bad sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sentence that is poorly constructed, unclear, or grammatically incorrect. Example: "The phrase 'He go to the store' is a bad sentence because it lacks proper subject-verb agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Well, perhaps you should be asking, "What makes a bad sentence?" and then doing none of those things.

The New Yorker

I mean, seriously, the guy lived through food and materials rationing, his pram bombling along cobble-blasted lanes recently blessed with Nazi chicanery (bad sentence).

The New Yorker

It often seemed as if Robert Hughes, the critic and historian who died Monday at 74, never wrote a bad sentence.

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM ROBIN: Can you offer some other techniques Michels uses when a writer is blocked besides the egg timer and bad sentence exercise?

The New Yorker

For instance, the (pseudonymous, I suppose) tweeter TedNope wrote yesterday, "Film critics who let bad acting or sloppy blocking slide = book critics who let bad sentence construction slide," and adds, "Honestly, I'm not really thinking of specific critics.

The New Yorker

Jon Meacham, the Random House executive editor who acquired the book, wrote in an e-mail: "Arthur was a unique figure, both a historian and a maker of history -- and luckily for us he was apparently incapable of writing a bad sentence".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Bad sentences are everywhere.

The New Yorker

The warning that the rush to send out a tough message and to make an example of those involved in violence was leading to "some very bad sentences" came as members of the coalition Government appeared split over the issue.

Independent

Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns for the Howard League for Penal Reform, added that the rush to send a message out was leading to "some very bad sentences, which will be overturned on appeal".

Independent

After a summer of mad growth and ungovernable expansion, vines that trail on like bad sentences, small dry bulbs that erupt into sprawling, overripe flower mounds, I can't wait for the fall editing session when I can get to work yanking out all the dead things, the ugly things, the mistakes and misjudgments.

The New Yorker

But NPR, in its initial statement, made it sound like this was just about a few bad sentences that had spoiled a good thing: Juan has been a valuable contributor to NPR and public radio for many years and we did not make this decision lightly or without regret.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing a "bad sentence" with shorter, simpler sentences for better readability.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice excessively, as it can lead to "bad sentences" that are wordy and unclear. Opt for active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad sentence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "bad" modifies the noun "sentence". It describes a sentence that is flawed, either grammatically, stylistically, or in terms of clarity. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad sentence" is used to describe a sentence that is poorly constructed, grammatically incorrect, or unclear. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When identifying a "bad sentence", it's important to be specific about its flaws and consider simplifying or restructuring it. Common errors that contribute to "bad sentences" include overuse of passive voice and complex sentence structures. Related phrases include "poorly constructed sentence" and "ungrammatical sentence". Overall, the phrase is a useful way to describe ineffective writing and prompt improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly constructed sentence

Focuses on the structural flaws of the sentence.

ungrammatical sentence

Highlights the violation of grammatical rules.

incorrect sentence

Emphasizes the factual or grammatical errors in the sentence.

awkward sentence

Indicates the sentence is clumsy or unnatural.

unclear sentence

Focuses on the lack of clarity and comprehensibility.

confusing sentence

Highlights the sentence's tendency to cause confusion.

incoherent sentence

Stresses the lack of logical connection or sense.

faulty sentence

Emphasizes the presence of errors or defects.

defective sentence

Highlights the presence of critical flaws or shortcomings.

problematic sentence

Indicates that the sentence presents difficulties or issues.

FAQs

What makes a "bad sentence"?

A "bad sentence" can be characterized by grammatical errors, lack of clarity, awkward phrasing, or overall incoherence. It fails to effectively convey its intended meaning.

How can I identify a "bad sentence" in my writing?

Read your writing aloud to catch awkward phrasing or confusing structures. Look for sentences that are too long, contain multiple ideas, or use complex vocabulary unnecessarily. Peer review can also help identify "problematic sentences".

What are some alternatives to calling a sentence "bad"?

Depending on the issue, you can use terms like "poorly constructed sentence", "ungrammatical sentence", or "unclear sentence" to be more specific.

How does using simpler language help avoid "bad sentences"?

Simpler language reduces the risk of grammatical errors and makes the sentence easier to understand. By avoiding complex vocabulary and sentence structures, you can create clearer and more effective sentences.