in pretty rough shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in pretty rough shape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is in poor condition or not functioning well, whether it's a physical object or a situation. Example: "After the storm, the old barn was in pretty rough shape, with missing shingles and broken windows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It was from the 18th century and in pretty rough shape.

The New York Times

Look—I don't know what you've done to our girl, but she's in pretty rough shape.

The New Yorker

"Dennis Rodman came back from North Korea in pretty rough shape emotionally.

The Guardian

He returned from North Korea in "pretty rough shape emotionally", Mr Prince said, citing the pressure of organising an international basketball friendly.

Independent

The machines were in pretty rough shape.

TechCrunch

When they bought it, he said, it was in pretty rough shape.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

You're sleeping in pretty rough places".

The New York Times

Needless to say, Japan's in pretty rough shape good thing the country's buildings are about as quake-proof as you can get but it's nice to see some of the companies we're all fans of take a moment to help out.

TechCrunch

When it arrived here in 1994, the sculpture was in rough shape.

The New York Times - Arts

But looks like dog is in rough shape & in a tiny cage.

Huffington Post

And the Eagles' secondary is in really rough shape compounded by the short week.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in pretty rough shape" when you want to convey that something or someone is not only in bad condition, but also to add a touch of understatement or mild concern.

Common error

While "in pretty rough shape" is widely understood, it may be too informal for academic papers or business reports. Opt for phrases like "in poor condition" or "significantly deteriorated" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in pretty rough shape" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the condition or state of a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in pretty rough shape" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something or someone in poor condition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, its informal tone means it should be used judiciously in more formal settings, where alternatives such as "in poor condition" or "significantly deteriorated" might be more appropriate. Keep this usage in mind to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In poor condition

Replaces "rough shape" with a more general term for bad condition.

In bad shape

Omits "pretty" for a slightly less emphatic version.

Not in good condition

Uses a negative construction to express a similar idea.

In a dilapidated state

Replaces "rough shape" with a more formal and descriptive term.

Showing signs of wear and tear

Focuses on the visible deterioration of something.

Experiencing hardship

Shifts the focus to the experience of difficulty, often for people or organizations.

Facing difficulties

Emphasizes the presence of problems or challenges.

On its last legs

An idiom suggesting something is nearing the end of its lifespan or functionality.

On the verge of collapse

Implies imminent failure or breakdown.

Going through a difficult period

Indicates a challenging phase, typically for organizations or people.

FAQs

What does "in pretty rough shape" mean?

It means something or someone is in poor condition or experiencing difficulties. It's a more colloquial way of saying "in bad condition".

What can I say instead of "in pretty rough shape"?

You can use alternatives like "in poor condition", "in bad shape", or "not in good condition" depending on the context.

Is "in pretty rough shape" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered informal. For more formal situations, use alternatives such as "in poor condition" or "deteriorated significantly".

Can "in pretty rough shape" be used to describe a person's emotional state?

Yes, it can. For example, "After the difficult news, she was "in pretty rough shape" emotionally."