it is poor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is poor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is of low quality or inadequate in some way. Example: "The performance of the team was disappointing; it is poor compared to last year's results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Due to its low prestress, it is poor in controlling the separation of rock layers.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

The tree has faults: as wood it is poor & its beauty conceals a sickly constitution.

The New Yorker

It is poor, many of its industries are loss-making, the local population is traumatised and divided.

BBC

It is poor: until recently the workers at its glass factory were paid in loaves.

The Economist

It is poor spelling.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not because it is poor.

The Economist

"For our group it is poor timing.

The Guardian - Sport

It is poor health policy.

The Guardian

And it is poor people who receive the casualties.

The New York Times

But it is poor public relations for AOL Time Warner.

The New York Times

When it reaches us it is poor quality.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is poor", ensure the context is clear. Specify what aspect is poor (e.g., "the quality is poor", "the performance is poor") for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is poor" without providing specific reasons or examples. Instead of saying "the product is poor", explain why it's poor (e.g., "the product is poor due to its low durability and frequent malfunctions").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is poor" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, where "it" serves as the subject and "is poor" acts as the predicate, describing a quality or state of the subject. Ludwig shows this phrase being used to express deficiency or low quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is poor" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is of low quality or inadequate. As shown by Ludwig, it is frequently used in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While alternatives like "it is substandard" or "it is deficient" can be used for a more formal tone, it's essential to provide specific reasons or examples to avoid overgeneralization and ensure clarity in your writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage, advising clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is substandard

Replaces "poor" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing that something fails to meet a required level.

it is deficient

Focuses on the lack of essential qualities or elements.

it is inadequate

Highlights that something is insufficient or not good enough for a particular purpose.

it is of low quality

Explicitly states the low quality of something, often used in a more objective context.

it is inferior

Indicates that something is lower in rank, status, or quality.

it is lacking

Emphasizes that something is missing essential attributes or qualities.

it is subpar

A more informal way of saying something is below the expected standard.

it is weak

Suggests a lack of strength, effectiveness, or force.

it is unsatisfactory

Indicates that something fails to meet expectations or provide satisfaction.

it is second-rate

Implies that something is of a lower standard than others of its kind.

FAQs

How can I use "it is poor" in a sentence?

You can use "it is poor" to describe something of low quality or inadequate. For example, "The soil "it is poor" for growing crops", or "It is poor form to interrupt someone while they are speaking".

What can I say instead of "it is poor"?

You can use alternatives like "it is substandard", "it is deficient", or "it is inadequate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is poor" or "it's poor"?

Both "it is poor" and "it's poor" are grammatically correct. "It's poor" is a contraction of "it is poor" and is more common in informal contexts, while "it is poor" is more formal.

What's the difference between "it is poor" and "it is of poor quality"?

"It is poor" is a direct statement of inadequacy. "It is of poor quality" is more specific, emphasizing the low standard of the attributes or features of something. The phrases are often interchangeable, but "it is of poor quality" is generally preferred when describing tangible items or products.