a string of bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of bad" is not complete and lacks context, making it difficult to determine its correctness in written English.
It could be used in contexts discussing a series of negative events or experiences, but it typically requires additional words to clarify its meaning. Example: "After experiencing a string of bad luck, she decided to change her approach to life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This isn't just a string of bad luck.

The New York Times

That's the good news in a string of bad messages.

The Guardian

You will go through periods in which you have a string of bad luck.

Yale University

At this point she's still just a string of bad movies away from being Kate Hudson.

The New York Times

That report ended a string of bad news about the job market.

The New York Times

The results follow a string of bad earnings reports in the European banking sector.

The New York Times

Then he made the first in a string of bad choices, they said.

The New York Times

Weinstein's troubles are also apparent in a string of bad news from his empire.

Independent

Altegrity was the latest in a string of bad bets for the firm.

The New York Times

Soon after, the Glavins hit a string of bad luck and left Ireland.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr Montgomery left the company after a string of bad results.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a string of bad", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'bad' refers to. For example, "a string of bad decisions" provides more clarity than just "a string of bad".

Common error

Avoid using "a string of bad" without specifying what constitutes the 'bad' element. Vague usage can weaken your writing. Instead of saying, "He had a string of bad," specify what he had a string of: "He had a string of bad investments".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of bad" functions as a modifier, specifically describing a sequence or series of negative occurrences. The Ludwig examples highlight its common use in describing events, choices, or luck.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a string of bad" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a sequence of negative events or circumstances. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's most frequently found in News & Media sources, with neutral register. To enhance clarity and impact, it's advisable to specify what the 'bad' refers to, such as "a string of bad decisions" or "a string of bad investments". Alternatives like "a series of unfortunate events" or "a streak of bad luck" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and provide specific context to make your writing more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of unfortunate events

Replaces "string" with "series" and "bad" with "unfortunate", emphasizing the negative occurrences.

a streak of bad luck

Substitutes "string" with "streak" and "bad" with "bad luck", focusing on luck as the cause.

a run of misfortunes

Replaces "string" with "run" and "bad" with "misfortunes", highlighting the adverse nature of the events.

a succession of failures

Changes "string" to "succession" and "bad" to "failures", emphasizing the lack of success.

a chain of negative outcomes

Replaces "string" with "chain" and "bad" with "negative outcomes", stressing the adverse consequences.

a cluster of unfavorable incidents

Substitutes "string" with "cluster" and "bad" with "unfavorable incidents", focusing on the nature of events.

a spate of adverse conditions

Changes "string" to "spate" and "bad" to "adverse conditions", underlining the challenging circumstances.

a litany of woes

Replaces "string" with "litany" and "bad" with "woes", highlighting the distress and suffering.

a cycle of adverse happenings

Substitutes "string" with "cycle" and "bad" with "adverse happenings", emphasizing the recurring nature of the events.

an accumulation of mishaps

Changes "string" to "accumulation" and "bad" to "mishaps", focusing on the increasing number of unfortunate events.

FAQs

How can I use "a string of bad" in a sentence?

You can use "a string of bad" to describe a series of unfortunate or negative events. For example, "After "a string of bad reviews", the restaurant decided to rebrand".

What are some alternatives to saying "a string of bad"?

Alternatives include "a series of unfortunate events", "a streak of bad luck", or "a run of misfortunes". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a string of bad"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. However, it's often more effective to specify what the "bad" refers to, such as "a string of bad decisions" or "a string of bad investments".

What is the difference between "a string of bad luck" and "a series of unfortunate events"?

"A string of bad luck" implies that external forces or chance are causing the negative outcomes. "A series of unfortunate events" is a broader term that can include events caused by luck, mistakes, or other factors.