cast in a negative light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cast in a negative light" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how something is portrayed or perceived unfavorably or detrimentally. Example: "The media often casts political figures in a negative light, influencing public opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I don't think they're used to being cast in a negative light as they have been," Mr. Black said.

The New York Times

The deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, is also cast in a negative light for approving continued surveillance of Page.

The Guardian

I have often been witness and directly experienced how women are cast in a negative light for displaying the same traits as men in the business.

The Guardian

Solnit goes on to give alternative interpretations of some of the images and events that have been widely cast in a negative light.

The New Yorker

In a statement posted on Facebook, the district said it was bound by the recently passed Texas state law, which it cast in a negative light.

The Washington Post

At least gays and lesbians weren't being cast in a negative light, as a way of riling the worst of the base.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Because sex is cast in such a negative light in society, many aspects of it remain taboo.

Vice

Levin said that at his first meeting with Chaim, at the Plaza Hotel, he was instructed to find anything that might cast Kellner in a negative light.

The New Yorker

It's a line that Trump uses to cast her in a negative light, which is a bit odd given that they are now championing her testimony.

The Washington Post

However, these views of taxation, which always cast it in a negative light, may begin to change as a result of a recent publication from the Catholic Church.

The Guardian

He was considered ruthless in his management of the media in favour of Blair's message and using the media to cast opposers in a negative light.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cast in a negative light" when you want to emphasize the act of influencing perception rather than merely describing a negative situation. It implies an active agent shaping the view.

Common error

Avoid using "cast in a negative light" when the subject is inherently negative and doesn't require external influence. For example, instead of "The disaster was cast in a negative light", consider "The disaster was inherently negative".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast in a negative light" functions as a verb phrase indicating how something is being presented or perceived. It suggests an active process of shaping perception, often with the intention of creating an unfavorable view. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cast in a negative light" is a useful expression for describing how something is presented or perceived unfavorably. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "portray negatively" and "depict unfavorably" exist, "cast in a negative light" emphasizes the active shaping of perception. When using this phrase, consider the potential for overuse and ensure that the subject truly benefits from emphasizing the influence behind the negative portrayal. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate your message and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

portray negatively

Focuses on the act of portraying something, emphasizing the negative aspect.

depict unfavorably

Emphasizes the unfavorable depiction of something, highlighting a lack of approval.

present in a bad light

Highlights the negative presentation of something, focusing on the resulting poor impression.

paint a bleak picture

Uses a metaphorical image to describe a negative portrayal, emphasizing a sense of despair.

show in a poor light

Focuses on the act of showing something in a way that diminishes its value.

characterize negatively

Highlights the negative characterization or description of something.

represent badly

Emphasizes the poor or inadequate representation of something.

give a negative impression

Focuses on the unfavorable impression created by the portrayal.

project a negative image

Highlights the negative image being projected or conveyed.

view in a critical way

Emphasizes a judgmental or disapproving perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "cast in a negative light" in a sentence?

Use "cast in a negative light" when describing how someone or something is portrayed unfavorably, like, "The documentary "cast the company in a negative light"."

What are some alternatives to "cast in a negative light"?

You can use alternatives such as "portray negatively", "depict unfavorably", or "present in a bad light" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cast in a negative light" or "portrayed negatively"?

"Cast in a negative light" implies active shaping of perception, while "portrayed negatively" is a more general description. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the influence behind the negative portrayal.

What's the difference between "cast in a negative light" and "viewed critically"?

"Cast in a negative light" suggests an external influence shaping a negative view, while "viewed critically" simply implies a judgmental or disapproving perspective. The former highlights influence, the latter emphasizes judgment.