bad knees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad knees" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition where someone's knees are in poor health or causing pain, often in the context of physical activity or aging. Example: "After years of running, I finally had to accept that I have bad knees and need to find a low-impact exercise routine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Bad knees".

The New York Times

Bad knees, or something.

Independent

"I have bad knees," he said.

The New York Times

But he was undermined by bad knees.

The New York Times

He had some real bad knees.

The New York Times - Sports

"I got two bad knees, a bad back".

The New Yorker

My mother is 87 years old and has bad knees.

Independent

I am 43, I have bad knees, you know, diabetes.

The Guardian - Books

He was hobbling on along the sideline on bad knees.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a particularly attractive option for runners with bad knees.

The New York Times

He has bad knees, the result of arthritis and his years in the N.F.L.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice, consider the impact level on the knees. For example, instead of running, suggest swimming or cycling.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "bad knees" without providing context. Specify the type of knee problem or its impact on activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad knees" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "bad" modifies the noun "knees". It typically describes a medical condition or physical limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad knees" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe knee problems or a condition affecting the knees. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's primarily used in news, media, and informal contexts to communicate physical limitations or health issues. When using the phrase, it's helpful to provide specific details about the nature of the knee problem. Alternatives include "knee problems", "knee issues", or "painful knees", offering varying degrees of formality and specificity. While common, be mindful of overgeneralizing the condition and aim for clarity in describing the particular issue affecting the knees.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knee problems

Replaces the adjective "bad" with a more general term "problems".

knee issues

Uses "issues" as a more neutral alternative to "problems".

troubled knees

Emphasizes the troublesome nature of the knees.

weak knees

Focuses on the lack of strength in the knees.

unstable knees

Highlights the instability of the knees.

painful knees

Emphasizes the pain associated with the knees.

knees in poor condition

Describes the knees' state in a more formal way.

knees giving out

Focuses on the knees' inability to function properly.

compromised knees

Highlights that the knees have been damaged or weakened.

degenerative knee condition

Specifies a condition that is worsening over time.

FAQs

How can I describe having "bad knees" in a sentence?

You can say "I have "knee problems"", "My knees are "weak"", or "I suffer from a "degenerative knee condition"".

What are some alternative phrases for "bad knees"?

Alternatives include "knee issues", "troubled knees", or "painful knees", depending on the specific problem.

Is it better to say "bad knees" or "knee problems"?

Both are acceptable. "Bad knees" is more informal, while ""knee problems"" is more general and can encompass a wider range of issues.

What kind of exercises should I avoid if I have "bad knees"?

Generally, you should avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping. Consider low-impact alternatives such as swimming or "cycling".