botch it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "botch it" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe making a mistake or doing something poorly, often in the context of a task or project. Example: "I really hope I don't botch it during the presentation tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Mysteriously, wonderfully, Cole does not botch it.

The New Yorker

The offense went in with a "don't botch it" gameplan.

The New York Times

I don't think they're going to botch it, but I'm very aware that they can".

The New Yorker

And more than a few of us, in Margaret MacMillan's amply documented opinion, routinely botch it.

The New York Times - Books

But then he proceeded to botch it, turning his rambling answer into a late-night comedian's dream.

The New York Times

Ms. Tremain uses imaginative specifics to portray the hardship of settler life for those who botch it.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Egypt's transition today is similarly flawed; the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces botched it so badly that protesters are now demanding its resignation.

The New York Times

"I think they botched it," he says.

The Guardian - Film

"We just botched it," Girardi said of the rundown.

The New York Times - Sports

He just needs to avoid botching it up.

The Economist

In June 2007 he finally got his wish and botched it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "botch it" when you want to emphasize a potential for failure in a task or situation where competence is expected. For example, "They have a good plan, let's hope they don't botch it."

Common error

While "botch it" is acceptable, it can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using "fail to execute" or "perform poorly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "botch it" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of spoiling or ruining something through incompetence or a significant mistake. Ludwig examples showcase its use in contexts where there is a risk of failure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "botch it" is a phrasal verb used to describe ruining something through clumsiness or incompetence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it leans towards informality, making alternatives like "fail to execute" more suitable for formal settings. When using "botch it", remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it effectively conveys your intended message. Ludwig examples show that it's frequently used to express worry or describe negative outcomes caused by mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mess it up

Replaces "botch" with a more general term for making a mistake.

screw it up

Uses a more informal term for causing something to fail.

flub it

Emphasizes making a clumsy or awkward mistake.

muck it up

Similar to "mess it up" but with a slightly stronger negative connotation.

foul it up

Indicates spoiling something through incompetence or error.

make a hash of it

Suggests creating a chaotic or disordered result.

bungle it

Implies handling something clumsily and ineffectively.

spoil it

Focuses on ruining something that was previously good or promising.

fail miserably

Highlights the extent and degree of failure.

drop the ball

An idiom meaning to make a crucial mistake or fail to fulfill a responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "botch it" in a sentence?

You can use "botch it" to express concern that someone might ruin or fail at a task. For example, "I hope I don't "botch it" during the interview."

What are some alternatives to "botch it"?

Some alternatives to "botch it" include "mess it up", "screw it up", or "bungle it". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "botch it" appropriate for formal writing?

While "botch it" is generally understood, it leans toward the informal side. In formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives like "fail to execute" or "perform poorly".

What does it mean to "botch it"?

To "botch it" means to ruin or spoil something, usually through clumsiness or incompetence. It implies making a significant mistake that leads to failure.