like so bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like so bad" is not considered standard or correct in written English.
It is typically used in informal spoken language to express strong disapproval or disappointment about something. Example: "The movie was like so bad that I couldn't even finish watching it."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Like, so bad that their inherent badness can only truly be conveyed by the holy trinity of George Carlin, Charlie Brooker and embarrassing Microsoft Sam vocals.

Vice

Like, so bad.

HuffPost

Thinking is, like, so bad".

Huffington Post

Sign up for the best of VICE, delivered to your inbox dAndy.

Vice

I mean, not to be all like "War is, like, so bad" and "You know what I hate?

Vice

Like "so bad it's good" cult films, old propaganda and government hygiene films may be enjoyed ironically by more modern audiences, who enjoy the camp value of the outdated themes and outlandish claims made about perceived social threats, such as drug use.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The two girls he's with grab his shoulder and laugh, like, omg ur so bad! Stump Kid struts the rest of the way down Sixth Avenue like he's William Wallace.

Vice

Much as an awful footballer can frustrate and infuriate, there is nothing quite like one so bad that his every touch feels like a homage to slapstick.

The Guardian - Sport

Until then, US TV had routinely been sneered at in Britain as a tacky industry which might spasmodically flourish with something like Dallas, so bad it was good.

The Guardian

"I think I was reacting to why I like something that's so bad for me," Jay Stull said of writing "The Capables," which begins previews July 17 at the Gym at Judson.

The New York Times

And they're, like, TV is so bad, Donald, you gotta do something.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, avoid using the phrase "like so bad". Opt for more standard expressions such as "really bad" or "extremely poor".

Common error

Don't use "like so bad" in professional or academic writing. This phrase is generally considered too informal and may detract from the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like so bad" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It aims to emphasize the degree to which something is considered unfavorable or of poor quality. Ludwig AI notes the phrase is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like so bad" is an informal expression used to emphasize the negativity or poor quality of something. While it appears in various contexts, especially News & Media, Ludwig AI signals it's grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. More appropriate alternatives include "really bad" or "extremely poor" to maintain clarity and credibility in professional or academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really terrible

Replaces "like so bad" with a more standard and universally accepted adjective, conveying a high degree of negativity.

extremely awful

Emphasizes the severity of something being bad, increasing the intensity of the negative sentiment.

incredibly poor

Focuses on the substandard quality of something, shifting the emphasis from general badness to a lack of quality.

exceptionally dreadful

Replaces the informal phrase with a more formal and intense expression of negativity.

utterly horrendous

Conveys a sense of complete and total badness, suitable for situations where the negative impact is significant.

absolutely atrocious

Emphasizes the shocking and appalling nature of something bad.

terribly inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency or unacceptability of something, focusing on its failure to meet standards.

woefully deficient

Similar to "terribly inadequate" but with a stronger emphasis on the lack or shortage of something essential.

remarkably substandard

Stresses that something is significantly below the expected level of quality.

plainly unacceptable

Indicates that something is clearly not good enough or cannot be tolerated.

FAQs

What does "like so bad" mean?

The phrase "like so bad" is an informal way of saying that something is extremely bad or of very poor quality. It's often used in casual conversation to express strong disapproval.

How can I use "like so bad" in a sentence?

While grammatically incorrect, you might hear someone say, "The food was "like so bad" I couldn't eat it." However, it's better to use more standard phrasing.

Which is correct, "like so bad" or "really bad"?

"Really bad" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. "Like so bad" is an informal and non-standard way of expressing the same sentiment. Choose "really bad" for formal writing.

What are some alternatives to "like so bad"?

Instead of "like so bad", you can use phrases such as "very bad", "extremely poor", or "terrible" depending on the context.