bad for him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad for him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that has negative consequences for a male individual. Example: "Eating too much junk food is bad for him, as it can lead to health issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Too bad for him.

The New Yorker

You feel bad for him.

The New Yorker

"I feel bad for him.

The New York Times

"I felt bad for him.

The New York Times - Sports

Sex was bad for him, she said.

The New Yorker

I do feel bad for him.

Independent

And also I felt bad for him.

The New York Times - Arts

"I feel so stinkin' bad for him.

The New York Times - Sports

Some former staffers felt bad for him.

The New Yorker

I felt really bad for him".

The New York Times

"Things weren't all that bad for him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, consider using synonyms like "detrimental" or "unfavorable" for a more formal and less emotionally charged tone. This can be especially useful in professional or academic writing.

Common error

While "bad for him" is perfectly acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem too casual. Vary your language with more precise or sophisticated synonyms to enhance the quality of your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad for him" primarily functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes a condition or situation that has negative consequences for a specific male individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bad for him" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe something with negative consequences for a male individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and frequently encountered in various contexts, including news, sports, and general conversation. While versatile, more formal alternatives like "detrimental to him" or "unfavorable to him" might be preferable in certain professional or academic settings. When writing, consider the specific context and target audience to ensure that your choice of words aligns with the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not good for him

A simpler, more general way of saying something is "bad".

detrimental to him

A more formal and direct way of saying "bad for him", implying a damaging effect.

harmful to him

Similar to "detrimental", but can also refer to physical harm.

unfavorable to him

Indicates a disadvantageous situation or outcome.

not beneficial for him

Highlights the lack of positive effects.

unhealthy for him

Specifically refers to negative impacts on his health.

disadvantageous to him

Implies that something puts him at a disadvantage.

tough on him

A more informal way to express that something is causing him difficulty.

rough on him

Similar to "tough on him", suggesting a difficult experience.

a setback for him

Focuses on the idea of a reversal or obstacle.

FAQs

What does "bad for him" mean?

The phrase "bad for him" means that something has negative consequences or is detrimental to a male individual.

What can I say instead of "bad for him"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to say "bad for him"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "bad for him". It follows standard English grammar rules.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "bad for him"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "bad for him" in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to news reports, when describing something that has a negative impact on a male individual. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.