Bad At: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionEnglish Usage
Quick answer
Use “bad at” to say that someone is not successful or skilled at an activity or subject.
Key details
Confusion Familyusage-construction
Rule Familyadjective or complement construction
Termsbad at
Further guidance
Construction
Use “bad at” to say that someone is not successful or skilled at an activity or subject.
Style Boundary
This page is limited to the ability/skill construction; it does not cover the many other meanings and complements of “bad.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
Ablaze With: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Abound In or With: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Absorbed In: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Acceptable To: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Accessible To: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Acclaimed For: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
