our bad

USAGE SUMMARY

'our bad' is not considered an acceptable part of written English.
In casual conversation, one might use this to show that they regret their mistake, but it is not suitable for formal writing. An alternative phrase one can use to express regret in written English is: "We apologize for our mistake."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Our bad.

The New York Times

And our bad attitude.

The New York Times

"Our bad luck followed.

The New York Times

If so, probably our bad.

The Guardian

It is our bad luck.

The Guardian - Sport

Medical mistakes are our bad.

The New York Times - Health

All we can say is, our bad.

The New Yorker

The Academy (@TheAcademy) Sorry, our bad.

The Guardian - Film

But still, you know, our bad".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Pictures of him in combat gear circulated on social media as "our bad-ass defence minister".

Independent

The other, what to do about your - OK, our - bad reviews.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, avoid using "our bad". Opt for more professional alternatives such as "we apologize" or "it was our mistake" to maintain credibility and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "our bad" in professional emails, reports, or presentations. This phrase is too informal and can undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our bad" functions as an informal expression of apology or acknowledgment of a mistake. It's typically used to convey a sense of responsibility in a casual manner, as seen in some Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "our bad" is used to acknowledge a mistake and express apology, it's considered grammatically incorrect and highly informal. Ludwig AI confirms that it is not considered an acceptable part of written English. While it appears mostly in News & Media contexts, its usage is confined to casual or humorous settings. For formal communication, it's advisable to use alternatives such as "we apologize" or "it was our mistake" to maintain a professional tone. This ensures clear and appropriate communication across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was our fault

Directly takes responsibility for the error.

we made a mistake

Acknowledges an error without assigning blame.

we were wrong

A straightforward admission of being incorrect.

we take responsibility

Formally accepts accountability for an action or error.

my apologies

A more formal and polite apology.

we apologize

A more formal and direct way to express regret or acknowledge a mistake.

we regret this

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about a situation.

pardon us

A polite and slightly formal way of apologizing.

excuse our error

A formal expression requesting forgiveness for a mistake.

mea culpa

A Latin phrase meaning "my fault", often used in more formal or ironic contexts.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "our bad"?

You can use alternatives like "we apologize", "it was our fault", or "we made a mistake" depending on the context.

Is "our bad" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in informal conversation, "our bad" is not considered grammatically correct in formal writing. It's best to use more formal alternatives in professional contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "our bad"?

"Our bad" is suitable for informal settings like casual conversations with friends or relaxed workplace environments. Avoid using it in formal emails, reports, or presentations.

What's the difference between "our bad" and "we apologize"?

"Our bad" is an informal expression of apology, while "we apologize" is a formal and professional way to express regret for a mistake.