bad plays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad plays" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe theatrical performances that are poorly executed or not well-received. Example: "The critics were harsh in their reviews, labeling the production as one of the worst bad plays of the season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Too many bad plays to overcome.

The New York Times - Sports

I've given up bad plays before.

The New York Times - Sports

But he had those really bad plays.

The New York Times - Sports

There's plenty of bad plays or mistakes in the fourth".

The New York Times - Sports

"My plays are very bad plays," he said.

The New York Times

We've had good and bad plays about environmental catastrophe.

The Guardian

And still remember the good plays and the bad plays, and maybe the dream plays, too.

The New York Times - Sports

It was just too many bad plays, too many mistakes; it just wasn't good enough.

The New York Times - Sports

I had two bad plays, but I still hear about it.

The New York Times - Sports

But when defensive backs make bad plays, it puts us in position to lose".

The New York Times - Sports

"You're going to have a lot of bad plays," Simms said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific events, use "bad plays" to directly address actions within a game or performance. Be specific about what made the play "bad" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "bad plays" as a catch-all term for general failures. Instead, specify the type of error or deficiency to provide a more precise and informative description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad plays" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object in a sentence, describing actions that are unsuccessful or detrimental within a specific context, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Less common in

Wiki

0.3%

Reference

0.1%

Academia

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bad plays" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe unfavorable actions within games, performances or other strategic scenarios. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, notably in news and media, where it serves to critique and evaluate events. To enhance clarity, it's best used with specific details about what made the plays "bad", while avoiding its overgeneralization. Although frequently employed and suitable for general discussions, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative plays

Highlights actions that result in a loss of advantage or progress.

botched plays

Specifies that the execution of the play was mishandled or ruined.

poor performances

Focuses on the quality of execution in a general sense, applicable to various activities.

costly mistakes

Emphasizes the negative impact or consequences of errors.

missteps

Suggests a deviation from the correct or desired path.

unfortunate incidents

Highlights the negative outcome or consequence of specific actions or events.

blunders

Implies significant and often embarrassing mistakes.

strategic errors

Refers to mistakes in planning or decision-making, particularly in competitive settings.

failed attempts

Focuses on the lack of success in trying to achieve a goal.

ill-advised actions

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom or judgment in the actions taken.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad plays" to describe mistakes or errors during a game or performance. For example, "The team lost due to a series of "bad plays" in the final quarter".

What are some alternatives to saying "bad plays"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "poor performances", "costly mistakes", or "strategic errors".

Is it appropriate to use "bad plays" in formal writing?

While "bad plays" is widely understood, in formal writing, consider more precise alternatives such as "unfortunate incidents" or "strategic errors" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when someone refers to "322" in the context of bad plays?

The number "322" is a reference to a match-fixing scandal in e-sports and has become synonymous with "bad plays" and intentionally throwing away a game for money.