bad form

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad form" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is unacceptably rude or inappropriate. For example, "It was bad form to comment on her weight without asking permission first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bad form.

The New York Times

Very bad form.

The Guardian

Bad form, indeed.

Independent

Mooching pins is bad form.

The New York Times

Bad form, and all that.

The Guardian - Sport

What bad form!

The New York Times - Magazine

This was undoubtedly bad form.

The Guardian - Music

I have very bad form!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bad form is not clever.

The Guardian - Sport

That, he concluded, was bad form.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's considered bad form to get busted".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bad form" when describing actions or behaviors that violate social norms or etiquette. It is suitable for situations where a more formal or direct condemnation might be too harsh.

Common error

While "bad form" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more precise language like "inappropriate" or "unprofessional" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad form" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular kind of behavior or action. It implies that something is socially unacceptable or inappropriate. As noted by Ludwig, it is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad form" is a commonly used phrase to describe behavior that violates social norms or etiquette. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. While suitable for various contexts, it's best to avoid overusing it in very formal settings. When in doubt, consider alternatives like "inappropriate conduct" or "unacceptable behavior". Knowing when and how to use "bad form" effectively can help you navigate social situations with greater confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unacceptable behavior

This alternative emphasizes that the behavior is not tolerated or permissible.

out of line

This suggests that the behavior has crossed a boundary of acceptability.

inappropriate conduct

This alternative is more formal and directly refers to behavior that is not suitable.

improper etiquette

This phrase suggests a lack of adherence to established rules of polite conduct.

rude behavior

This alternative focuses specifically on the lack of politeness in the behavior.

breach of etiquette

This alternative highlights the violation of established social norms.

in poor taste

This alternative implies that the behavior is offensive or insensitive.

social faux pas

This alternative is a more sophisticated term for a breach of social etiquette.

against the grain

This suggests that the action goes against established norms or expectations.

not the done thing

This is an idiomatic expression suggesting something is socially unacceptable or inappropriate.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad form" to describe behavior that violates social norms, such as, "It's considered "bad form" to interrupt someone while they are speaking".

What does "bad form" mean?

"Bad form" refers to behavior considered inappropriate, impolite, or a violation of social etiquette.

What are some alternatives to "bad form"?

Alternatives include "inappropriate conduct", "unacceptable behavior", or "breach of etiquette" depending on the specific context.

Is "bad form" considered formal or informal?

"Bad form" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both casual and professional conversations. However, in very formal writing, more precise terms might be preferred.