a negative thing

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It wasn't a negative thing.

The New York Times

That's not a negative thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"Maybe that's a negative thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"Gosh, what a negative thing to say.

The New Yorker

"It was always such a negative thing.

The Guardian

Usually stress is a negative thing.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is not a negative thing.

The New York Times

Déjà vu, he said, "is not necessarily a negative thing".

The New York Times

It's a negative thing to do," he told Sky News.

The Guardian

I don't see it as a negative thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Global overpopulation also means "it's a negative thing".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a negative thing", consider the context and whether a more specific term might be more appropriate to convey the exact nuance of the negativity.

Common error

Avoid using "a negative thing" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, clearly articulate the specific negative aspects or consequences to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a negative thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to describe something unfavorable or undesirable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express that something has negative attributes or consequences. Examples on Ludwig illustrate its broad applicability across various topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

9%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a negative thing" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something unfavorable. As Ludwig AI indicates, it effectively conveys that something possesses undesirable qualities or consequences. Analysis of its usage reveals that it is most frequently employed in News & Media contexts, with a neutral formality level. While versatile, it's important to consider whether a more specific term might provide greater clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "a disadvantage" or "a drawback" can offer more nuanced meanings depending on the situation. Overall, "a negative thing" is a reliable phrase, but mindful use of synonyms can enhance writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disadvantage

Focuses on the drawback aspect.

a downside

Highlights the less favorable aspect.

a drawback

Emphasizes the limiting factor.

a problem

Refers to an issue or difficulty.

a setback

Indicates a hindrance to progress.

an obstacle

Suggests a barrier or impediment.

an issue

Refers to a point of concern or debate.

a complication

Implies added difficulty or complexity.

a burden

Suggests something heavy or oppressive.

a woe

Indicates a source of sorrow or distress.

FAQs

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

You can use "a negative thing" to describe something with unfavorable qualities or effects. For example: "Excessive screen time can be "a negative thing" for children's development."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a disadvantage", "a drawback", or "a problem".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a negative thing"?

While grammatically correct, "a negative thing" can sometimes be vague. Consider whether a more specific and descriptive term would better convey the intended meaning.

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

The phrases are very similar. "A negative thing" might sometimes imply a more subtle or nuanced form of negativity compared to the more direct "a bad thing".