That was a badly-written report. vs that was a badly written report

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. The first phrase 'that was a badly-written report' uses a hyphen to connect 'badly' and 'written' because they function together as an adjective to describe 'report'. The second phrase 'that was a badly written report' separates 'badly' and 'written' because 'badly' modifies 'written' directly. Both forms are commonly used in English.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 3551 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. The hyphen connects 'badly' and 'written' because they function together as an adjective to describe 'report'.

"That was a badly-written report."

This phrase is used when 'badly' and 'written' together modify the noun 'report'. The hyphen is used to show that 'badly' and 'written' work together as a single adjective.

Examples:

She handed in a well-thought-out proposal.
He is a well-known actor.
It was a much-needed break.
She is a kind-hearted person.
He is a hard-working student.

Show examples from the web [+]

This is basically a badly written and poorly plotted confession.
"Just a badly written one."
For it was such a badly written book, filled with endless cliché and shallow characters,
Yes, that was in your report.
That was the context of the report.
According to the applicant, that was apparent from the remarks contained in the contested report.
One of the amendments that was passed allowed it to issue own-initiative reports.
That was in fact the main reason for this own initiative report.
That was not the case with this report.
None of that was in the report.
Well, that wasn't on the police report.
That was the logic behind my voting for this report.
That was why we felt compelled to reject this report.
But I take the view that we should underline something that was not adequately dealt with in the report.
That was the very big achievement of this report.
You are the contact team that was recommended in the Goodman Report.
That was the original intention, and that was why Mr Lamfalussy launched this project, which was then supplemented by the von Wogau report.
That was Hotch. Linder's name came up on a police report.
Say, Mark, that was the medical examiner's report.
Something that was first thought of by yourself, Mr President, when you worked on the Martin reports.

Alternatives:

that was a poorly written report.
that was a badly crafted report.
that was a badly prepared report.
that was a badly composed report.
that was a badly structured report.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. 'Badly' directly modifies 'written' without the need for a hyphen because 'badly' is an adverb describing how the report was written.

"that was a badly written report"

This phrase is used when 'badly' modifies the verb 'written' directly, without the need for a hyphen. 'Badly' describes the manner in which the report was written.

Examples:

She sings beautifully.
He writes well.
They work hard.
She speaks fluently.
He plays the piano skillfully.

Show examples from the web [+]

This is basically a badly written and poorly plotted confession.
I thought the only thing he got upset about was a badly rolled joint.
It was a badly kept secret that Rhino was talking to us.
"Just a badly written one."
For it was such a badly written book, filled with endless cliché and shallow characters,
It took three times because it was so badly written.
It took three times because it was so badly written.
The manual's so badly written, I can't understand it
All these words badly written by the Limousins with the Latin from Fouarre their proceduresweaved in the jargon from Coutances the angels have translated them for the Eternity.
Why are these books always so badly written, I wonder?
Lieutenant, start your written report immediately.
Create a written report for the files on this case.
We went over every one of Sam Sheer's written reports... at his old precinct.
It should be followed by a written report.
The written report says what still now remains to be done.
Giving us a written report before this debate could not fail to improve cooperation with Parliament.
The directive should bring further flexibility by eliminating the need to produce written report.
In many cases, there are no written reports on these matters.
Kramer was supposed to submit a written report on behalf of the bureau.
Kramer was supposed to submit a written report on behalf of the bureau.

Alternatives:

that was a poorly written report.
that was a badly crafted report.
that was a badly prepared report.
that was a badly composed report.
that was a badly structured report.

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That was a badly-written report. vs that was a badly written report

"That was a badly-written report."

"that was a badly written report"

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