bad case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is unfavorable or problematic. Example: "The patient presented with a bad case of the flu, requiring immediate medical attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It wasn't a bad case.

The New Yorker

Bad case of writer's block?

The New Yorker

I had a really bad case.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a particularly bad case.

The New Yorker

Bad case of low female esteem?

The Times

A bad case of meat sweat delirium.

The Guardian

A bad case of acid-wash denim.

The Guardian

Cobain had a bad case of successophobia.

The Guardian - Music

My dad caught a bad case of the running bug.

Stanford University

THE FACTS Ever have a bad case of laryngitis?

The New York Times - Health

The Pomeroys have a bad case of consumeritis.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bad case" to describe an instance or occurrence that is significantly negative or undesirable. It's suitable when you want to emphasize the severity or unpleasantness of a situation, illness, or problem.

Common error

Avoid using "bad case" for minor inconveniences or slight issues. Reserve it for situations where the negativity or severity is genuinely significant; otherwise, it can sound exaggerated or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad case" functions primarily as a qualifier combined with a noun, specifying that the case is particularly negative or severe. It is used to describe the degree or intensity of a situation, illness, or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad case" is a commonly used phrase to describe a particularly negative or severe instance of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally considered neutral in register, using more formal or technical terms might be preferable in academic or professional settings. When employing this phrase, be sure to accurately reflect the severity of the situation to avoid exaggeration. Related phrases, such as ""serious situation"" or ""severe instance"", can offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious instance

Focuses on the severity of the situation, highlighting its importance and potential consequences.

severe situation

Emphasizes the intensity and potential danger of the circumstances.

unfortunate incident

Highlights the negative and undesirable nature of the event.

difficult circumstance

Focuses on the challenging and problematic aspects of the situation.

dire predicament

Emphasizes the urgency and severity of the situation, suggesting a need for immediate action.

grave matter

Highlights the seriousness and potential consequences of the issue.

critical condition

Focuses on the instability and potential for negative outcomes.

tough break

Uses a more informal expression to indicate an unlucky or unfortunate event.

sticky situation

Emphasizes the awkward and potentially problematic nature of the circumstances.

nasty business

Uses a more colloquial term to indicate something unpleasant or undesirable.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad case" to describe a severe instance of something negative. For example, "She had a "bad case of the flu"" or "The company suffered a "bad case of mismanagement"".

What's a less dramatic way to say "bad case"?

Depending on the context, you could use "serious situation", "severe instance", or "unfortunate event" instead of "bad case".

Is it appropriate to use "bad case" in formal writing?

While "bad case" is generally understood, it may be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using a more precise or technical term, like "critical situation" or "serious condition", for professional or academic writing.

What types of situations is "bad case" typically used to describe?

"Bad case" is often used to describe illnesses (e.g., "bad case of bronchitis"), problems (e.g., "bad case of the mumps"), or other undesirable situations. It indicates that the situation is severe or unpleasant.