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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.
  • 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.
  • 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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