bad temper

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad temper" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person who's prone to getting angry easily, or when describing someone's short-lived angry behavior. Example sentence: "The teacher had a bad temper and became very angry when the students talked during class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Bad temper?

The New York Times

I have a bad temper.

The New Yorker

"Everyone is in a bad temper.

The New York Times

Your hair-trigger bad temper didn't help.

The Guardian - Film

"I do not have a bad temper," Mr. Duffy said.

The New York Times

By that time, he was in a bad temper.

The New Yorker

And he criticized her for her bad temper!

The New Yorker

"What did the Party Secretary criticize herself for?" "Bad temper".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

According to Bouvier, Rybolovlev arrived in a bad temper.

The New Yorker

The restaurant kitchen is the last refuge of bad temper.

The New York Times - Arts

I had a very bad temper back then.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, it's more appropriate to address "poor anger management" rather than simply labeling someone as having a "bad temper".

Common error

While "bad temper" is easily understood, overuse can make your writing feel uninspired. Consider using more descriptive alternatives like "hair-trigger anger" or "simmering resentment" to add depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad temper" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., "has a bad temper") or as a modifier to describe someone's disposition. Ludwig shows that it's commonly used to characterize individuals or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad temper" is a common noun phrase used to describe a propensity for anger or irritability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While "bad temper" is generally understood, consider using more descriptive or formal alternatives depending on the context, such as "short fuse" or "poor anger management". Overusing "bad temper" can make your writing less impactful, so vary your language to add depth and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick to anger

Directly describes the propensity to become angry easily.

short fuse

Focuses on the quickness of anger arousal.

easily provoked

Highlights the ease with which someone can be made angry.

explosive temper

Conveys the sudden and intense nature of anger outbursts.

irascible nature

Highlights an inherently irritable personality.

hot-headedness

Emphasizes impulsiveness and lack of control in anger.

fiery disposition

Emphasizes the intense and passionate nature of anger.

volatile personality

Suggests unpredictable and sudden outbursts of anger.

poor anger management

Focuses on the lack of control over one's anger.

irritable mood

Focuses on the general state of being easily annoyed or angered.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who gets angry easily?

You can use phrases like "short fuse", "quick to anger", or "easily provoked" to describe someone who gets angry easily.

What is a more formal way to say "bad temper"?

A more formal way to say "bad temper" is "poor anger management" or referring to someone's "irascible nature".

Is it appropriate to use "bad temper" in professional writing?

While understandable, "bad temper" may be too informal for professional contexts. Consider using phrases like "anger management issues" or describing specific behaviors.

What are the signs of someone having a "bad temper"?

Signs can include frequent outbursts of anger, difficulty controlling emotions, and easily becoming irritated or frustrated. It's important to note that these are just potential indicators and should not be used for diagnosis.