is very bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very bad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong negative opinion about something or to describe a situation that is unfavorable. Example: "The service at the restaurant was so slow that I can confidently say it is very bad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Vietnamese sport is very bad".

The New York Times - Sports

This is very bad news.

Independent

Very fast is very bad.

The New York Times - Sports

This country is very bad.

The New Yorker

"Business is very bad.

The New York Times

"Terrorism is very bad.

The Guardian

It is very bad".

The New York Times - Magazine

That is very bad".

The Guardian

Transfer is very bad".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That one is very bad".

The Guardian - Travel

Their nickname is very bad.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is very bad" to express strong disapproval or concern about a situation, ensuring the context is clear and the sentiment is justified. For a more impactful statement, replace "very" with a stronger adjective or adverb, such as "terribly" or "extremely".

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "is very bad" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to convey the specific nature of the problem or deficiency. For example, instead of "The research is very bad", consider "The research methodology is flawed" or "The data analysis is inadequate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very bad" primarily functions as a subject complement, linking a subject to a descriptive adjective phrase. It is used to express a negative quality or condition. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is used in contexts where a strong negative sentiment needs to be conveyed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is very bad" serves as a straightforward way to express strong disapproval or negative evaluation. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While common, it's important to consider the register and context, opting for more precise language in formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "is extremely poor" or "is seriously flawed" may offer a more nuanced and impactful message, depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is extremely poor

Emphasizes a higher degree of inadequacy or deficiency compared to "is very bad".

is terribly wrong

Focuses on the incorrectness or inappropriateness of something, rather than its general badness.

is seriously flawed

Highlights significant imperfections or defects in something.

is quite awful

Offers a more informal and emotional expression of dislike or disapproval.

is deeply regrettable

Emphasizes the unfortunate and undesirable nature of a situation or event.

is highly unsatisfactory

Highlights a failure to meet expectations or requirements.

is exceptionally substandard

Indicates a level of quality that is significantly below the expected norm.

is substantially deficient

Points out a notable lack or inadequacy in a specific aspect or quality.

is remarkably inferior

Stresses the lower quality or status of something in comparison to others.

is completely unacceptable

Indicates that something is not tolerable or permissible under any circumstances.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "is very bad"?

You can use alternatives like "is extremely poor", "is terribly wrong", or "is seriously flawed" to express a similar sentiment with varying degrees of intensity.

How can I use "is very bad" in a sentence?

You can use "is very bad" to express a strong negative opinion about something. For example, "The customer service at that store is very bad", or "The traffic in this city is very bad during rush hour."

Is "is very bad" too informal for academic writing?

While "is very bad" is generally acceptable, it may be perceived as too informal for academic writing. Consider using more precise and sophisticated language, such as "is highly unsatisfactory" or "is exceptionally substandard", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "is very bad" and "is quite bad"?

"Is very bad" implies a stronger negative assessment than "is quite bad". The use of "very" intensifies the negative attribute, while "quite" suggests a moderate level of negativity.