bad grades

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad grades" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when discussing a student's academic performance, for example: "John has been getting bad grades in math recently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bad grades?

The New Yorker

He was getting bad grades.

The New York Times

But first, he tackled those bad grades.

The New York Times

Cubias ditched class a lot and got bad grades.

The New Yorker

Gray was getting bad grades and had little motivation.

The Washington Post

I applied and got in despite my bad grades.

The Guardian

Do Bad Grades + Violent Video Games = Violent Kids?

University of California, Berkeley

Most events here are rejected because of bad grades.

Harvard University

He wasn't going to be a scientist — his bad grades at Cornell made that clear.

The New Yorker

"I had bad grades, and I couldn't get into high school.

The New Yorker

Because of her bad grades from the 1950s, Ms. Logan had to start from scratch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a student's performance, be specific. Instead of just saying "bad grades", mention the specific subjects or types of assessments where the student is struggling.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "bad grades" are solely due to a lack of effort. Consider other factors like learning disabilities, personal issues, or ineffective teaching methods before jumping to conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad grades" functions as a noun phrase, where "bad" modifies the noun "grades". It describes the quality of academic performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad grades" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe unsatisfactory academic performance. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usability. It is frequently used across various contexts, including news, academic discussions, and general conversations. When using the phrase, consider being specific about the subjects or assessments involved, and avoid jumping to conclusions about the cause. Alternatives like "poor academic performance", "low marks", and "failing grades" can be used for more formal or nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failing grades

Emphasizes that the grades are not passing, indicating a failure in the subject.

failing marks

Highlights the failing aspect of the marks, indicating a failure in the assessment.

weak grades

Emphasizes the grades are not strong or competitive.

low marks

Substitutes "grades" with "marks", indicating a lower level of achievement in assessments.

unsatisfactory grades

Indicates that the grades do not meet the required or expected standard.

poor academic performance

Replaces "bad grades" with a more formal and comprehensive term for overall academic standing.

deficient grades

Highlights that the grades are lacking and insufficient for academic progress.

subpar academic results

Replaces "grades" with "results", focusing on the outcome of academic efforts being below average.

poor scholastic standing

Implies a general problem with school achievement and academic position.

low test scores

Focuses specifically on test performance rather than overall grades.

FAQs

What are some common causes of "bad grades"?

Common causes can include poor study habits, lack of understanding of the material, personal issues, learning disabilities, or ineffective teaching methods. Identifying the root cause is essential for improvement.

How can I improve my "bad grades"?

Strategies for improvement include developing better study habits, seeking help from tutors or teachers, addressing any personal issues affecting academic performance, and ensuring a conducive learning environment.

What can I say instead of "bad grades"?

You can use alternatives like "poor academic performance", "low marks", or "failing grades" depending on the specific context.

What are the long-term consequences of having "bad grades"?

Potential long-term consequences include limited educational opportunities, reduced career prospects, and lower self-esteem. Addressing academic challenges early can mitigate these risks.