bad visibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad visibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as weather reports, driving conditions, or any situation where clarity or sight is impaired. Example: "Due to the heavy fog, there was bad visibility on the roads, making driving hazardous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"Bad visibility, bad visibility!" go the gremlins in my head.

The Guardian - Travel

Other times, snow makes for bad visibility.

Independent

Bad visibility is real-time monitoring.

Harvard Business Review

Bad visibility masked our view but we heard avalanches roaring in the valley around us.

The Guardian

But in my experience, there is good visibility and bad visibility.

Harvard Business Review

* It was dark and raining with bad visibility, but this was Jersey, and we don't slow down for anything..

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

There was a smell of smoke in the air, but it wasn't not too bad visibility-wise.

BBC

Late at night the visibility can get pretty bad.

The New York Times

On a bad day, visibility there is only about 15 miles.

The New York Times

Actually just pollution and cars," he answered, cheerfully enough, describing the city where he attends a state elementary school that has no smog alerts or restrictions on outdoor sports or other activities — even on days when the air is so bad that visibility shrinks to just a hundred meters or so.

The New York Times

BBC reporter Paul Greer, in Winchester, said: "As I was driving up here you forget how bad the visibility is driving in snow".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing driving conditions, specify the cause of the "bad visibility", such as "bad visibility due to fog" or "bad visibility due to heavy rain".

Common error

Avoid using "bad visibility" in contexts that are not directly related to visual clarity. For abstract situations, consider alternatives like "lack of clarity" or "poor understanding" instead of forcing a literal interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad visibility" functions primarily as a descriptor, modifying a noun (often implied, such as 'conditions' or 'weather') to indicate a state of reduced clarity or visual range. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad visibility" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe conditions where visual clarity is reduced. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in a wide array of contexts. Commonly found in news reports, scientific articles, and even wikis, it serves to inform or warn about potentially dangerous situations related to impaired sight. While alternatives like "poor visibility" or "low visibility" exist and may be preferable in more formal settings, "bad visibility" remains a straightforward and effective expression. Remember to specify the cause of the poor visibility for clarity and avoid using the phrase in overly abstract contexts where it doesn't directly relate to visual conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Poor visibility

Replaces "bad" with a more neutral synonym.

Low visibility

Similar to "poor visibility", emphasizing the reduced extent of sight.

Limited visibility

Highlights the restriction in seeing clearly.

Impaired visibility

Suggests a compromised ability to see.

Reduced clarity

Focuses on the lack of clearness in what is seen.

Obscured vision

Indicates that the view is blocked or hidden.

Unclear view

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the visual field.

Foggy conditions

Refers to a specific weather condition causing reduced visibility.

Hazy conditions

Similar to foggy, indicating a light obscurity in the air.

Near whiteout

Describes a situation of almost complete loss of visibility, often in snow.

FAQs

What causes "bad visibility"?

Various factors can cause "bad visibility", including fog, heavy rain, snow, smog, dust storms, and smoke from fires. Each of these can significantly reduce how far one can see.

Which is more common, "poor visibility" or "bad visibility"?

Both phrases are common, but "poor visibility" is often perceived as slightly more formal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

In what situations is it important to be aware of "bad visibility"?

Awareness of "bad visibility" is crucial in various activities, including driving, flying, sailing, and hiking. It impacts safety and requires adjustments to behavior and planning.

What can I say instead of "bad visibility"?

You can use alternatives like "low visibility", "limited visibility", or "impaired visibility" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.