bad phrasing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad phrasing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a poorly constructed sentence or expression that may lead to confusion or misunderstanding. Example: "The report was difficult to understand due to bad phrasing in several sections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Just to clarify, this also shows the initial concern of 'tracking after uninstall' was bad phrasing.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a bad phrase at IBM".

The Economist

"Ethnic-cleansing is a bad phrase, it's not appropriate.

The Guardian

Osborne says he has always thought that was a bad phrase.

The Guardian

At first sight, Anderson's show, trailers for which featured many Bad Phrases – "multimedia artist", "interdisciplinary", "Vancouver Cultural Olympiad" – terrified.

The Guardian - Music

McCarthy can be incredibly astute psychologically, the long lists are astounding in their precision, there is hardly a bad phrase and many of the images are wonderful.

The New York Times

In 1943, she compliments a college student on his style, but the words "the world beautiful" elicit a rebuke: "That is the only bad phrase in your letter.

The New Yorker

And of course there was always the other side, the fact that our friendship really wasn't a courting, was really disinterested (Bad phrase) really led to no encroachments.

The New Yorker

All right, six might be a bit of an exaggeration, but the mistakes are relatively infrequent — ensuring that a few bad phrases have gotten more than their share of attention from dedicated viewers.

The New Yorker

There is a virtual industry, at the moment, in people mining the pasts of the newly prominent to find an ill-advised tweet from 2007, a Facebook update where they used a "bad" phrase or an early standup skit where they appeared to say something bad about, say, Mexicans – unless you watch to the end of the clip and realise they're doing it in the guise of a dumb character.

The Guardian - Books

Users can subscribe to ipadio "phlogs" (a pretty bad phrase I hope they dump) via email, RSS and iTunes.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when evaluating "bad phrasing". What might be acceptable in informal conversation could be inappropriate in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "bad phrasing" as a dismissive label without providing constructive feedback. Instead, explain how the phrasing could be improved for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad phrasing" functions as a descriptor, typically used to identify and criticize ineffective or unclear writing. It denotes that the specific choice and arrangement of words are inadequate, leading to potential misunderstanding or diminished impact, Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Tech

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad phrasing" is used to describe ineffective or unclear language, highlighting issues with word choice and sentence construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable. While it is not very common, it serves as a critical descriptor in various contexts, particularly in discussions about writing quality and communication effectiveness. To avoid "bad phrasing", focus on clarity, conciseness, and appropriateness for your audience. Consider alternative phrases like "poor wording" or "awkward expression" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor wording

Focuses on the quality of the words used.

poorly worded

Directly criticizes the way something is expressed in words.

awkward expression

Highlights the clumsy or unnatural nature of the phrase.

unfortunate choice of words

Emphasizes the negative impact of the specific words selected.

clumsy language

Suggests a lack of skill or care in the use of language.

inelegant phrasing

Implies a lack of grace or style in the expression.

unclear phrasing

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the expression.

unskillful phrasing

Highlights a lack of skill when phrasing something.

inartful language

Highlights the lack of art when wording something.

vague language

Highlights the lack of specificity in the expression.

FAQs

How can I identify "bad phrasing" in my own writing?

Read your work aloud and listen for awkward pauses or sentences that sound unnatural. Ask others to review your writing and provide feedback on clarity and flow.

What are some common causes of "bad phrasing"?

Common causes include using overly complex vocabulary, employing convoluted sentence structures, and failing to consider the target audience's understanding.

What can I say instead of "bad phrasing"?

You can use alternatives like "poor wording", "awkward expression", or "unclear language depending on the specific issue".

How does "bad phrasing" affect communication?

"Bad phrasing" can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and a loss of credibility. Clear and effective communication requires careful attention to word choice and sentence structure.