a very bad thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very bad thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is considered negative or harmful in a general context. Example: "Littering in our parks is a very bad thing that affects the environment and wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Denial is a very bad thing".

The New York Times

It was a very bad thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a very bad thing for Canada.

The New York Times

BANKRUPTCY, it is generally agreed, is a very bad thing.

The Economist

"Yes, William did a very bad thing," he wrote back.

The New Yorker

"They did a very bad thing to me.

Independent

"This is a very bad thing," he complained.

The New York Times

"At the time, it was a very bad thing.

The New York Times

That, of course, would be a very bad thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"A very bad thing he's done is to run against success in business," he said.

The New York Times

"It's a very bad thing to have prices go up and down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very bad thing", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being referred to and why it's considered negative. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a very bad thing" as it can sound repetitive and uninspired. Vary your language by using more specific and descriptive terms to convey the severity and nature of the issue at hand.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a very bad thing" is as a noun phrase serving as a predicate nominative or object. Ludwig examples illustrate it functioning as a general descriptor for negative situations or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very bad thing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote something negative or undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure clarity and context when using it. Consider diversifying your vocabulary with alternatives like "a terrible situation" or "a significant issue" to avoid repetition and enhance the impact of your writing. Ludwig's examples show the phrase appears most often in news and media, indicating a neutral register suitable for broad communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious problem

Highlights the severity of the issue.

a terrible situation

Replaces "bad thing" with "situation", emphasizing the overall context.

a damaging development

Emphasizes the harm caused by the situation.

something awful

Uses more informal language to express negativity.

a significant issue

Uses more formal language, focusing on the importance of the problem.

a dire circumstance

Highlights the urgency and desperation of the situation.

a grave matter

Emphasizes the solemn and critical nature of the situation.

a regrettable incident

Focuses on the sorrow and regret associated with the event.

an unfortunate event

Focuses on the negative outcome and its regrettable nature.

a calamitous occurrence

Highlights the disastrous nature of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very bad thing" to describe situations, actions, or events that have negative consequences. For example, "Pollution is "a very bad thing" for the environment".

What can I say instead of "a very bad thing"?

You can use alternatives like "a terrible situation", "a significant issue", or "a serious problem" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a very bad thing"?

Yes, "a very bad thing" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe something negative or undesirable.

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

The addition of "very" intensifies the negativity of the phrase. "A very bad thing" suggests a more significant or severe problem than simply "a bad thing".