of bad character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of bad character" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's general disposition or moral qualities. Example: The defendant was described as a man of bad character by several witnesses, who mentioned his history of violence and deceit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Mumtaz's mother declined his proposal saying he was an old man of bad character.

Independent

A bogle is "a semispirit generally thought to be of bad character".

The New Yorker

Girls who play sports are considered to be of bad character.

The New York Times

The bad decisions of the poor, say the authors, are not a product of bad character or low native intelligence.

The New York Times

Now we see that these errors aren't a function of bad character, but of our shared cognitive inheritance.

The New York Times

In school, she said, she was teased because her mother was an actress, a type often suspected of bad character.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

3. Purge the locker room of bad characters and distractions.

The New York Times - Sports

We regularly attribute our own failures to circumstance and the failures of others to bad character.

The New York Times

Freud wrote a short paper titled "Two Lies Told by Children," which concluded: It would be a serious mistake to read into childish misdemeanours like these a prognosis of the development of a bad character.

The New Yorker

I've always hated change, and this whole pen business has reminded me of that bad character trait.

The New York Times

But in 2008, 2009, and 2010 she was about as beautiful as a woman can be and still be a person of manifestly bad character.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "of bad character", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Alternatives like "of questionable character" or "morally bankrupt" can offer more precise connotations.

Common error

While "of bad character" is grammatically correct, avoid overuse in extremely formal or academic writing. More precise and sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred, depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of bad character" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, typically a person, to indicate that they possess undesirable or immoral qualities. It is used to describe someone's general moral standing or reputation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of bad character" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe someone with undesirable moral traits. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to consider context and choose synonyms like "of questionable character" or morally bankrupt for greater precision. Be mindful of the formality of your writing and potential for overuse, and remember that the phrase serves to convey a negative assessment, informing your audience about an individual's untrustworthy or unethical background.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of questionable character

Emphasizes doubt or uncertainty about someone's moral standing.

of dubious character

Suggests a stronger level of suspicion or doubt than "questionable".

with a flawed character

Highlights specific imperfections or weaknesses in character.

morally bankrupt

Implies a complete lack of moral principles.

dishonorable

Focuses on a lack of integrity and ethical behavior.

unethical

Highlights a deviation from accepted moral standards.

reprehensible

Describes behavior that is deserving of strong condemnation.

corrupt

Suggests moral decay or dishonesty, often associated with power.

villainous

Implies malicious and evil intentions or actions.

nefarious

Highlights wickedness or evil intent, often in a secretive way.

FAQs

How can I use "of bad character" in a sentence?

You can use "of bad character" to describe someone who lacks moral qualities or has a negative reputation. For example: "The witness described the suspect as a person of bad character".

What are some alternatives to "of bad character"?

Alternatives include "of questionable character", "of dubious character", or morally bankrupt, depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "of bad character" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "of bad character" might be considered somewhat informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider more precise synonyms to enhance clarity and sophistication.

What does it mean to describe someone as "of bad character"?

Describing someone as "of bad character" implies they possess negative moral traits, questionable ethics, or a reputation for dishonest or harmful behavior.