bad actors

USAGE SUMMARY

'bad actors' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe people who do bad things, such as politicians who make decisions that harm their constituents. For example, "The bad actors in the mayor's office put their own interests ahead of the citizens they were elected to serve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'We aren't bad actors.

The New York Times

Only bad actors.

The Guardian - Film

The C.F.P.B. also pursues individual bad actors.

The New Yorker

There are no bad actors, there are only bad directors.

The New Yorker

It has been remarkably forgiving of bad actors.

The New York Times

This lets bad actors pretend that they've done nothing wrong.

The New York Times

Damning corporations because of some bad actors is not smart.

The New York Times

Surely some housed bad actors who broke laws.

The New York Times

We have bad actors that can come across the border.

The New Yorker

You're always going to have some bad actors.

The New York Times

"And some landlords are simply lawless bad actors".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad actors", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific harmful actions or behaviors being referred to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "bad actors" as a blanket term without providing specific examples or details of their actions. This can weaken your argument and make it seem unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bad actors" is as a plural noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, identifying individuals or entities engaged in negative or harmful actions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad actors" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes individuals or entities engaged in unethical or harmful activities. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English, highlighting its role in identifying and categorizing those responsible for negative actions. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in discussions related to science. While generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain contexts. When using "bad actors", clarity and specificity are key to ensuring the message is clear. The phrase is versatile and can be adapted to various situations where individuals or entities are acting in bad faith. Remember, providing specific examples strengthens your argument and avoids over-generalization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrongdoers

Focuses on the act of doing wrong rather than inherent character.

malefactors

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for evildoers.

perpetrators

Emphasizes the act of committing a crime or harmful deed.

unscrupulous individuals

Highlights the lack of moral principles.

culprits

Implies guilt and responsibility for a specific offense.

offenders

General term for those who break laws or rules.

rogue elements

Refers to individuals acting outside established norms or rules within a group.

transgressors

Highlights the crossing of moral or legal boundaries.

delinquents

Often used for young offenders or those who neglect duties.

villains

Suggests a deliberate and malicious intent.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad actors" to describe individuals or entities engaging in unethical or harmful activities. For example, "The investigation revealed several "unscrupulous individuals", or "bad actors", involved in the scheme."

What are some alternatives to saying "bad actors"?

Alternatives include "wrongdoers", "malefactors", "perpetrators", or "unscrupulous individuals", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "bad actors" a formal or informal term?

"Bad actors" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "malefactors" may be preferred in highly formal settings.

In what contexts is "bad actors" commonly used?

"Bad actors" is frequently used in news and media, as well as in discussions about cybersecurity, politics, and finance, to describe those engaged in harmful or illegal activities.