bad moves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad moves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe poor decisions or actions taken in a particular situation, often in a strategic or game-related context. Example: "The team's bad moves during the game ultimately led to their defeat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

I'm not saying those are all bad moves.

The New York Times

Well, take credit for the bad moves, too".

The New York Times - Sports

But small moves — or none at all — are better than bad moves.

The New York Times - Sports

When play resumed, Radjabov made a series of bad moves and lost.

The New York Times

At worst, the deal is a lot like many bad moves the Rangers have made.

The New York Times - Sports

Clinton has made plenty of bad moves with regard to her e-mail server.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The probability that a bad move is accepted is based on a temperature and the degree of badness.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Bad move.

The New York Times

Bad move, Ruby!

The New York Times - Books

Bad move, old bean.

The New York Times - Books

Bad move, guys.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing strategic failures, use "bad moves" to directly convey the idea of specific actions that led to negative outcomes. This is particularly effective in contexts like sports, business, and games.

Common error

While "bad moves" is widely understood, it may lack the sophistication required for formal reports or academic papers. Opt for alternatives like "unwise actions" or "ill-advised steps" in such contexts to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad moves" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "bad" modifies the noun "moves". Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability in written English. This phrase is commonly used to describe poor decisions or actions within a specific context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad moves" is a commonly used phrase to describe poor decisions or actions, particularly in strategic contexts like sports, business, and games. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "unwise actions" or "strategic errors" in academic or professional settings. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, reflecting its relevance in discussing real-world events and outcomes. When writing, use "bad moves" to directly convey specific actions that led to negative results, but be mindful of the tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor decisions

This alternative focuses on the decision-making aspect, highlighting the lack of quality in the choices made.

unwise actions

This phrase emphasizes the lack of wisdom or prudence in the actions taken.

ill-advised steps

This alternative suggests that the actions were taken without proper consideration or guidance.

misguided efforts

This phrase implies that the efforts were based on flawed or incorrect understanding.

unfortunate choices

This alternative highlights the negative consequences or bad luck associated with the choices.

strategic errors

This phrase specifically refers to mistakes made in a strategic context, such as in business or games.

tactical blunders

Similar to strategic errors, this emphasizes mistakes in specific tactical executions.

imprudent measures

This alternative suggests that the measures taken lacked caution and foresight.

counterproductive actions

This phrase highlights that the actions had the opposite of the intended effect.

detrimental steps

This alternative emphasizes the harmful or damaging nature of the steps taken.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "bad moves"?

Alternatives to "bad moves" include "poor decisions", "unwise actions", or "ill-advised steps", which can provide a more nuanced description of the situation.

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

You can use "bad moves" to describe strategic errors, such as: "The company's "bad moves" during the negotiation led to a less favorable deal."

Is "bad moves" appropriate for formal writing?

While understandable, "bad moves" may be too informal for certain contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "strategic errors" or "imprudent measures" in formal reports.

What's the difference between "bad moves" and "mistakes"?

"Bad moves" typically refer to specific actions or decisions that have negative consequences, while "mistakes" is a broader term encompassing errors of any kind. A "bad move" is a type of mistake, but not all mistakes are necessarily bad moves.