in bad form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in bad form" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe behavior that is considered inappropriate or unacceptable in a particular context. Example: "His decision to leave the meeting early was seen as being in bad form by his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Tartaglia described the action as "in bad form".

The New York Times

Thanks Paul, I hadn't noticed myself but watching that shower puts me in bad form.

The Guardian - Sport

Many events were canceled during the shutdown, as it seemed in bad form to take checks from lobbyists with thousands of federal employees out of work.

The New York Times

"Do we get the delights of that old chestnut 'when you're in bad form all the luck seems to go against you'?" Indeed we do, Jonny Sultoon.

The Guardian - Sport

"When you go into a tournament in bad form, it's difficult to get players to play three games in seven days without the rotation".

BBC

Bringing up your family's money or bragging about anything else is in bad form.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Both teams were competing in the Scottish First Division at the time of the final and despite being ranked at opposite ends of the league table, St. Johnstone in third and Dunfermline in ninth, both teams were in relatively bad form.

Wikipedia

It won't be news, for example, that when your team is ahead by seven runs in the eighth inning, it's bad form to swing at a 3-0 pitch.

The New York Times - Books

Paul Collingwood laughed when he was asked if he had ever been in such bad form before. "You know, I have," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

The second is a bad version of a gene called apolipoprotein E. Discovered in 1993, the "bad" form, called APOE e4, can raise the risk of Alzheimer's disease by a factor of ten for those with two bad copies, and it is involved in 50% to 60% of Alzheimer's cases.

Forbes

She then considered retirement after failing to reach the World Championship 100m backstroke semi-finals in Shanghai, having suffered a run of bad form in the run-up to the event.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in bad form", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific standard or expectation being violated. This adds precision and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in bad form" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and professional language depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in bad form" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, describing a state or action as being inappropriate or against established norms. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is used to express disapproval or describe behavior that violates expectations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in bad form" is a prepositional phrase used to describe behavior or situations that are inappropriate or violate accepted standards. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across varied contexts, particularly in news and media. While not highly formal, it effectively conveys disapproval or criticism. When writing, ensure clarity in the context and avoid its use in highly formal or technical documents where more precise language is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in poor taste

Refers specifically to actions or expressions that are considered offensive or lacking in sensitivity.

unacceptable behavior

Focuses directly on actions that do not meet expected standards of conduct.

inappropriate conduct

Similar to "unacceptable behavior" but can apply to a broader range of situations.

out of line

Suggests that someone has exceeded the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

below par

Describes performance or quality that is substandard or not up to the usual level.

not up to snuff

An informal way of saying something doesn't meet the required standard.

in violation of etiquette

Specifically refers to breaches of social norms or rules of polite behavior.

improper

Highlights a lack of conformity to established rules or standards.

unprofessional

Describes behavior that is not appropriate in a professional setting.

amiss

Suggests that something is wrong or out of place, often subtly.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "in bad form"?

It means that an action, behavior, or situation is considered inappropriate, unacceptable, or against established norms or etiquette.

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "in bad form"?

You can use alternatives like "in poor taste", "unacceptable behavior", or "inappropriate conduct" depending on the context.

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

Example: "Campaigning on Rosh Hashana is regarded by many politicians as "in bad form" in and around the city, with its large Jewish population."

Is "considered bad form" the same as "in bad form"?

Yes, "considered bad form" emphasizes that an action is viewed negatively by others, while "in bad form" directly describes the action itself as inappropriate. They are largely interchangeable.