grow bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow bad" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts discussing the deterioration of something over time, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "If we don't take care of the garden, the plants will grow bad and eventually die."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In this way, good schools that attract more pupils will grow; bad ones will close or be taken over.

The Economist

Good schools will grow, bad schools will change, and the poorest will benefit most"... apart from the ones in the school left behind, that is.

The Guardian - Opinion

Something rotten in Reading If Oscar Wilde were alive now, he might write a Ballad of Reading East, in which "some grow mad and all grow bad", because something is poisoning the political atmosphere in that constituency.

Independent

Grow bad beard just as new romanticism is happening.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

When times grew bad, Paschal's neon sign glowed like a beacon.

The New York Times

How and at what cost China will digest its growing bad debt problem and how much resolve the leadership has for reforms are the crucial issues.

The New York Times

"Restrictions on lending to sound companies by all banks is preventing a sustained economic recovery and thereby compounding the risk of growing bad debts," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Growing bad debt expense: The growing uninsured population and increasing out-of-pocket payment requirements from consumers are root causes for the recent acceleration in hospitals' bad debt expenses.

Forbes

According to our previous work [ 11], SCUT27 grows bad or could not grow at pH values lower than 5.0 or higher than 7.5.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

But the overhang of corporate debt and a growing bad-loan problem at India's banks is a bigger obstacle to a recovery in capital spending than the level of interest rates.

The Economist

Instead what have soared are the share prices of firms that seem able to grow however bad the rest of the economy is.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "go bad" or "deteriorate" for clearer communication, especially in formal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "grow bad" can make your writing sound unnatural. Vary your vocabulary by using more common alternatives such as "go bad" or "deteriorate" to improve readability and avoid stylistic monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow bad" functions as a verb phrase where "grow" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "bad", which describes a state of becoming worse. Ludwig indicates that it is not a standard expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow bad" is grammatically acceptable but not a common expression in English. Ludwig indicates that it may sound awkward, advising the use of alternatives such as "go bad" or "deteriorate" for clarity. While it appears in news and scientific contexts, its rarity suggests that using more common phrases is preferable for effective communication. The phrase describes a process of decline, but due to its uncommon usage, it's best to reserve it for situations where a specific nuance is intended, keeping in mind that the audience might perceive it as slightly unnatural. Always prioritize clarity and familiarity in writing unless a specific stylistic effect is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go bad

This is a more common and widely understood way to express that something is worsening.

worsen

A simple term for something becoming more severe or negative.

become worse

A straightforward phrase indicating a decline in quality or condition.

decline

Suggests a gradual deterioration or loss of strength or quality.

deteriorate

This alternative uses a single word to describe the process of becoming worse.

degenerate

Implies a decline in quality or moral character.

devolve

Implies a regression to a lower or worse state.

take a turn for the worse

Idiomatic expression indicating a sudden decline.

fall into disrepair

Specifically suggests a physical decline due to neglect.

sour

Used especially when referring to relationships or situations becoming unpleasant.

FAQs

What does "grow bad" mean?

The phrase "grow bad" means to deteriorate or worsen over time. However, it's not a commonly used expression.

What can I say instead of "grow bad"?

You can use alternatives like "go bad", "deteriorate", or "become worse" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "grow bad"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it's not a common or idiomatic expression. Other phrases are more frequently used to express the same meaning.

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

While possible, it's better to use alternatives. Example: "If the fruit isn't refrigerated, it will go bad quickly" is preferable to "If the fruit isn't refrigerated, it will grow bad quickly."