a bad example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that serves as a poor model or illustration of a particular behavior or standard. Example: "His actions are a bad example for the younger members of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He became a bad example".

The New Yorker

Hitler set a bad example.

Independent

Down syndrome is a bad example.

The New York Times

That was a bad example.

The New Yorker

Maybe that's a bad example.

The New Yorker

"Maybe it's a bad example," he said.

The New Yorker

Cookie Monster: Setting a bad example?

The Guardian

"I just think he's a bad example.

The New York Times

"It's a bad example," he said.

The New York Times

"The president is setting a bad example.

The New York Times

Mourinho is setting a bad example.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of behavior on others, use "a bad example" to underscore the negative consequences of that behavior. This is particularly effective when addressing issues of ethics, leadership, or parenting.

Common error

Avoid using "a bad example" when the issue is merely a matter of personal taste or preference. The phrase carries a weight of judgment, and misapplying it can diminish its impact when addressing genuinely harmful behaviors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad example" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object, typically to identify something that should not be emulated. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is used to point out instances of negative influence or undesirable conduct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "a bad example" is a commonly used phrase to denote something or someone whose actions or qualities should not be emulated. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, most notably in news and media. It functions as a noun phrase, serving to discourage the replication of negative behaviors and promote adherence to better standards. While versatile, it's important to apply it judiciously, ensuring that its use aligns with the intent to address genuinely concerning behaviors rather than matters of mere preference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a poor illustration

Focuses on the inadequacy of the example in illustrating a point.

an undesirable model

Emphasizes the negative qualities of the example making it unsuitable to emulate.

a negative influence

Highlights the detrimental impact of the example on others.

a cautionary tale

Implies that the example serves as a warning against certain actions or behaviors.

a terrible precedent

Highlights that a prior decision sets stage for undesirable situations.

a disservice

Focuses on the detrimental aspect of a particular action or behavior.

a flawed instance

Highlights the imperfections inherent in a situation.

an error

Points out something went wrong and can be used to not repeat the action.

a mistake

Highlights an action to avoid repeating.

a regrettable occurrence

Highlights an action that creates regret.

FAQs

How can I use "a bad example" in a sentence?

Use "a bad example" to illustrate a negative outcome or behavior that should be avoided. For instance, "His dishonesty serves as "a bad example" for his peers".

What are some alternatives to "a bad example"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a poor illustration", "an undesirable model", or "a negative influence".

Is it always negative to be "a bad example"?

Yes, the phrase "a bad example" inherently carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the subject's actions or qualities are undesirable and should not be emulated.

What's the difference between "a bad example" and "a poor example"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of quality, "a bad example" suggests a more significant negative impact or consequence compared to "a poor example", which may simply imply inadequacy.