low grades

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low grades" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing academic performance, particularly when referring to unsatisfactory or below-average marks received in school or college. Example: "After receiving low grades in my math class, I decided to seek extra help from a tutor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was thrown out for low grades".

The New Yorker

I started off with low grades that got lower.

The New Yorker

Tan got hung up and received low grades.

The New York Times - Sports

The couple's four sons knew that if they brought home low grades, TV would be banned.

The New York Times

He cited voting record analyses giving her low grades from labor, teachers and the elderly.

The New York Times

The people who succeed most spectacularly, on the other hand, often had low grades.

The New York Times

Recently, the newspaper Ma'ariv gave him low grades as a Cabinet minister.

The New Yorker

Mr. Klein said that the increase in low grades reflected higher standards.

The New York Times

The careers of academics given low grades are likely to be blighted forever.

The Economist

Because of low grades, however, the college asked him to take some time off.

The New York Times

I was getting low grades and was demotivated – I even considered dropping out of university.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, consider using synonyms like "unsatisfactory grades" or "below average grades" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Instead of simply stating someone has "low grades", specify the subject or area where the grades are low. This provides more actionable information and avoids misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low grades" functions as a noun phrase, where "low" modifies the noun "grades". It describes the quality or level of academic performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and acceptable English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low grades" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe unsatisfactory academic performance. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable in English, implying below-average marks. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts. While synonymous with phrases like "poor grades" or "below average grades", it's crucial to provide specific context when discussing grades to avoid vague generalizations. Using this term effectively helps to communicate academic standing clearly and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor grades

Replaces "low" with "poor", indicating a negative assessment of academic performance.

failing grades

Emphasizes the failure aspect of the grades, suggesting a more severe level of underperformance.

unsatisfactory grades

Replaces "low" with "unsatisfactory", providing a more formal and neutral tone.

subpar grades

Uses "subpar" to indicate performance below the expected standard.

below average grades

Offers a statistical perspective, indicating performance below the mean.

deficient grades

Emphasizes a lack or inadequacy in the grades, highlighting a shortfall.

inadequate grades

Similar to "deficient", stresses the insufficiency of the grades.

weak grades

Focuses on the feebleness or lack of strength in the grades.

modest grades

Implies the grades are humble or limited in achievement.

low marks

Uses "marks" instead of "grades", providing a synonymous alternative.

FAQs

What does "low grades" mean?

"Low grades" refers to marks or scores in school or college that are below the average or expected standard. They indicate unsatisfactory academic performance.

What can I say instead of "low grades"?

You can use alternatives like "poor grades", "failing grades", or "below average grades" depending on the context.

How can getting "low grades" affect my future?

"Low grades" can limit your academic and career opportunities. They may affect your ability to get into certain colleges or secure specific jobs.

Is it always bad to get "low grades"?

While consistently getting "low grades" is a concern, occasional setbacks can be learning opportunities. It's important to identify the cause and seek help to improve.