bad call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad call" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a poor decision or judgment in a particular situation. Example: "Deciding to invest in that failing company was a bad call on my part."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bad call.

Forbes

Probably a bad call.

The New York Times - Food

"Bad call," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

A bad call?

The Washington Post

Bad call, monsieur.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Just a bad call".

The New York Times - Sports

1.31am BST Bad call!

The Guardian - Sport

"Bad call!" shouted Williams.

The New York Times

Was that a bad call?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Knicks — bad call," he added.

The New York Times

It was a bad call".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If your writing style should be formal, replace "bad call" with more formal equivalents, like "poor decision" or "error in judgment".

Common error

Avoid using "bad call" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "unfortunate decision" or "miscalculation" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad call" functions as an evaluative expression, used to criticize or express disapproval of a decision. It is often employed in contexts where a judgment is deemed incorrect or unfavorable. As Ludwig AI suggests, it directly communicates a negative assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad call" is a commonly used phrase to express disapproval of a decision, particularly in informal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in news and media. While highly frequent, it's best to avoid using "bad call" in academic or formal writing, opting instead for more professional alternatives like "poor decision" or "misjudgment". When deciding to use "bad call", consider your audience and the context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor decision

A more general and formal way of saying "bad call", applicable in various contexts.

wrong choice

Similar to "poor decision", emphasizing the selection of an incorrect option.

misjudgment

Highlights an error in assessment or evaluation.

error in judgment

A more formal and verbose way to express a mistake in decision-making.

mistake

A simpler term for an action or decision that produces an unwanted result.

blunder

Implies a more significant and often embarrassing mistake.

oversight

Suggests that something was missed or not properly considered.

faux pas

Refers to a social blunder or a violation of etiquette.

lapse in judgment

Highlights a temporary failure to think clearly or make a sound decision.

ill-advised move

Emphasizes that an action was unwise or imprudent.

FAQs

What does "bad call" mean?

"Bad call" is an informal expression used to describe a poor decision or misjudgment. It implies that a mistake has been made.

What can I say instead of "bad call"?

You can use alternatives like "poor decision", "wrong choice", or "misjudgment" depending on the context.

Is "bad call" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "bad call" is generally considered too informal for academic or professional writing. Use more formal alternatives like "error in judgment".

How is "bad call" typically used?

"Bad call" is often used in sports commentary, casual conversation, or when criticizing a decision in an informal setting. For example, "That was a really "poor decision" by the referee!"