bad air

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad air" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe air that is polluted, unhealthy, or unpleasant to breathe. Example: "The factory's emissions have contributed to the bad air in the surrounding neighborhoods, making it difficult for residents to enjoy outdoor activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bad air.

The New York Times

The bad air bothered me.

The New York Times - Books

Most doctors then believed miasma – bad air – was responsible.

The Guardian - Opinion

He thinks bad air favors the poorer race horses.

The New Yorker

"They have to breathe this bad air, too, after all".

The New York Times

"It's not just breathing bad air," said Aaron Cohen, the principal epidemiologist at the institute.

The New York Times

He says, in the city's defence, that other Olympics have been plagued by bad air.

The Economist

Crime, overcrowding, noise, bad air, "the element," were said to be the problems.

The New York Times

(We owe to it the name of the disease malaria: literally, "bad air").

The New Yorker

But at certain times, under certain conditions -- usually for brief periods -- the bad air still returns.

The New York Times

The term malaria originates from the Italian mal aria, meaning bad air.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing environmental issues, use "bad air" to convey the negative impact of pollution on public health and the environment. For example, in reports or articles concerning air quality, this term is easily understood by a broad audience.

Common error

Avoid attributing "bad air" solely to one source. Air quality issues often result from a combination of factors such as industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and weather patterns. Acknowledge multiple contributing elements for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad air" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "bad" modifies the noun "air". As Ludwig AI points out, it's used to describe air that is polluted or unhealthy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad air" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe polluted or unhealthy air. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its frequent use in news and media highlights its role in conveying concerns about environmental and public health issues. While synonyms like "polluted air" or "poor air quality" exist, "bad air" provides a straightforward and widely understood means of expressing concern over air quality. Its usage spans across neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

polluted air

Replaces "bad" with a more direct descriptor of contamination.

unhealthy air

Focuses on the negative impact on health.

poor air quality

Uses a more technical term for substandard air.

contaminated air

Highlights the presence of pollutants.

toxic air

Emphasizes the poisonous nature of the air.

stale air

Describes air that lacks freshness and circulation.

foul air

Indicates air with an unpleasant odor.

smog

Refers specifically to air pollution caused by smoke and fog.

air pollution

A general term for the presence of pollutants in the air.

miasmal air

An archaic term referring to noxious air formerly believed to cause disease.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "bad air"?

Alternatives for "bad air" include "polluted air", "unhealthy air", and "poor air quality". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What causes "bad air"?

"Bad air" can be caused by various factors, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, agricultural practices, and natural events like wildfires. These activities release pollutants that degrade air quality.

How does "bad air" affect health?

"Bad air" can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues. Long-term exposure to polluted air can also increase the risk of chronic illnesses.

Is "bad air" the same as smog?

While "bad air" can refer to general air pollution, smog specifically refers to a type of air pollution characterized by a visible haze, typically caused by a combination of pollutants and weather conditions.