fare badly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fare badly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something performs poorly or experiences negative outcomes. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the team seemed to fare badly in the competition, finishing in last place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Young workers may fare badly, too.

The Economist

The big industrial nations fare badly.

The Guardian

Both fare badly on that front.

The Guardian - Money

In particular, non-Americans fare badly in American courts.

Cornell University

The models do not fare badly compared with observations.

Harvard University

By contrast, National's current partners may fare badly in September.

The Economist

Small post-industrial cities like Hull and Portsmouth fare badly.

The Economist

"Where they are dependent on government patronage they fare badly".

The Economist

Homeless people fare badly in the mega-amendment.

The New York Times

The president's men may fare badly in the March elections.

The Economist

On this measure, the proposals for English devolution fare badly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fare badly" to describe situations where results are significantly worse than expected or desired.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "fare badly" can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "do poorly" or "not go well" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fare badly" functions as a verb phrase indicating a negative outcome or poor performance. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, consistently conveying the idea of unfavorable results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fare badly" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate poor performance or negative outcomes. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage spans diverse contexts, from news reports to academic analyses. While the phrase is considered neutral to formal, it's important to consider the audience and context when choosing between "fare badly" and simpler alternatives like "do poorly" or "perform poorly". By understanding its nuances and potential alternatives, writers can effectively communicate the intended meaning with the appropriate tone and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform poorly

Replaces "fare" with a more direct verb, focusing on the act of performance.

do poorly

Simplifies the phrasing, using a more basic verb to express a negative outcome.

have a hard time

Focuses on the difficulty experienced rather than the end result.

not succeed

Emphasizes the lack of success, a more general term for a negative outcome.

come off worse

Suggests a comparison and a negative result in that comparison.

fall short

Indicates a failure to meet expectations or requirements.

be unsuccessful

A more formal way of saying "not succeed."

struggle

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in a task or situation.

not measure up

Implies a failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.

fail miserably

Adds intensity, describing a complete and utter failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "fare badly" to describe situations where someone or something performs poorly or has negative outcomes. For example, "Companies that don't adapt to the changing market often "fare badly"."

What are some alternatives to "fare badly"?

Some alternatives to "fare badly" include "perform poorly", "do poorly", or "not succeed", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "fare badly" or "do badly"?

"Fare badly" and "do badly" are both grammatically correct, but "fare badly" is often perceived as more formal. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone of your writing.

What does "fare badly" imply about the situation?

"Fare badly" suggests that the situation has resulted in a significantly negative outcome, often worse than expected. It implies a noticeable failure or poor performance.