They say that "our English is bad" mainly because non-native speakers, such as Filipino students, often make noticeable errors in grammar, word choice, verb forms, prepositions, articles, subject-verb agreement, and even spelling. These errors persist even after years of English education, causing frustration among teachers who expect these rules to have been mastered by college level. However, what is considered "bad" English usually refers to not meeting the standards of "Standard English" prescribed by grammarians, which raises questions about whose standard should be followed and whether a truly common standard exists. Also, English is known for its complexities, inconsistencies, and imbalances, making it challenging for learners whose first languages are very different. English often relies on context, has contradictory rules, and varies across dialects and cultural versions, which can confuse and frustrate learners. Additionally, there are sociological and psychological reasons—such as learners' self-perceived inadequacy and external attitudes toward English—that might contribute to the perception that an individual's English language skills are "bad." In summary, "bad English" reflects both linguistic challenges inherent in English and the social and educational contexts of its learners, rather than just incompetence or lack of effort. The label also involves cultural and political influences stemming from English's history and global use as a colonial language.
