bad shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad shot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a poorly executed attempt at something, often in the context of photography, sports, or any situation where precision is important. Example: "The photographer took a bad shot, resulting in a blurry image that didn't capture the moment well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Bad shot.

The New Yorker

Not a bad shot.

The New Yorker

"Never a bad shot".

The New York Times

"Rarely does he take a bad shot".

The New York Times - Sports

If it doesn't, it's a bad shot.

The New York Times

"It was really just one bad shot," he told reporters.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm not going to take a bad shot.

The New York Times - Sports

A bad shot is a bad shot, no matter when it is taken.

The Guardian - Sport

There was barely a bad shot in the lot.

The New York Times - Magazine

"No bad shot goes unrewarded with a Bronx cheer.

The New York Times

Golfers could say, "Oh, that's a bad shot".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific instances of poor performance in sports or other activities, use "bad shot" to clearly convey the mistake or error that occurred.

Common error

In professional or academic writing, consider using more precise language like "poorly executed attempt" or "suboptimal effort" to avoid sounding too casual when discussing a "bad shot".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad shot" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "bad" modifies the noun "shot". It describes a specific instance of a poorly executed attempt, often in the context of sports or photography. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bad shot" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a poorly executed attempt, particularly in sports or photography. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions as a noun phrase, often conveying criticism or disapproval. While generally neutral in register, it leans toward informal usage. The phrase is prevalent in news and media, as demonstrated by the numerous examples. When aiming for precision in formal writing, consider using alternatives like "poorly executed attempt" or "suboptimal effort".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor shot

A more general term indicating the shot was of low quality.

rotten shot

Implies that the shot was of very poor quality or execution.

dreadful shot

Stresses the extremely poor or terrible quality of the shot.

lousy shot

Emphasizes the shot's poor quality in a colloquial way.

hideous shot

Emphasizes the extremely unpleasant or ugly nature of the shot.

ugly shot

Focuses on the unaesthetic or displeasing outcome of the shot.

unfortunate shot

Highlights the bad luck or regrettable nature of the shot.

sad shot

Suggests the shot was disappointing or regrettable.

nasty shot

Highlights the unpleasant or difficult nature of the shot.

undesirable shot

Indicates the shot produced an unwanted or unfavorable result.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad shot" to describe a poorly executed attempt, especially in sports or photography. For example: "That last shot was a "poor shot", and he missed the goal."

What are some alternatives to saying "bad shot"?

Alternatives to "bad shot" include "poor shot", "missed attempt", or "failed effort", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "bad shot" or "poorly executed shot"?

Both "bad shot" and "poorly executed shot" are correct, but "bad shot" is more informal and direct. Use "poorly executed shot" in formal or technical contexts, or when "poor shot" seems too casual.

In what situations is "bad shot" most appropriate?

"Bad shot" is appropriate in informal conversation, sports commentary, or general discussions about performance. For more formal analyses, consider more precise terms like "suboptimal performance" or "failed execution".