bad method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad method" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a technique or approach that is ineffective or flawed. Example: "The experiment failed because we used a bad method for data collection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But as a way of probing gaps in the lawyers' armor, it's not a bad method.

The Washington Post

One of GATT's achievements was to establish tariffs as the least bad method of protection, and to negotiate maximum tariff rates (so-called "bound" levels).

The Economist

Judging by the bright, stunned, young eyes you'll occasionally find these days in the basement of the Liberty Science Center, it's not a bad method for stoking enthusiasm in middle-school science students, either.

The New Yorker

To identify the defects generated within the substrate, a modified bond angle distribution (BAD) method is utilized [25].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Perhaps Aristotle would reply that in existing political communities a virtuous person must accommodate himself to the least bad method of distribution, because, human nature being what it is, a certain amount of injustice must be tolerated.

SEP

He's equating popularity with legs, which isn't a bad method but has its own problems: Namely the problems he ascribes to my methodology in #2.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

There are no good or bad methods, since any of them, rigorously used, can be useful.

Educación Médica

It would be very different from the story in the Philippines, where a good result has been tainted by bad methods.

The Economist

What there will be are minor statistical aberrations combined with bad methods, which will lead to "serious questions about the safety of our voting system". Don't believe it when they say it.

HuffPost

While the antagonists of yesterday's struggles battle on, while Left and Right, unions and employers, all pretend to argue about the least bad methods of redistributing humanity's assets, a third power appeared in force at the moment the subprime bubble burst: The exploited are no longer the exploited but now are the minions of Debt.

Huffington Post

Indeed, for example, the specificity of different methods will always (except with bad methods) be close to 1 because the differences in the number of false positives will play a very minor role in the division by the number of true negatives.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing a "bad method", provide specific reasons why it is ineffective and suggest alternative approaches.

Common error

Avoid blanket statements about a "bad method" without acknowledging potential contextual factors or specific limitations that contribute to its ineffectiveness. Acknowledge nuances and specific areas where the method falls short rather than dismissing it entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad method" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "bad" modifies the noun "method". It describes a technique or approach that is ineffective, flawed, or undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bad method" serves as a straightforward way to describe an ineffective or flawed approach. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its proper grammatical structure and usability. While not overly formal, it appears across various contexts, with a slight preference for Science and News & Media. When using "bad method", be specific about the method's shortcomings and consider using synonyms like "flawed approach" or "ineffective method" for added precision or formality. The phrase is most effective when used to prompt a change in strategy or a search for better alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ineffective method

Replaces "bad" with a more direct synonym emphasizing lack of effectiveness.

flawed approach

Substitutes "method" with "approach" and "bad" with "flawed", highlighting inherent weaknesses.

poor technique

Uses "poor" instead of "bad" and "technique" instead of "method", suggesting a lack of skill or quality.

suboptimal strategy

Replaces "method" with "strategy" and "bad" with "suboptimal", indicating a less than ideal choice.

unreliable process

Focuses on the lack of dependability of the method.

deficient methodology

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the underlying methodology.

inadequate system

Highlights the insufficiency of the system used.

faulty procedure

Suggests an error or defect in the established procedure.

wrong way

Offers a simpler, more direct alternative to describe an incorrect approach.

ill-advised tactic

Indicates that the method was a poor choice given the circumstances.

FAQs

How can I describe the consequences of using a "bad method"?

You can describe the consequences using phrases like "inefficient outcomes", "compromised results", or "increased errors". The specific phrase depends on the nature of the method and its impact.

What's the difference between a "bad method" and an "inefficient process"?

A "bad method" generally refers to a flawed or incorrect approach, while an "inefficient process" may still achieve the desired outcome but consumes excessive time, resources, or effort. A "bad method" is often also an inefficient one, but the inverse isn't always true.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "bad method" in formal writing?

It is acceptable to use "bad method" in formal writing when providing a clear and direct critique of a methodology. However, consider using more precise and professional synonyms such as "flawed approach" or "suboptimal strategy" for increased clarity.

What are some alternatives to saying something is a "bad method" that sound less harsh?

Instead of saying "bad method", you could say it is an "unsuitable technique", an "inappropriate procedure", or an "unreliable system", which are all more polite and professional alternatives.