poor grades

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poor grades" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to low or unsatisfactory marks received for academic work or assessments. Example: "Due to her consistent poor grades, Sarah was put on academic probation by the school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, with poor grades, he dropped out altogether.

The New York Times

That has led to poor grades, and more behavioral problems.

The New York Times

Her older brother has left school due to poor grades.

The New York Times

After all, poor grades could land young men in Vietnam.

The New York Times

Brown concluded that obvious signs like poor grades were ignored.

The New York Times - Sports

Then at 12, the pain, headaches and poor concentration and poor grades returned.

The New York Times - Health

In schools that received poor grades, teachers began focusing more intensely on writing and math.

The New York Times

Fourteen out of the 15 largest publishers scored poor grades for their sustainability scores.

The Guardian

Children get poor grades, and have difficulty getting along with others.

The New York Times - Health

But his lengthy rap sheet and poor grades made getting into another school impossible.

The New York Times

He argues that "in France we are defined by failure", and this begins with poor grades.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing reasons for "poor grades", be specific. Instead of saying "He has poor grades", specify the subjects or types of assignments where he struggles.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "poor grades" automatically indicate a lack of intelligence or future success. Consider external factors like personal issues, learning environment, or teaching methods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor grades" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "poor" modifies the noun "grades". It generally acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing the quality of academic marks. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "poor grades" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe unsatisfactory academic performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it's important to use it with specificity, considering potential causes and avoiding generalizations. For those seeking alternatives, phrases like "failing grades" or "low marks" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember, addressing "poor grades" effectively requires understanding their root causes and implementing targeted strategies for improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failing grades

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

low marks

Focuses on the numerical or symbolic representation of grades being low.

unsatisfactory grades

Highlights the aspect of not meeting the required or expected standards.

deficient grades

Indicates a lack or inadequacy in academic achievement.

subpar academic performance

Rephrases the concept to focus on the overall academic performance being below the expected standard.

inadequate academic results

Highlights the insufficiency of the results obtained in academic work.

weak academic standing

Suggests that the overall academic position or status is not strong.

faltering academic record

Implies a declining or unsteady academic history.

struggling academically

Focuses on the ongoing effort and difficulty in achieving satisfactory grades.

academic underachievement

Emphasizes the state of not achieving one's potential in academic areas.

FAQs

What are some common causes of "poor grades"?

Common causes of "poor grades" can include lack of study skills, difficulty understanding the material, personal problems, or inadequate teaching. Identifying the root cause is essential for improvement.

What can I say instead of "poor grades"?

You can use alternatives like "failing grades", "low marks", or "unsatisfactory grades", depending on the context.

How do "poor grades" affect college admissions?

"Poor grades" can negatively impact college admissions, as they are a significant factor in evaluating an applicant's academic readiness. However, strong performance in later years or extenuating circumstances can sometimes mitigate this impact.

What strategies can help improve "poor grades"?

Strategies to improve "poor grades" include developing effective study habits, seeking help from teachers or tutors, addressing any underlying personal issues, and creating a supportive learning environment.