a bad temper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad temper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who frequently becomes angry or irritable. Example: "She has a bad temper, which often leads to conflicts with her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everyone is in a bad temper.

The New York Times

I have a bad temper.

The New Yorker

"I do not have a bad temper," Mr. Duffy said.

The New York Times

By that time, he was in a bad temper.

The New Yorker

According to Bouvier, Rybolovlev arrived in a bad temper.

The New Yorker

"She never had a bad temper, she was never moody.

Independent

"He had a bad temper," Bryan said yesterday.

The New York Times

He has a bad temper and everything has to be perfect'," Mrs Larke said.

Independent

A moment later, he said, "I remember that my father had a bad temper".

The New Yorker

His wife has high blood pressure and a bad temper, he insists.

The Economist

My grandfather had a bad temper and was often stressed over his business.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's character, use "a bad temper" to clearly convey their propensity for anger or irritability.

Common error

While "a bad temper" is widely understood, consider using more descriptive language or specific examples to illustrate the intensity or triggers of the temper, creating a more vivid picture for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad temper" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "He has a bad temper") or as part of a descriptive phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad temper" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone prone to anger. Ludwig confirms this assessment and its wide applicability. While suitable for various contexts, including news and general conversation, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing. It's essential to consider the intensity and specific triggers when using this phrase to provide a more comprehensive and vivid description. The frequency of use in news media underscores its relevance in describing people's behavior and characteristics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short fuse

Emphasizes the quickness with which someone gets angry.

a quick temper

Similar to "a short fuse", focusing on the speed of anger arousal.

easily angered

Highlights the ease with which someone becomes upset.

prone to anger

Indicates a tendency towards experiencing anger.

irascible nature

Refers to a disposition characterized by irritability.

volatile disposition

Implies an unstable and potentially explosive emotional state.

fiery personality

Suggests a passionate but also potentially combative character.

hot-headed

Describes someone who reacts impulsively and angrily.

a tendency to fly off the handle

Focuses on the behavior of losing one's temper suddenly.

an explosive personality

Emphasizes the unpredictable and intense nature of someone's anger.

FAQs

How can I describe the intensity of "a bad temper"?

You can use adjectives to specify the degree, such as "a very bad temper" or "an uncontrollable temper". Context also provides additional clarity.

What are some phrases similar to "a bad temper"?

Alternatives include "a short fuse", "a quick temper", or "easily angered", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a bad temper" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "irascible nature" or "volatile disposition" for academic or professional contexts.

How does "a bad temper" differ from "anger issues"?

"A bad temper" generally refers to frequent displays of anger, while "anger issues" suggests a more profound and potentially pathological problem with managing anger.