bad for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has a negative impact or effect on someone or something. Example: "Eating too much sugar is bad for your health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Forbes

Science Magazine

BBC

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bad for everyone.

The New York Times

It's bad for democracy.

The New York Times

Too bad for Melvin.

The New Yorker

Bad for the sport!

The New Yorker

It's bad for business.

Independent

Too bad for Justice.

The Economist

Bad for #Louisville.

The New York Times

Too bad for him.

The New Yorker

Not bad for 38.

The New York Times

It's bad for me".

The New York Times

It's bad for everybody.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad for", clearly specify what is being negatively affected to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "This policy is bad for small businesses".

Common error

Avoid using "bad for" without providing specific reasons or evidence. Saying something is "bad for the economy" without explanation weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad for" functions primarily as a predicate adjective followed by a preposition, describing something as having a negative or detrimental effect on a specified entity. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bad for" is a common and versatile expression used to describe something that has a negative impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in a variety of contexts, including news, academic writing, and everyday conversation. When using "bad for", be sure to specify what is being negatively affected to ensure clarity. While generally neutral in tone, it's suitable for various registers and is best used with supporting evidence to strengthen your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not good for

Simple and direct alternative expressing negativity.

harmful to

Direct synonym indicating potential for causing harm.

detrimental to

Formal alternative emphasizing harm or damage.

unfavorable to

Implies a disadvantage or lack of benefit.

unhealthy for

Focuses on the adverse effects on health or well-being.

counterproductive to

Focuses on hindering progress or achieving a goal.

a disservice to

Highlights the act of causing damage or being unhelpful.

a liability to

Indicates something that causes problems or difficulties.

prejudicial to

Emphasizes bias or unfairness leading to harm.

inimical to

A more formal way of suggesting something is adverse or hostile.

FAQs

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

Use "bad for" to describe something that has a negative impact on someone or something. For example, "Smoking is "bad for" your health".

What are some alternatives to saying "bad for"?

You can use alternatives like "harmful to", "detrimental to", or "unfavorable to" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to use "bad for"?

Yes, "bad for" always implies a negative consequence or impact. If you want to express a positive impact, consider using phrases like "good for" or "beneficial to".

What's the difference between "bad for" and "bad for you"?

"Bad for" is a general phrase that can apply to anything, while "bad for you" typically refers to things that are unhealthy or detrimental to a person's well-being.