low grade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'low grade' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is of lesser quality than normal, such as a student receiving a 'low grade' on a test. For example, "Although she tried her best, she still received a low grade on the math test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

("Always there, low grade").

The New York Times

The housing surrounding them is low grade.

The New York Times - Sports

The low grade tells her something important.

The New York Times - Magazine

Low grade glioma.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Low grade glioneuronal.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

"She's pretty low grade," says one.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Low grade-point averages didn't scare him, either.

Los Angeles Times

Low-grade gravity.

The New Yorker

Low-grade gliomas.

Harvard University

It was low-grade fare.

The Guardian - Sport

But there have been low-grade grumblings.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical conditions, "low grade" can refer to the severity or stage of a disease. Ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

While "low grade" is acceptable, consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "inferior" or "subpar" in formal or academic writing to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low grade" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a lesser quality, intensity, or severity. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, such as describing academic performance, medical conditions, and material quality. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and acceptable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "low grade" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something of lesser quality, intensity, or severity. Ludwig examples show it appears in diverse contexts, including academics, medicine, and general descriptions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and acceptability. While suitable for various audiences, consider stronger alternatives in formal writing to enhance precision. Be mindful of the context to ensure clarity. When to use stronger alternatives such as "inferior quality" or "deficient" in order to not sound too informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low quality

Directly states the quality is not high.

bad quality

A simple and straightforward way to express poor quality.

inferior quality

Replaces "low grade" with a more direct descriptor of poor quality.

poor standard

Focuses on the substandard level of the subject being described.

of a lower standard

Similar to "poor standard" but with a more formal tone.

subpar

A concise synonym indicating something is below average.

second-rate

Suggests a ranking below the best, implying mediocrity.

deficient

Emphasizes the lack of necessary qualities or elements.

of poor caliber

Highlights the inadequate level of excellence.

moderate quality

Indicates that the quality is neither high nor particularly low.

FAQs

How can I use "low grade" in a sentence?

"Low grade" is used to describe something of lesser quality, intensity, or severity. For example, "The student received a low grade on the exam" or "The patient had a low-grade fever".

What are some alternatives to "low grade"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "inferior quality", "subpar", or "second-rate".

Is it appropriate to use "low grade" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "low grade" might sound informal in some contexts. Consider more precise terms like "deficient" or "of poor caliber" for a more formal tone.

What does "low grade" mean in a medical context?

In medicine, "low grade" often refers to a disease or condition that is less aggressive or severe. For instance, a "low-grade" tumor grows slowly and is less likely to spread rapidly.