a bad shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad shot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a poor attempt at shooting in sports, photography, or any situation where aiming is involved. Example: "Despite his practice, he ended up taking a bad shot during the game, missing the target completely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a bad shot.

The New Yorker

"Never a bad shot".

The New York Times

"Rarely does he take a bad shot".

The New York Times - Sports

If it doesn't, it's a bad shot.

The New York Times

I'm not going to take a bad shot.

The New York Times - Sports

A bad shot is a bad shot, no matter when it is taken.

The Guardian - Sport

There was barely a bad shot in the lot.

The New York Times - Magazine

Golfers could say, "Oh, that's a bad shot".

The New York Times - Sports

"I didn't hit a bad shot," he pleaded.

The Guardian - Sport

Morey became agitated when the Rockets took a bad shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Whenever I did hit a bad shot, I scrambled well.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific instance of a missed opportunity, using "a bad shot" provides a clear and concise way to convey the outcome.

Common error

While "a bad shot" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal writing where more precise or technical language might be more appropriate. Consider using terms like "inaccurate attempt" or "poorly executed maneuver" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad shot" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb. It describes a specific instance of an unsuccessful attempt at aiming, whether in sports, photography, or another context where precision is required. Ludwig confirms its common usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bad shot" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an unsuccessful attempt at aiming. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, making it suitable for a wide range of communication. While versatile, it is important to consider the context and audience to ensure the register aligns with the intended message. For formal settings, alternatives such as "inaccurate shot" or "poor attempt" might be more appropriate. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in overly formal or technical writing, opting for language that better reflects the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inaccurate shot

Highlights the lack of precision or correctness in the shot.

a poor attempt

Focuses on the lack of quality in the effort rather than the specific context of shooting.

a misfired shot

Highlights the failure of the shot to achieve its intended outcome.

an ill-advised shot

Focuses on the poor judgment or planning that led to the shot being taken.

a misguided effort

Emphasizes the flaw in the approach or decision-making behind the attempt.

an unfortunate shot

Adds a layer of chance or bad luck to the failure of the shot.

a bungled attempt

Suggests clumsiness or incompetence in the execution of the shot.

a regrettable shot

Indicates a feeling of disappointment or wishing the shot hadn't been taken.

a flubbed shot

Implies a complete failure or botching of the shot, often in a casual context.

a deficient shot

Highlights the shot's inadequacy or lack of necessary qualities for success.

FAQs

How to use "a bad shot" in a sentence?

You can use "a bad shot" to describe an unsuccessful attempt in sports, photography, or general situations requiring aim. For example, "He took "a bad shot" and missed the basket completely."

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

Alternatives include "poor attempt", "inaccurate shot", or "misguided effort" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a bad shot" typically carries a negative connotation, indicating a failure or poor execution. However, sometimes it can be used humorously or self-deprecatingly.

Which is correct, "a bad shot" or "bad shot"?

Both can be correct, but they have different usages. "Bad shot" can be used as a compound adjective (e.g., "bad shot selection"), while "a bad shot" is used as a noun phrase referring to a specific instance of a poor attempt.