go badly

USAGE SUMMARY

"go badly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that ends in a negative or disappointing way. For example: "The dinner party went badly after we ran out of food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But things go badly.

The New York Times

MGB: Might Go Badly.

The New York Times

Did it go badly?

Independent

Or it might go badly.

The New Yorker

Things could still go badly wrong.

The Economist

It can go badly wrong, though.

Independent

Obviously, things could still go badly.

The New York Times

Now, things could also go badly.

The New Yorker

It's not going to go badly wrong.

The Guardian - Sport

"Are you trying to make this interview go badly?

Independent

In searches, seizure and interrogation, things can go badly wrong.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go badly" to describe situations where the outcome is significantly worse than expected or desired.

Common error

Avoid using "go badly" for minor inconveniences; reserve it for situations with substantial negative consequences. For example, getting a coffee order wrong is not a situation where things "go badly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go badly" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often serving as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the manner in which an event or action unfolds, emphasizing an undesirable or negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go badly" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe situations that result in negative or unfavorable outcomes. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is usable in written English and suitable for expressing disappointment or concern. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register adaptable to both formal and informal settings. When considering alternatives, phrases like "go wrong" or "turn sour" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to use "go badly" for events with considerable negative consequences, and ensure subject-verb agreement to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go wrong

A more general term for things deviating from the intended or desired course.

go awry

A slightly more formal way of saying something has gone wrong or deviated from the plan.

end poorly

Emphasizes the negative conclusion or outcome of an event or process.

turn sour

Focuses on the deterioration of a situation, implying a loss of initial positive qualities.

fail miserably

Highlights the extent of the failure, suggesting a particularly unsuccessful result.

take a turn for the worse

Indicates a significant decline in circumstances or condition.

fall apart

Suggests a disintegration or collapse of something that was once whole or functional.

backfire spectacularly

Implies that an action has unintended and negative consequences, often in a dramatic way.

prove disastrous

Highlights the catastrophic nature of the outcome.

come to grief

Suggests that something has encountered significant problems or difficulties, leading to failure.

FAQs

What does "go badly" mean?

"Go badly" means that something does not proceed as planned and results in a negative or unfavorable outcome. It implies that the situation has deteriorated or failed in some way.

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

You can use "go badly" to describe how an event, plan, or situation has turned out. For example, "The meeting went badly because of technical difficulties" or "If the surgery "goes badly", there could be serious complications".

What are some alternatives to "go badly"?

Alternatives to "go badly" include "go wrong", "turn sour", "end poorly", or "fail miserably". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of negativity you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "go badly" or "goes badly"?

The correct form depends on the subject of the sentence. Use "go badly" with plural subjects or the pronouns I, you, we, and they. Use "goes badly" with singular subjects or the pronouns he, she, and it. For example, "Things go badly when you are unprepared," but "The interview goes badly if you are late".