a bad thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is negative or undesirable in a given context. Example: "Many people believe that excessive screen time is a bad thing for children's development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or a bad thing.

The New York Times

It's a bad thing.

The Economist

"Intense isn't a bad thing".

The New Yorker

That's not a bad thing.

The New York Times

And that's a bad thing!

The New York Times

"It's not a bad thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Is perfectionism a bad thing?

Independent

That's never a bad thing".

The New York Times - Sports

That isn't a bad thing.

The New York Times

That is a bad thing.

The Economist

But actually, it is a bad thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bad thing" to clearly express a negative consequence or undesirable aspect. Consider stronger alternatives if you need to emphasize the severity of the situation.

Common error

While "a bad thing" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to convey the negativity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad thing" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object, identifying or characterizing something as negative or undesirable. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to express a negative judgment or assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad thing" is a common phrase used to describe something negative or undesirable across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While it's suitable for general communication, more formal settings might benefit from more precise vocabulary. Consider alternatives like "a negative development" or "an unfortunate event" for enhanced clarity. Although the expression is deemed correct, be mindful of its potential overuse and replace it with stronger terms to amplify the negative impact when required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an undesirable outcome

Centers on the unfavorable result or consequence of an action or situation.

an unfavorable circumstance

Focuses on the condition or situation being disadvantageous.

a negative development

Emphasizes the progression or unfolding of something unfavorable.

a detrimental aspect

Points out a specific feature that causes harm or damage.

an unfortunate event

Focuses on the event itself being negative or unlucky.

a downside

Similar to drawback, emphasizing the negative aspect.

a drawback

Highlights a disadvantage or negative side to something.

a regrettable situation

Highlights the feeling of sorrow or disappointment associated with the circumstances.

a calamitous affair

Emphasizes the disastrous or catastrophic nature of the event.

a problem

A more general term indicating an issue or difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bad thing" to describe something negative or undesirable. For example, "Many people consider excessive screen time "a bad thing" for children's development."

What are some alternatives to saying "a bad thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a negative development", "an unfortunate event", or "an undesirable outcome".

Is it always appropriate to use "a bad thing" in writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In formal writing, more specific and sophisticated vocabulary may be preferable.

What's the difference between "a bad thing" and "a negative consequence"?

"A bad thing" is a general term, while "a negative consequence" specifically refers to the result of an action or event. The latter is more specific.