already bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already bad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is currently negative or unfavorable, often implying that it has been negative for some time. Example: "The weather was already bad before the storm hit, making travel nearly impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's already bad.

The New York Times

"It is already bad and getting worse".

The New York Times

Ms Ramos says these are already bad.

The Economist

It was already bad for me.

The New York Times - Science

Stannis's day, already bad, is now officially terrible.

The New Yorker

And she's wandering around the docks, already bad.

The New Yorker

And, with that, my already bad day was ruined.

The New Yorker

But it has devastated Kosovo's already bad international image.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

If that indeed happens, it would exacerbate an already-bad balance of payments problem.

BBC

Amazing, it hasn't been made into a movie already... Bad as this is, it's not the worst that could happen.

The Guardian - Film

The situation was already bad and then the piles began to erupt into flames.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "already bad", ensure the context clearly establishes what "bad" refers to. Providing specific details or examples helps the reader understand the extent and nature of the negative situation.

Common error

Avoid using "already bad" without clearly defining what makes the situation bad. Without context, the phrase lacks impact and can confuse the reader. Be specific about the negative aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already bad" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or situation to indicate a pre-existing negative state. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is used to describe conditions that are substandard or unfavorable from a particular point in time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "already bad" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned adjective phrase used to describe situations that are negative from a certain point in time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and media contexts. When employing the phrase, it is essential to provide clear context to define what constitutes "bad". Alternatives include "previously negative", "initially poor", and "originally unfavorable". With a solid expert rating, this phrase effectively conveys the persistence and severity of a negative condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

already subpar

Focuses on the state of being below par from the starting point.

already inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency of something from the start.

previously negative

Focuses on the state being negative at an earlier point in time.

already deficient

Emphasizes a pre-existing lack of necessary qualities or elements.

initially poor

Emphasizes the subpar quality or condition from the beginning.

originally unfavorable

Highlights that the situation started off in a disadvantageous manner.

previously substandard

Focuses on a past state of failing to meet required standards.

formerly deficient

Stresses a past state of lacking or inadequacy.

currently adverse

Highlights the present negative or harmful circumstances.

historically subpar

Indicates a history of being below the expected standard.

FAQs

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

You can use "already bad" to describe a situation that is currently negative. For instance, "The traffic was "already bad" before the accident made it worse".

What are some alternatives to "already bad"?

Alternatives include "previously negative", "initially poor", or "originally unfavorable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "already bad"?

Yes, "already bad" is grammatically correct. It functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or situation.

What's the difference between "already bad" and "still bad"?

"Already bad" implies the situation was negative from the beginning or some point in the past, while "still bad" suggests the situation has remained negative over a period of time. You can use alternatives like "previously negative" or "remains unfavorable".