bad people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad people" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to individuals who are morally wrong or behave in harmful or negative ways. Example: The town was known for its high crime rates, with bad people constantly roaming the streets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bad people.

The New York Times

"They've become bad people.

The New York Times

They're not bad people.

The New York Times

They hire bad people.

The New York Times

"Are we all bad people?

The New York Times

"Bad people are bad people everywhere".

The New York Times - Sports

They were very bad people.

Yale University

There's bad people everywhere.

The Washington Post

Some very bad people".

The New York Times

Only the bad people.

The New York Times

Are we bad people?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

specify actions or behaviors that are harmful or unethical. For example, "Some members of X organization have engaged in unethical practices."

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "bad people" as a blanket statement to describe an entire group or demographic. This can lead to harmful stereotypes and misrepresentations. Instead, focus on specific individuals and actions when discussing wrongdoing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad people" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "bad" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "people". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a grammatically correct construction used to refer to individuals possessing negative qualities or engaging in harmful behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad people" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to individuals who engage in morally wrong or harmful behaviors. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic discussions. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overgeneralizations and focusing on specific actions rather than broad labels. Alternative phrases, such as "evil individuals" or "wrongdoers", can offer more nuanced ways to describe individuals involved in negative actions. Being specific and avoiding stereotypes are key to responsible communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evil individuals

Focuses on the inherent moral corruption of the individuals.

wicked persons

Emphasizes the malicious nature and intent of the individuals.

immoral characters

Highlights the lack of adherence to ethical principles.

corrupt individuals

Stresses the decay of integrity and ethical standards.

criminal elements

Specifically denotes involvement in illegal activities.

nefarious figures

Implies extreme wickedness and villainy.

villainous people

Directly labels individuals as antagonists or evildoers.

unscrupulous individuals

Indicates a lack of moral principles in their dealings.

malefactors

Refers to those who commit crimes or evil deeds.

wrongdoers

A general term for people who commit offenses or immoral acts.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad people" to describe individuals who engage in harmful or unethical behavior. For instance, "The detective dedicated his life to bringing "bad people" to justice."

What's a less judgmental way to refer to "bad people"?

Instead of "bad people", consider using terms like "individuals who commit crimes", "wrongdoers", or "those who engage in harmful behavior" depending on the context. These phrases focus on actions rather than labeling individuals.

Is it correct to say "bad peoples"?

No, the correct plural form is "bad people". "Peoples" refers to distinct ethnic or national groups, not multiple individuals who are bad.

What's the difference between "bad people" and "evil people"?

"Evil people" implies a deeper level of malevolence and intent to cause harm, while "bad people" is a more general term for those who commit wrongdoings or exhibit negative behavior. Evil suggests a fundamental corruption or wickedness, while bad can refer to a broader range of negative traits and actions.