foul habit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foul habit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or undesirable behavior that someone regularly engages in. Example: "Despite his best efforts to quit, he couldn't shake off his foul habit of biting his nails."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was a foul habit.

The Economist

You would never guess, from the confidence of the current provost, Lord Waldegrave, that a number of Eton boys – they know who they are – have developed the foul habit of xenophobia.

The Guardian - Opinion

Councillor Clyde Loakes, the council's deputy leader, said: "Spitting in public is a foul habit and simply not acceptable on the streets of Waltham Forest in this day and age.

BBC

Take thy foul habit elsewhere.

Los Angeles Times

Scientists have discovered new evidence to make smokers feel even guiltier about their foul habit.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

You do hoo hoo! Oh…" Robin Elizabethth's got some foul habits.

The Guardian - Music

And there are multiple benefits to giving up our nasty habit of packaging fast food in polystyrene that is poisoning us and fouling our beaches and Plover habitat.

Huffington Post

He very much presents the characters as flawed people with their rough edges and foul mouths and bad habits".

Los Angeles Times

But he's expensive, strikes out a lot, and has a habit of fouling the clubhouse, which Buck Showalter might not stand for.

Los Angeles Times

Thanks to his habit of issuing foul-mouthed invective from his front door all day, John has fallen out with virtually everybody, to the extent that the police were trying to move him out for his own protection.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was Carina, posh but frugal, who tried – and failed – to rein in Frostie's (always Frostie to family and friends) extravagant habits, helicopters, champagne, foul cigars and Arsenal FC.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foul habit", consider the context. It is stronger than "bad habit" and implies a more repulsive or offensive behavior. Ensure this level of intensity is appropriate for your message.

Common error

Avoid using "foul habit" in formal or academic writing unless you are specifically aiming for a strong, negative tone. More neutral terms like "unhealthy behavior" or "detrimental practice" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foul habit" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "foul" modifies the noun "habit". It describes a specific type of habit characterized by its unpleasant or offensive nature. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples, where it refers to behaviors like smoking or xenophobia.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

General

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foul habit" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe an unpleasant or offensive behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While less common than "bad habit", it carries a stronger negative connotation. It's typically found in news and general contexts and should be used judiciously in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "bad habit" or "undesirable practice" depending on the desired tone and audience. Be mindful of the strong negative connotation to ensure appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad habit

A more general term for an undesirable behavior.

nasty habit

Similar to "foul", emphasizing unpleasantness.

undesirable practice

Focuses on the action being negative or unwanted.

offensive habit

Highlights the unpleasant and disgusting nature of the habit.

unhealthy behavior

Highlights the negative impact on health or well-being.

disgusting behavior

Emphasizes the repulsiveness of the habit.

detrimental behavior

Emphasizes the harmful effects of the habit.

vile practice

Similar to "foul", but implies a greater degree of wickedness.

unpleasant tendency

Focuses on the inclination towards an undesirable behavior.

obnoxious behavior

Highlights how annoying or disagreeable the habit is to others.

FAQs

What does "foul habit" mean?

The phrase "foul habit" describes a behavior or practice that is considered unpleasant, offensive, or morally wrong. It is a stronger way of saying "bad habit".

What are some alternatives to "foul habit"?

You can use alternatives such as "bad habit", "nasty habit", or "undesirable practice" depending on the context.

How do I use "foul habit" in a sentence?

You can use "foul habit" to describe someone's negative behavior. For example, "Smoking is a foul habit that can lead to serious health problems."

Is "foul habit" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "foul habit" carries a strong negative connotation. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "detrimental behavior" or "unhealthy practice".