behaving poorly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behaving poorly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is acting in a manner that is considered inappropriate or unsatisfactory. Example: "The child was behaving poorly during the family dinner, causing a scene and disturbing the other guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I use it while Emmett is behaving poorly.

The New York Times

Which just goes to show, Dior was quite capable of behaving poorly even before John Galliano turned up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He told ABC radio on Wednesday that there were numerous examples of state governments behaving poorly when trying to sell public assets.

The Guardian

In the world of sports, there is also a long-standing international event that showcases the efforts of privileged men behaving poorly.

The New York Times - Sports

The site was behaving poorly, however, and would not display images of the items or let me complete the sale online.

The New York Times - Tech

Even when you are "behaving poorly".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I use it before Emmett behaves poorly.

The New York Times

All in all, your employer has behaved poorly.

The New York Times - Magazine

I use it after Emmett has behaved poorly.

The New York Times

Running out of storage makes the smartphone behave poorly and provides a very unsatisfactory user experience.

The Guardian - Tech

"These people got scared after the market behaved poorly," Mr. Sterling said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific instances of "behaving poorly", provide concrete examples to illustrate the behavior, making your description more impactful and understandable.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "behaving poorly" without providing context or specific examples. This can make your writing vague and less persuasive. Always support your claims with details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behaving poorly" functions as a verb phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, describing how someone or something is acting. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in written English. It's generally used to denote actions that are inappropriate, substandard, or undesirable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "behaving poorly" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe actions or conduct that fall short of expectations. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. Its presence in diverse sources like news outlets, scientific journals, and wikis signals broad applicability. While not overly formal, it's a neutral term appropriate for conveying disapproval across various contexts. When using this phrase, providing specific examples enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misbehaving

Focuses more on breaking rules or social norms.

acting up

Often used for children or to describe erratic behavior.

acting badly

A more general term for poor behavior.

conducting oneself poorly

More formal and emphasizes personal conduct.

performing badly

Focuses on failing to meet expectations.

showing poor behavior

Highlights the outward display of negative actions.

demonstrating bad conduct

Similar to "showing poor behavior" but slightly more formal.

making a bad impression

Focuses on the negative impact of one's actions on others.

displaying inappropriate behavior

Emphasizes the unsuitability of the actions in a given context.

not acting appropriately

A milder way of saying someone is behaving poorly.

FAQs

How can I use "behaving poorly" in a sentence?

You can use "behaving poorly" to describe inappropriate or unsatisfactory actions. For instance, "The child was "behaving poorly" during the concert" or "The website was "behaving poorly", causing many users to abandon their purchase".

What are some alternatives to "behaving poorly"?

Alternatives include "misbehaving", "acting up", or "acting badly". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "behaving badly" or "behaving poorly"?

Both "behaving badly" and "behaving poorly" are grammatically correct, but "behaving poorly" often implies a lack of skill or effectiveness, while "behaving badly" suggests a moral or behavioral transgression. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What does it mean when someone is described as "behaving poorly"?

It generally means the person is not meeting expected standards of conduct or performance. The specific actions considered ""behaving poorly"" can vary depending on the context.