that backfired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that backfired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where an action or plan has had an unintended negative consequence. Example: "I thought my surprise party would be a hit, but it backfired when everyone found out and no one showed up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Coughlin made two sideline decisions that backfired.

The New York Times - Sports

One that backfired, he might have added.

The Guardian - Sport

In the top diagram, Anand initiated a combination that backfired.

The New York Times

Thanks to a raid that backfired, Mr Bolloré may be embarking on a second career.

The Economist

But that backfired, she said, as boxes were scattered, requiring extra staff (and money) for cleanup.

The New York Times

Even that backfired, when people thought the wine was a fake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was the start of a pattern: decisions that backfired, sheer bad luck.

The Guardian - Film

"The thought was to make it easier and quicker for the voters, but obviously that backfired".

The New York Times

Most people seem to agree it was an approach that backfired.

BBC

But then, who would brag about all the bold decisions that backfired?

Forbes

But that backfired and irritated her skin. .

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that backfired", ensure the context clearly identifies what the 'that' refers to. Lack of clarity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "that backfired" when the negative outcome isn't directly and clearly linked to a specific action or decision. Ensure a clear causal relationship is evident to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that backfired" functions as a predicate, often following a subject (explicit or implied) that represents an action, plan, or decision. It indicates that the preceding subject resulted in an unintended and negative consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that backfired" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote an action or decision that yielded an undesirable and often unexpected outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is perfectly correct for use in written English. While versatile, it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts. When aiming for higher formality, alternatives such as "that proved counterproductive" or "that had adverse consequences" may be more appropriate. Ensure clarity by directly linking the 'that' to a specific prior action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that misfired

A shorter, more direct synonym indicating a failure to achieve the intended result.

that proved counterproductive

Highlights that the action hindered progress instead of helping.

that rebounded negatively

This alternative focuses on the reflexive aspect of the action, emphasizing the negative return.

that went awry

A general term for something going wrong or deviating from the intended course.

that failed spectacularly

Emphasizes the magnitude of the failure.

that had adverse consequences

This is a more formal way of saying something went wrong with a negative outcome.

that yielded the opposite result

This phrase emphasizes the contrast between the intended and actual outcome.

that turned sour

This phrase suggests a negative change in circumstances or outcomes.

that blew up in someone's face

An idiomatic expression indicating a sudden and spectacular failure.

that crashed and burned

This idiom vividly illustrates a complete and utter failure.

FAQs

How can I use "that backfired" in a sentence?

You can use "that backfired" to describe a situation where an action or plan had an unintended negative consequence. For example: "The marketing campaign was intended to boost sales, but "that backfired" when consumers found it offensive."

What are some alternatives to "that backfired"?

Alternatives include "that proved counterproductive", "that misfired", or "that had adverse consequences" depending on the context.

Is "that backfired" appropriate for formal writing?

While "that backfired" is widely understood, it might be considered somewhat informal for highly academic or business contexts. Alternatives such as "that had adverse consequences" or "that proved counterproductive" may be more suitable.

What does it mean when something is described as "that backfired"?

When something is described as "that backfired", it means an action or decision resulted in an undesirable or opposite outcome than what was originally intended. It implies a negative consequence resulting from a specific action.