in very bad shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in very bad shape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is in poor condition, whether physically, emotionally, or metaphorically. Example: "After the storm, the old barn was in very bad shape, with a collapsed roof and broken windows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I leave you with a protest song, listed in the collection as being "in very bad shape," and noting that someone has stitched the pages together with string (Sally maybe?), a tune that the Hemingses may have heard roving bands of anti-royalists sing in the streets of Paris before they left to return to Monticello.

The New Yorker

Despite the efforts of UNICEF and its partners, the most vulnerable victims of the fighting are "in very bad shape," said UNICEF Representative in Yemen Aboudou Karimou Adjibade.

Unicef

"These fabrics are in very bad shape.

The New York Times

"The economy is in very bad shape.

The Guardian

"He is in very bad shape.

The Guardian

I was in very bad shape".

The New York Times

"I was in very bad shape," he recalled.

The New Yorker

"It was real, but in very bad shape.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everything was in very bad shape," he said.

The New York Times

It's an 18th century building and in very bad shape.

The New York Times

These patients had been treated with everything under the sun and were in very bad shape.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in very bad shape", consider the specific context. While it's generally understood, more precise language might be appropriate in formal writing. For example, instead of saying "The company's finances were in very bad shape", specify if they were "experiencing significant debt" or "facing bankruptcy."

Common error

While "in very bad shape" is acceptable, it can sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more descriptive and precise alternatives to enhance clarity and credibility. Instead of stating that "The research data was in very bad shape", indicate "the data suffered from significant inconsistencies and methodological flaws."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in very bad shape" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its condition. As demonstrated in Ludwig, it indicates that something or someone is in poor or deteriorated condition, whether physically, emotionally, or functionally.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in very bad shape" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something in poor condition. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread usage across various sources, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to consider the context and opt for more precise language in formal writing. Alternatives such as "in critical condition" or "severely damaged" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. When writing, avoid overuse in academic or professional settings and consider providing more descriptive details to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a terrible state

Offers a general assessment of poor condition.

severely damaged

Highlights the extent of the damage inflicted.

in critical condition

Focuses on the severity of the situation, often implying immediate danger.

in a precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and potential danger of the circumstances.

seriously deteriorated

Focuses on the process of decline and worsening condition.

in dire straits

Emphasizes the difficulty and adversity of the situation.

on the brink of collapse

Indicates that something is close to failing completely.

on its last legs

Implies that something is nearing its end or is failing.

falling apart

Suggests a breakdown or disintegration is occurring.

in a state of disrepair

Specifically refers to the condition of something that has deteriorated due to neglect.

FAQs

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

It means that something is in poor condition, whether physically, emotionally, or functionally. It suggests a state of disrepair, damage, or decline.

What can I say instead of "in very bad shape"?

You can use alternatives like "in critical condition", "severely damaged", or "in a terrible state" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "in very bad shape" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "in very bad shape" can sound informal. In formal writing, it's often better to use more precise and descriptive language to convey the specific issues.

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

"In very bad shape" implies a more severe state of deterioration than "in poor condition". The former suggests significant damage or decline, whereas the latter can refer to a milder state of imperfection.