very badly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very badly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something done in a poor or unsatisfactory manner. Example: "The project was executed very badly, leading to numerous issues and delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Very, very badly.

Independent

"It burned very badly".

The New York Times

I feel very badly.

The New York Times

'I slept very badly.

The Guardian - Sport

"I behaved very badly.

The Guardian

Europe fares very badly.

The Guardian

"They behaved very badly.

The New York Times

'He's very badly behaved.

The Guardian

She's bleeding very badly".

The New York Times

"We live very badly.

The Guardian

Really, very badly.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very badly" to emphasize the degree to which something is done poorly, incorrectly, or with negative consequences. Ensure the context warrants the intensification provided by "very".

Common error

While "very badly" is acceptable in many situations, consider using more precise or formal alternatives like "extremely poorly" or "severely" in professional or academic writing to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very badly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb to express the extent or degree to which an action is performed poorly or something is of low quality. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "very badly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the poor quality or negative manner of an action or situation. According to Ludwig, it's correct and usable in written English, but it is more suitable for general and informal contexts. For professional or academic writing, more formal alternatives may be preferred. Its prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources underscores its widespread acceptability and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely poorly

This phrase conveys a similar level of inadequacy but uses different vocabulary, focusing on the quality of performance.

terribly

This single word expresses a high degree of negativity or poor quality, simplifying the original phrase.

awfully

Similar to "terribly", this alternative emphasizes the negative impact or outcome.

dreadfully

This word suggests a significant degree of unpleasantness or failure, offering a more dramatic tone.

woefully

This alternative highlights the inadequacy or deficiency of something.

severely

This suggests a serious or intense degree of negativity or damage.

lamentably

This formal term indicates something regrettable or unfortunate.

abominably

A strong term expressing extreme dislike or disapproval.

egregiously

This highlights an action or behavior that is conspicuously bad or offensive.

atrociously

This term conveys extreme wickedness or cruelty, suitable for very negative contexts.

FAQs

What does "very badly" mean?

The phrase "very badly" means to a great extent or degree of being poor, deficient, or unfavorable. It intensifies the adjective "badly", indicating a significant negative impact or quality.

How can I use "very badly" in a sentence?

You can use "very badly" to describe how something was done or performed. For example, "The team played "extremely poorly"" or "The project was managed "extremely poorly"".

What are some alternatives to "very badly"?

Alternatives to "very badly" include "extremely poorly", "terribly", "awfully", or "dreadfully". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to say "very badly" or "extremely poorly"?

Both "very badly" and "extremely poorly" are grammatically correct. "Extremely poorly" is often considered more formal and may be preferable in professional or academic writing, while "very badly" is suitable for general use.