this sounds bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this sounds bad" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express that something does not seem good or favorable. Example: "I read the reviews for this restaurant and they all say the food is terrible. This sounds bad, I think we should go somewhere else for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This sounds bad".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If this sounds bad, then gloomier estimates have projected death tolls as high as 60m.

The Economist

CARB BREAK On the way back after surfing — this sounds bad — we love getting McDonald's.

The New York Times

I don't know if this sounds bad, but I kind of look at everything through my wife.

The New York Times

"I know this sounds bad," he continues, but he just wants to assure everyone that he's not gay.

The New York Times - Books

Steven Ricchiuto of Mizuho Securities, an investment bank, expects corporate investment to drop: "Companies are not in a mood to add to capital stock .All this sounds bad.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

During the quarter the company lost a total 75,000 net subscribers, and while that sounds bad, this is Sprint, and that was the company’s best total net subscriber result since the third quarter of 2007.

Forbes

Wait, that sounds bad.

TechCrunch

If this all sounds bad, that's because it is.

Vice

It sounds bad, but this is what I want.

The Guardian - Arts

"I don't want to use the word catering to them; it sounds bad, but this should be an event for them, too," Mr. Abruzzo said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this sounds bad" to acknowledge a potentially negative implication before providing context or reassurance.

Common error

Avoid using "this sounds bad" without explaining why it sounds bad. Always provide context to clarify the negative implication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this sounds bad" primarily functions as an evaluative statement. It expresses a subjective assessment of something heard or understood, indicating that it is perceived as unfavorable or problematic. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this sounds bad" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey concern or apprehension about something perceived as unfavorable. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, shows its prevalent use in news and media. While versatile, it's best practice to provide context when using this phrase to clarify the reason for concern. Alternatives like "that doesn't sound promising" offer similar meanings, but "this sounds bad" remains a direct and effective way to express a negative assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that doesn't sound promising

Emphasizes the lack of positive expectations.

that's not a good sign

Highlights the negative indication of a situation.

this appears unfavorable

Uses more formal language to express a negative assessment.

that's cause for concern

Indicates that the situation warrants worry.

this seems problematic

Focuses on the potential issues arising from the situation.

that's a worrying development

Highlights the concerning nature of an unfolding event.

this is hardly ideal

Understates the negative impact, implying a significant problem.

that bodes ill

Suggests that the situation foreshadows negative outcomes.

that's far from encouraging

Emphasizes the absence of positive indications.

this is not looking good

A more conversational expression of a negative outlook.

FAQs

What does "this sounds bad" mean?

The phrase "this sounds bad" indicates that something seems unfavorable, undesirable, or likely to have negative consequences.

How can I use "this sounds bad" in a sentence?

You can use "this sounds bad" to express concern or apprehension about a situation. For example, "The weather forecast predicts heavy rain all week. "This sounds bad" for our outdoor event."

What are some alternatives to "this sounds bad"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that doesn't sound promising", "that's not a good sign", or "this appears unfavorable", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "this sounds bad"?

It's appropriate to use "this sounds bad" when you want to acknowledge a potentially negative situation and express concern or apprehension. Use it when something seems problematic or unfavorable based on available information.