report" with "review", suggesting a more formal or critical evaluation.

a poor evaluation

Emphasizes the low quality of the assessment or judgment conveyed in the report.

a disappointing performance review

Specifically refers to a performance evaluation, adding context and a sense of letdown.

a substandard account

Uses "account" instead of "report", highlighting the inadequacy of the information provided.

an unsatisfactory record

Replaces "report" with "record", focusing on the unsatisfactory nature of the documented information.

a critical analysis

Highlights the critical nature of the report, suggesting a detailed examination of flaws or weaknesses.

a dismal showing

Focuses on the poor performance or outcome reflected in the report.

a troubling account

Emphasizes the worrying or concerning aspects of the information presented in the report.

a deficient statement

Indicates that the report is lacking or incomplete in some essential way.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bad report" to describe an unfavorable evaluation or assessment. For instance, "The company received "a bad report" from the auditors, indicating financial mismanagement".

What are some alternatives to saying "a bad report"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a negative assessment", "an unfavorable review", or "a poor evaluation".

What does "a bad report" typically imply?

"A bad report" generally suggests that the subject of the report has performed poorly or failed to meet expectations. The specifics depend on the type of report, such as a credit report or a school report.

Is it better to be specific instead of just saying "a bad report"?

Yes, specifying the type of report, such as "a bad credit report" or "a bad performance review", provides more clarity and context, avoiding ambiguity.