bad habits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'bad habits' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase in any context where you want to describe undesirable behaviour that someone has developed over time. For example: "John has developed some bad habits over the past few years which need to be addressed".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bad habits?

The New York Times

Bad habits have accumulated.

The New York Times

"Noise, bad habits, prostitution.

The New York Times

Bad habits are tricky.

The New York Times

They develop bad habits.

The Guardian

Any bad habits?

The Guardian - Tech

He had two bad habits.

The New York Times

Bad habits can get worse.

The New York Times

It's creating very bad habits.

The New York Times - Tech

But some bad habits are being kicked.

The Economist

"They are learning bad habits from us".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the difficulty in changing behaviors, use phrases like "Breaking bad habits is challenging" or "Overcoming bad habits requires dedication".

Common error

Avoid making vague statements about the effects of "bad habits". Instead of saying "Bad habits are always harmful", provide specific examples of how particular habits can be detrimental in certain situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad habits" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence, describing undesirable or negative behaviors that someone has developed over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

37%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad habits" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe undesirable behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news, wiki content, and scientific discussions, indicating its broad applicability. While alternative phrases like "undesirable behaviors" or "negative routines" can be used, "bad habits" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to refer to actions one wishes to change or avoid. When using the phrase, it's best to be specific about the habits and their consequences to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undesirable behaviors

Focuses on the behavioral aspect, emphasizing that the habits are not wanted or appreciated.

negative routines

Highlights the repetitive nature of the habits and their detrimental impact.

destructive patterns

Emphasizes the damaging effects of the habits and their recurring nature.

unhealthy practices

Specifically refers to practices that are detrimental to one's physical or mental health.

poor choices

Highlights the aspect of decision-making leading to unfavorable outcomes.

vices

A more formal term referring to immoral or wicked behaviors.

addictions

Implies a compulsive need or dependence on something harmful.

self-destructive tendencies

Focuses on the inherent harm the habits cause to oneself.

harmful compulsions

Highlights the uncontrollable urge to engage in negative behaviors.

problem behaviors

A general term for behaviors that cause issues or difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad habits" to describe undesirable behaviors someone has developed. For example, "He is trying to quit his "bad habits" like smoking and excessive drinking".

What are some alternatives to saying "bad habits"?

You can use alternatives such as "undesirable behaviors", "negative routines", or "destructive patterns" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "bad habits" and "vices"?

"Bad habits" generally refer to any undesirable behaviors, while "vices" often imply more serious or immoral behaviors.

How do I break "bad habits"?

Breaking "bad habits" often involves identifying triggers, setting realistic goals, and finding healthier alternatives.