bad enough that

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad enough that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a negative situation or circumstance. Example: The storm was bad enough that many trees were knocked over, causing widespread power outages.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Bad enough that Sam has joined Facebook.

The New York Times

It was bad enough that people suspected.

The New York Times

It's bad enough that he may suspect this.

The New York Times

It's bad enough that these letters are inaccurate.

The New York Times

Bad enough that I drove that smoking Oldsmobile.

The New York Times

It's bad enough that he's a Putin wannabe.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's bad enough that the stock market has plummeted.

The New York Times

It is bad enough that demand has slumped.

The New York Times

"It's bad enough that it's a book," she said.

The New York Times

IT'S bad enough that everywhere I go, someone wants me to promise not to sue.

The New York Times

Bad enough that Paul distributed the material — worse that he apparently didn't believe it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bad enough that" to emphasize the severity of an already negative situation, adding an extra layer of complication or disappointment. For instance: "The traffic was bad enough that we missed the first act of the play."

Common error

Avoid using "bad enough that" in situations that aren't negative. It is inappropriate to say "The weather was bad enough that we had a wonderful picnic". Instead, use it to describe unwanted or problematic scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad enough that" functions as an adverbial intensifier that introduces a clause expressing an undesirable consequence or additional problem. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used. It heightens the impact of the initial negative situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad enough that" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to express that an existing negative situation is further worsened by another factor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, demonstrating its relevance in describing and emphasizing undesirable circumstances. When writing, remember to use "bad enough that" exclusively in negative contexts to maintain clarity and impact. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "unpleasant enough that" or "unfortunate enough that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpleasant enough that

Emphasizes the disagreeable nature of the situation, focusing on its impact on sensory experience or emotional well-being.

unfortunate enough that

Highlights the element of bad luck or unfavorable circumstances contributing to the situation.

severe enough that

Underscores the intensity and gravity of the situation, suggesting significant consequences.

negative enough that

Focuses on the adverse impact or detrimental effects resulting from the situation.

nasty enough that

Highlights the offensive and unpleasant nature of the situation, emphasizing its repulsiveness.

sad enough that

Emphasizes the sorrowful or distressing aspect of the situation, evoking feelings of pity or grief.

it's already terrible that

Directly states the awfulness of the initial situation before adding further complications.

it's regrettable that

Acknowledges the unfortunate nature of a situation with a tone of remorse.

it's a pity that

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about a particular situation.

to make matters worse

Introduces an additional negative element that compounds the existing difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "bad enough that" in a sentence?

Use "bad enough that" to emphasize the severity of an already negative situation. For example, "The rain was "bad enough that" the game was canceled."

What are some alternatives to saying "bad enough that"?

You can use alternatives like "unpleasant enough that", "unfortunate enough that", or "severe enough that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "bad enough that" in formal writing?

Yes, "bad enough that" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly in news and media contexts, as it effectively conveys a sense of aggravation. However, be mindful of the overall tone and ensure it aligns with the intended message.

Can "bad enough that" be used to describe positive situations?

No, "bad enough that" is specifically used to describe negative situations or circumstances. Using it in a positive context would be grammatically incorrect and confusing.