badly wounded

USAGE SUMMARY

"badly wounded" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who has suffered a serious injury or is in great pain. For example, "The soldier was badly wounded in the leg during the battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Four others were badly wounded.

The Economist

One was badly wounded.

The New York Times - Books

He comes home badly wounded.

The New York Times

But the regime now looks badly wounded.

The Economist

Four people were badly wounded.

The New York Times

In general, the prisoners are badly wounded.

The New Yorker

Most will end up badly wounded.

The Economist

The Admiral was badly wounded & Cmdr.

The New Yorker

Farmer was killed and McShane badly wounded.

The New Yorker

I knew I was very badly wounded.

The New York Times

"I saw he was very badly wounded.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events in formal contexts like news reports, "badly wounded" can be preferred to more casual alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "badly wounded" in situations that are not genuinely serious. Overusing the phrase in trivial situations can diminish its impact when describing truly critical injuries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "badly wounded" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically a person or entity that has suffered severe physical harm. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in describing the state of being seriously injured. The examples on Ludwig illustrate its descriptive role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "badly wounded" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of severe injury, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently used in news and media contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples. While appropriate for formal writing, it should be used judiciously to avoid diminishing its impact. Alternatives such as "gravely injured" or "severely injured" may be considered for nuanced expression. Remember to consider the context and intended impact when choosing the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gravely injured

Implies a severe injury, potentially life-threatening, focusing on the seriousness of the condition.

severely injured

Emphasizes the intensity of the injury sustained.

critically injured

Highlights the precarious state of the injured person, suggesting immediate danger.

seriously injured

Focuses on the significant nature of the injuries.

heavily injured

Highlights the extent of the injuries, suggesting multiple or widespread harm.

grievously hurt

Emphasizes the severe pain and suffering caused by the injury, potentially implying emotional distress as well.

badly hurt

A simpler alternative, conveying a similar level of injury but with less intensity.

left for dead

Suggests the person was so severely injured that they were presumed to be deceased.

incapacitated

Focuses on the resulting loss of function or ability due to the injury.

maimed

Implies a permanent and disfiguring injury.

FAQs

How can I use "badly wounded" in a sentence?

You can use "badly wounded" to describe someone who has sustained significant injuries. For example, "The soldier was "badly wounded" during the battle" or "The economy was "badly wounded" by the recession".

What are some alternatives to saying "badly wounded"?

Alternatives include "severely injured", "critically injured", or "gravely injured". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of severity you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "badly wounded" in formal writing?

Yes, "badly wounded" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious injuries in a clear and direct manner. It is commonly used in news reports and official documents.

What's the difference between "badly wounded" and "slightly injured"?

"Badly wounded" indicates severe injuries that may be life-threatening or require extensive medical treatment. In contrast, "slightly injured" implies minor harm that does not pose a significant risk and may only need basic first aid.