bad idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad idea" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you think something is not a good choice or plan. For example, you might say "Bringing a gun to school was a bad idea".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bad idea, buddy!

The New York Times

Bad, bad idea.

The New Yorker

A bad idea turned worse.

The New York Times - Sports

That is a bad idea.

The New York Times

It was a bad idea".

Independent

Parker was a bad idea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Bad idea," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

This is not bad idea.

The Economist

Probably not a bad idea.

Forbes

(Not a bad idea, really).

The New York Times - Tech

That's a Bad Idea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bad idea" to directly and clearly express disapproval of a suggestion or plan. It's suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "bad idea" excessively in highly formal writing. In such contexts, consider alternatives like "unwise decision" or "ill-advised plan" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad idea" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subjective complement, offering an evaluation or judgment about a particular plan, course of action, or suggestion. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its role in expressing disagreement or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad idea" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express disapproval or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms this. While appropriate for most neutral contexts, it might be too informal for academic or professional writing, where alternatives like "unwise decision" or "flawed strategy" are more suitable. Ludwig's examples illustrate its widespread use across various news and media outlets, underscoring its role in everyday communication. When expressing reservations, consider using "bad idea" for clarity and directness, but be mindful of your audience and the formality of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not a good plan

Uses a more explicit and straightforward negative construction.

Not recommended

Expresses a lack of endorsement in a direct manner.

Poor choice

Replaces "idea" with "choice", focusing on the action of choosing rather than the idea itself.

Ill-advised plan

Replaces "bad" with "ill-advised" and "idea" with "plan", emphasizing the planning aspect.

Unwise decision

Substitutes "bad" with "unwise" and "idea" with "decision", giving a more formal tone.

Terrible concept

Emphasizes the negativity more strongly with "terrible" and uses "concept" instead of "idea".

Risky proposition

Highlights the potential risks involved.

Flawed strategy

Highlights the problems with the strategy itself.

Counterproductive approach

Suggests the method will have negative results.

A mistake waiting to happen

Focuses on the likely negative outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad idea" to express disapproval or disagreement with a plan or suggestion. For example: "Bringing a weapon to school is a "bad idea"."

What are some alternatives to saying "bad idea"?

You can use alternatives like "poor choice", "unwise decision", or "ill-advised plan" to express a similar sentiment.

Is "bad idea" appropriate for formal writing?

While "bad idea" is widely understood, it might be too informal for highly formal contexts. Consider using more professional alternatives like "unwise decision" or "flawed strategy".

When is it appropriate to use "bad idea"?

"Bad idea" is suitable for everyday conversations and less formal writing where a direct and clear expression of disapproval is desired.