in a bad condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a bad condition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not functioning properly or is in a state of disrepair. Example: "The old car was in a bad condition, with rust covering the body and the engine making strange noises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

She is in a bad condition in hospital".

Independent

He rose after a couple of seconds, although clearly in a bad condition.

The Guardian - Sport

'In the long term, I think our economy is in a bad condition.

The Guardian - Business

"Meriam is in a bad condition, she is eight months pregnant.

The Guardian

"The house has been in a bad condition for years," Vivek Singh, Bihar's art and culture secretary, said.

The New York Times - Books

Hospitals in Serbia are in a bad condition, and each year less people are choosing to be treated in public hospitals.

Procedia Environmental Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Even if you know that malnourished children will be cared for once they are in the center, it is hard to see them in such a bad condition!" adds Marion.

Unicef

The roads are in such a bad condition.

The Guardian

They were in such a bad condition and their parents also need support".

Independent

"It has been more difficult than we thought because the trains are in such a bad condition – the doors, the kit," he says.

The Guardian - Business

"I was surprised to see the boat in such a bad condition," the woman told Kyodo News.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of something, consider whether "in a bad condition" is the most precise and descriptive phrase. Alternatives like "dilapidated" or "deteriorated" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "in a bad condition" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, be specific about why something is in a bad condition. For example, instead of "The house was in a bad condition", try "The house suffered from water damage and structural instability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a bad condition" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, describing its state. It indicates that something is not in a desirable or satisfactory state, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a bad condition" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is not in a desirable state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, with high usage in news, science, and general media. While versatile, consider more specific alternatives like "dilapidated" or "deteriorated" for greater precision. Common errors involve overuse; specify why something is in a bad condition for clarity. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool in describing the state of something, but context and precision are key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in poor shape

Replaces "bad condition" with a more general term for being in an undesirable state.

in a state of disrepair

Specifically indicates that something is damaged or deteriorated.

not in good order

A more formal way of saying something is not functioning properly.

in critical condition

Indicates a life-threatening or extremely serious state.

seriously damaged

Emphasizes the damage inflicted on something.

in a parlous state

A more formal and less common way to describe a dangerous or risky situation.

below par

Implies something is not meeting the expected standard or level.

falling apart

Suggests something is disintegrating or losing its structural integrity.

on its last legs

Describes something nearing the end of its useful life.

decrepit

Focuses on age and decay as the cause of the poor condition.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "in a bad condition"?

You can use alternatives like "in poor shape", "in a state of disrepair", or "seriously damaged" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in bad condition" or "in a bad condition"?

While both are understandable, "in a bad condition" is more grammatically correct and commonly used. Omitting the article "a" is less standard.

How to use "in a bad condition" in a sentence?

You can use "in a bad condition" to describe the state of something that is damaged, deteriorated, or not functioning properly. For example, "The roads are "in such a bad condition" after the storm".

What is the difference between "in a bad condition" and "in a serious condition"?

"In a bad condition" generally describes something that is damaged or not functioning well, while "in a serious condition" implies a critical or life-threatening state, especially when referring to a person's health.