was botched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was botched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that was poorly executed or mishandled. Example: "The surgery was botched, leading to complications for the patient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The plot was botched.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even then, the process was botched.

The New York Times - Arts

However, the vote was botched.

The Guardian - Opinion

The job was botched; two Australian tourists were killed.

The New York Times

Kyle's initial plan was botched by bad weather.

The New York Times

An operation on her arm was botched, she said.

The New York Times

Governmental reform was botched but some, at least, took place.

The Economist

But the selection process was botched from the start.

The Economist

This one was botched, and the burglars were arrested.

The New York Times

"The whole thing was botched from the beginning," Mawae said.

The New York Times - Sports

But that play was botched from the start".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was botched", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or task suffered from poor execution. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "was botched" is widely understood, it can sound informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for alternatives like "was poorly executed" or "was mishandled" to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was botched" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject received a poor or inadequate action. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is commonly used to describe a task or operation that has been carried out incompetently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was botched" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has been poorly executed or mishandled. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most frequently used in news and media contexts, and while it is generally considered neutral in tone, alternatives like "was mishandled" or "was poorly executed" may be more appropriate for formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly "was botched" to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went wrong

Focuses on the general failure of a process or event.

was mishandled

Emphasizes the improper management or handling of a situation.

was poorly executed

Highlights the lack of skill or quality in carrying out a task.

failed miserably

Stresses the complete and embarrassing nature of the failure.

turned into a fiasco

Indicates that an event became a complete disaster or mess.

was ruined

Highlights the destruction or spoiling of something.

was bungled

Suggests clumsiness or incompetence in the execution.

was screwed up

Uses informal language to indicate a serious error or mistake.

didn't go as planned

Downplays the severity of the failure, focusing on the deviation from the intended outcome.

was a complete failure

Emphasizes the total lack of success.

FAQs

What does "was botched" mean?

The phrase "was botched" means that something was done very badly or carelessly, resulting in failure or a poor outcome.

How can I use "was botched" in a sentence?

You can use "was botched" to describe a task, plan, or operation that was executed poorly. For example, "The surgery "was botched", leading to complications."

What can I say instead of "was botched"?

Alternatives include "was mishandled", "was poorly executed", or "failed miserably", depending on the specific context.

Is "was botched" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "was botched" may be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "was poorly executed" or "was mishandled" in such cases.