Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
poor over
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "poor over" is not correct in English and does not convey a clear meaning.
It seems like it might be a typographical error or a misinterpretation of another phrase. Example: "I think you meant to say 'pour over' when referring to the method of brewing coffee."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Sport
Alternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
56 human-written examples
The Jets' tackling was poor over all.
News & Media
Harris survives a poor over pretty comfortably.
News & Media
He starts with a poor over, too short again.
News & Media
That was a truly poor over from Plunkett: all over the place.
News & Media
"His form was pretty poor over 18 months, every other player just gets dropped.
News & Media
Ten from a pretty poor over, and Broad whacks his cap on the ground in disgust.
News & Media
Athers agrees: "poor over" he intones as yet another delivery passes harmlessly by the stumps.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
4 human-written examples
In general, the agreement was poor, over-predicting the high Nusselt number data and under-predicting the low Nusselt number data, but capturing the mid-range quite well.
Why are they harassing these poor over-worked authors to write more?
News & Media
We don't need to be pestering this poor, over-burdened man with such petty things right now.
News & Media
In addition to the poor over-all prognosis the course of the disease is often complicated by thromboembolic events.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Carefully review your writing for potential typos, as "poor over" is often a misspelling of another phrase.
Common error
Avoid using "poor over" when you intend to use other phrasal verbs like "pour over" (meaning to study carefully) or when you mean to describe something as generally "poor" throughout a period.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "poor over" does not have a standard grammatical function in English. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect and suggests it may be a typographical error. Its occurrences often appear in contexts where a different phrase was likely intended.
Frequent in
Science
35%
News & Media
35%
Sport
18%
Less common in
Academia
4%
Formal & Business
4%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "poor over" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in English. Ludwig AI suggests that it often arises from typographical errors or misinterpretations. Although examples can be found across various sources, its usage is inconsistent and lacks a clear, defined meaning. When writing, it is advisable to consider alternative phrases such as "poor performance" or "poor quality" depending on the intended meaning. It is important to double-check writing for typos to avoid this error.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
poor performance
Emphasizes the substandard quality of execution or outcome.
poor quality
Focuses on the deficient standard or grade of something.
ineffective handling
Highlights the lack of success or skill in managing a situation or task.
inadequate coverage
Stresses the insufficiency of protection or attention provided.
deficient management
Points to the flawed administration or control of resources or operations.
lousy handling
Indicates a very poor or careless way of managing or dealing with something.
insufficient oversight
Highlights the lack of adequate supervision or monitoring.
pour over
Focuses on a different meaning, where something is poured onto or studied intently.
poor throughout
Highlights the inferior quality of something in general.
subpar performance
Indicates a performance that is below the expected standard.
FAQs
What does "poor over" mean?
The phrase "poor over" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It might be a typo, or a misunderstanding of other phrases like "pour over".
What can I say instead of "poor over" if I'm referring to something of low quality over a period of time?
Consider using "poor throughout" or "poor performance" depending on the context.
How to avoid mistaking "pour over" for "poor over"?
Be mindful of the context. "Pour over" implies a careful examination or the act of pouring something, while "poor" generally describes a lack of quality.
Is "poor over" ever correct?
It's rare, but possible if "poor" describes a state, and "over" is a preposition indicating location (e.g. "The blanket was poor over the shivering child"). However, this usage is uncommon and may sound awkward. Rephrasing is usually preferable.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested