gone bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gone bad" is not correct or usable in written English.
However, you might be able to use similar phrases such as "gone wrong," "gone awry," or "gone astray." For example: His plans for the future had gone astray since the coronavirus outbreak.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Government gone bad.

The New Yorker

The milk had gone bad.

The New Yorker

"It's gone bad now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dark gone bad.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Atlantic City has gone bad.

The Washington Post

"Apparently a burglary gone bad.

The New York Times

A deal of some sort gone bad?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Then it went bad.

Independent

"Drug deal went bad.

The New Yorker

He quickly went bad.

The New York Times

Because science sometimes goes bad.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food spoilage, use more specific terms like "spoiled" or "rancid" instead of the general phrase "gone bad" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "gone bad" when a more precise term exists. For example, instead of saying "the plan went bad", consider "the plan failed" or "the plan was unsuccessful" to convey the message more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gone bad" typically functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it has deteriorated, spoiled, or otherwise become undesirable. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase might be considered grammatically questionable despite its frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "gone bad" is a frequently used phrase to describe something that has deteriorated or spoiled, Ludwig AI indicates that it may be grammatically questionable. It is commonly found in news and media sources but less so in formal academic or scientific writing. When writing, consider using more precise alternatives such as "spoiled", "turned sour", or "gone wrong" for clarity and grammatical correctness. Be mindful of the context to ensure your choice accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gone wrong

Implies that a plan or situation has failed or taken an undesirable turn.

turned sour

Indicates a change in condition from pleasant to unpleasant, often referring to food or relationships.

spoiled

Specifically refers to food that is no longer fit for consumption.

deteriorated

Suggests a gradual decline in quality or condition.

taken a turn for the worse

Suggests a sudden and negative change in circumstances.

decomposed

Implies a more advanced state of decay or rotting.

fallen apart

Suggests a complete breakdown or failure of something, whether physical or abstract.

degenerated

Indicates a decline in moral or physical quality.

become corrupted

Indicates a loss of purity or integrity, often in a moral or ethical sense.

devolved

Implies a regression to a less complex or less desirable state.

FAQs

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

While frequently used, Ludwig AI suggests the phrase "gone bad" is grammatically questionable. However, it can be used to describe food that has spoiled, like in the sentence, "The milk has gone bad."

What can I say instead of "gone bad"?

You can use alternatives like "turned sour", "spoiled", or "gone wrong" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "gone bad" or "went bad"?

While both phrases are used, "went bad" might be considered more grammatically standard, especially in formal writing, as it uses the past tense form of "go".

What's the difference between "gone bad" and "become corrupted"?

"Gone bad" often refers to physical spoilage or a simple failure, while "become corrupted" implies a loss of integrity or moral decay. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.