is worse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is worse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two things, indicating that one is of a lower quality or more negative than the other. Example: "The weather today is worse than it was yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Winter is worse.

The Economist

The sex is worse".

The New York Times - Books

Russia is worse off.

The Economist

Their defense is worse.

The New York Times - Sports

Kim is worse off.

The New York Times

"Our frustration is worse.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Who was worse then?

Stanford University

That was worse.

Yale University

Couldn't be worse.

Independent

"Now things are worse.

The New Yorker

So, who's worse?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is worse" to clearly and directly compare two situations, outcomes, or objects, emphasizing the negative difference. For impactful writing, follow it with a specific explanation of why something is considered worse.

Common error

Don't use "is worse" without a clear reference point. Ensure the reader understands what is being compared and why it's considered less desirable, or the comparison loses its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is worse" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that something has declined in quality, condition, or desirability compared to something else. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts, showing it's a common way to express negative comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is worse" is a very common comparative expression used to indicate that something has declined in quality or is less desirable than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferable in scientific or highly formal contexts. To ensure clarity, always provide a clear reference point for the comparison. By avoiding vague comparisons and using more formal alternatives when appropriate, you can effectively use this phrase to express negative assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is deteriorating

Emphasizes a process of decline or worsening condition.

is declining

Suggests a gradual decrease in quality or condition.

is becoming inferior

Highlights the diminishing quality compared to a standard.

is regressing

Indicates a return to a previous, less developed state.

is less favorable

Focuses on the reduced advantage or desirability.

is spiraling downward

Implies a rapid and uncontrolled descent into a worse state.

is on the downturn

Indicates a declining trend or negative shift.

is falling behind

Suggests a failure to keep pace, resulting in a less desirable position.

is proving inadequate

Highlights the inability to meet requirements or expectations.

pales in comparison

Emphasizes the significant inferiority of one thing when compared to another.

FAQs

How can I use "is worse" in a sentence?

Use "is worse" to compare two elements, highlighting the more negative or undesirable one. For example, "The traffic today "is worse" than yesterday" or "The second option "is worse" because it costs more and offers fewer features".

What are some alternatives to "is worse"?

Alternatives to "is worse" include phrases like "is deteriorating", "is declining", or "is less favorable", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

How do I decide when to use "is worse" versus "is bad"?

"Is worse" is used for direct comparison, indicating a decrease in quality or condition relative to something else. "Is bad" simply states a negative quality without comparison. For example, say "This situation "is worse" than last year's" when making a comparison. Say "This situation "is bad"" when simply stating a negative assessment.

Is it always appropriate to use "is worse" in formal writing?

While "is worse" is grammatically correct, consider using more formal alternatives like "is less desirable" or "is more problematic" in highly formal contexts, especially if you need to maintain a detached or objective tone.