got bad

USAGE SUMMARY

"got bad" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that has deteriorated or become unpleasant. Example: The weather suddenly got bad and we were forced to cancel our outdoor picnic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Got bad.

The New York Times

Things got bad".

The New York Times

We've all got bad habits.

Stanford University

"I got bad reviews.

The New Yorker

"Actually, I've got bad short-term memory.

Independent

"We've got bad news everywhere".

The New York Times

And my skin got bad.

The New York Times - Health

"Now, she's got bad temperament.

The New Yorker

I believe he got bad advice.

The New York Times

Think 'The Emoji Movie' Got Bad Reviews?

The New York Times

Kafka got bad PR, and so does the Bible.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pay attention to context; "got bad" can apply to weather, health, relationships, or economic conditions.

Common error

While "got bad" is acceptable in informal settings, it may sound too casual for formal writing. In such cases, replace it with stronger, more specific verbs like "deteriorated", "worsened", or "declined".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got bad" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state or condition that has deteriorated. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got bad" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a decline in quality or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides ample examples across various sources. While appropriate for general use and informal contexts, more precise language may be preferable in formal or academic writing. Be mindful of the subtle differences in meaning compared to synonyms like "worsened" or "deteriorated" to ensure the most accurate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsened

Indicates an increase in severity or negativity.

deteriorated

Implies a gradual decline in quality or condition.

took a turn for the worse

Indicates a sudden and significant decline.

became poor

Describes a decline in quality or standard.

went downhill

Informal way to describe a rapid decline.

turned sour

Suggests a change from good to unpleasant or undesirable.

declined

Formal term for a gradual decrease or deterioration.

regressed

Implies a return to a less developed or worse state.

degenerated

Suggests a decline into a corrupt or undesirable state.

devolved

Implies a decline from a higher to a lower state of being.

FAQs

How can I use "got bad" in a sentence?

You can use "got bad" to describe a situation that has deteriorated. For example: "The weather "got bad" and we had to cancel the picnic", or "His health "got bad" after the surgery".

What are some alternatives to "got bad"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "worsened", "deteriorated", "declined", or "took a turn for the worse".

Is it always appropriate to use "got bad" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "got bad" might be considered too informal for academic or professional writing. In such cases, opting for a more formal synonym is advisable.

What's the difference between "got bad" and "became bad"?

"Got bad" often implies a more sudden or rapid decline compared to "became bad", which can suggest a more gradual change. However, in many contexts, they are interchangeable.