in a poor condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in a poor condition' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something physical that has been damaged, has not been well maintained, or is not functioning properly. For example: "The old machine has been left in a poor condition since the factory closed down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"This painting, regardless of who it's by, is in a poor condition at best," said Levin.

The Guardian - Arts

"When I found the wing debris, I had seen a kind of suitcase in a poor condition near it.

The Guardian

The collection was originally found in a poor condition in the dairy barn of a farm outside Cirencester in 2012.

Independent

Reports that the plane was in a poor condition have circulated as a possible reason for the crash.

Independent

In addition to the exterior being painted in red and white stripes, the property's window frames are in a poor condition".

The Guardian

Hardwick announced in the first paragraph of his introduction that the prison remained in a "shameful condition"; Clarke's version said it was in a "poor condition".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

On 6 February, inspectors found 145 sheep in such a poor condition that they had to be put to sleep.

BBC

Carried out in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, dentists checked the teeth of players at eight clubs in England and Wales, with West Ham medical staff admitting that athletes often had teeth in a poorer condition than the general population.

Independent

Dogs were generally in a very poor condition; only a few animals did not show clinical symptoms of sarcoptic mange.

BMC Infectious Diseases

"The flood barriers in many parts of Poland are in a very poor condition now after days of inundation," said interior ministry spokeswoman Malgorzata Wozniak.

BBC

Councillor Sean Gaul said many of the district's kiosks were a "magnet for vandalism" and in a "very poor condition".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of something, be specific about the type of "poor condition". Is it damaged, old, malfunctioning, or simply unappealing?

Common error

Avoid using "in a poor condition" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, provide details about the specific issues, such as "The roof is leaking" or "The engine is malfunctioning."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a poor condition" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It typically describes the state or quality of something, indicating that it is not in a satisfactory or desirable state. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its descriptive use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a poor condition" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to describe something that is damaged, neglected, or not functioning properly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's advisable to provide specific details about the nature of the "poor condition" to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "in disrepair" or "dilapidated" can offer a more precise description depending on the context. Overall, it is a useful phrase to convey the substandard state of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a bad state

Replaces 'poor condition' with a more general term 'state', implying a negative situation.

in disrepair

Focuses specifically on the aspect of needing repair or maintenance.

in a dilapidated state

Emphasizes the state of ruin or decay, often due to neglect.

not in good shape

A more informal way of saying something is not functioning or appearing well.

in a run-down condition

Highlights the gradual decline and deterioration of something.

poorly maintained

Focuses on the lack of upkeep as the reason for the negative condition.

in need of repair

Directly indicates that something requires fixing or restoration.

substandard

Indicates that something fails to meet the required or expected standards.

deteriorated

Highlights the decline in quality or condition over time.

defective

Suggests that something has inherent flaws or imperfections.

FAQs

How can I use "in a poor condition" in a sentence?

You can use "in a poor condition" to describe the state of something that is damaged, neglected, or not functioning properly. For example, "The building was "in a poor condition" after the storm."

What are some alternatives to "in a poor condition"?

Alternatives include "in disrepair", "dilapidated", "run-down", or "poorly maintained". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Both are grammatically correct, but "in a poor condition" is generally preferred. Omitting the article "a" is less common but still understandable. The choice depends on style and desired emphasis.

How does "in a poor condition" differ from "in bad shape"?

"In a poor condition" is generally more formal than "in bad shape". While both describe something not being in good order, "in bad shape" /s/in+bad+shape might also refer to someone's health or physical fitness, whereas "in a poor condition" usually describes physical objects or states of affairs.