really bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really bad" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English
It is a common way to describe something that is of very poor quality or has negative consequences. Example: The food at that restaurant was really bad. (This shows that the food was not good quality.) Example: The storm caused really bad damage to our house. (This shows that the damage was severe and significant.)

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Really bad.

University of California, Berkeley

US looks really bad, looks really bad.

University of California, Berkeley

It's really bad.

Columbia University

Really bad luck.

Yale University

It's really bad news.

Yale University

Sometimes really, really bad.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was really bad.

The New York Times - Sports

I felt really bad.

The New York Times

"This is really bad".

The New York Times - Magazine

I feel really bad.

The New York Times

It hurt really bad".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really bad" in speech or informal writing to emphasize a negative state or quality. In more formal contexts, consider replacing it with a more specific adjective like "detrimental" or "unsatisfactory" to provide clearer detail.

Common error

Avoid using the adjective form 'real' as an intensifier in formal writing (e.g., saying something is 'real bad'). While 'real bad' is common in some dialects and casual speech, 'really bad' is the grammatically standard form because an adverb must modify an adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really bad" functions as an intensified adjective phrase where the adverb "really" acts as a degree modifier for the head adjective "bad". According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and serves to amplify the negative quality of the noun being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "really bad" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct intensifier used across a wide spectrum of English communication. Ludwig AI confirms its reliability in both spoken and written forms, ranging from news reporting in The New York Times to philosophical lectures at Yale University. While it is effective for general emphasis, writers should be mindful of the context; in highly formal or technical settings, selecting a more precise synonym like "atrocious" or "detrimental" can enhance the professional quality of the text. Overall, it remains a staple of the English language for conveying significant negativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible

Conveys a sense of dread or extreme poor quality with more impact.

awful

A very close synonym often used interchangeably in spoken English.

dreadful

Adds a slightly more formal or serious tone to the negativity.

abysmal

Specifically refers to extremely low quality, often used regarding performance or standards.

atrocious

Suggests something is exceptionally bad or even shocking.

severely negative

A more clinical or analytical way to describe a bad outcome.

exceedingly poor

A formal alternative emphasizing quality levels.

horrendous

Used for situations or sights that are visually or emotionally shocking.

substandard

Focuses on the failure to meet a specific requirement or norm.

deplorable

Suggests that the bad quality is worthy of strong condemnation or regret.

FAQs

Is "really bad" formal enough for an essay?

While it is grammatically correct, it is often considered too simple for high-level academic writing. You might choose more descriptive terms like "exceptionally poor" or "highly detrimental" depending on your topic.

What is the difference between "really bad" and "very bad"?

Both are grammatically correct and serve the same function. "very bad" is often perceived as slightly more formal, whereas "really bad" feels more natural in contemporary spoken English.

Can "really bad" be used to describe health?

Yes, it is frequently used to describe symptoms or conditions. For example, if someone has a severe migraine, they might say their headache is "really bad".

Is it "real bad" or "really bad"?

In standard English, the correct form is "really bad". The word "really" acts as an adverb modifying the adjective "bad". "real bad" is considered a colloquialism.