make them bad

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase "make them bad" when you are talking about a situation or event negatively affecting someone or something. For example, "The new regulations have made them bad off financially."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

That doesn't make them bad.

The New York Times - Food

That does not make them bad ideas.

The New York Times

Nor does it make them bad parents.

The Guardian

"It doesn't make them bad laws," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

Them not having a real strategy doesn't make them bad.

The New York Times

That didn't make them bad people; it just made them tired parents.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Some people's desire to win is so bad it makes them bad.

The Guardian - Sport

Pieces like those should be ignored, not because they reflect a morally repugnant misreading of history, but because they are narrowly didactic, which makes them bad art.

The New Yorker

What makes them bad partners?

Health & Justice

The potential for weakness, lightheadedness and hypotension [10] caused by these drugs could be aggravated during fasting and dehydration, which makes them bad choices for fasting patients.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

And, for Jeremy Bentham, what made them bad was their lack of utility, their tendency to lead to unhappiness and misery without any compensating happiness.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make them bad" to express that something or someone is being portrayed or caused to seem negative, undesirable, or ineffective due to certain actions or circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "make them bad" when you intend to describe inherent qualities. Instead, use it when referring to external forces or actions that result in a negative perception or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make them bad" typically functions as a verb phrase, where "make" is the main verb, "them" is the object pronoun, and "bad" functions as an adjective complementing the verb. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make them bad" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something or someone is portrayed or caused to be seen negatively. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts, primarily in News & Media. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider whether you're referring to a superficial perception or a more profound, detrimental change. Alternatives like "portray them negatively" or "give them a bad reputation" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. Keep in mind that it is important to avoid using this phrase when you mean to describe something's inherent qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make them seem awful

Highlights the negative impression created.

present them in a negative light

Focuses on the act of presenting something unfavorably.

make them look unfavorable

Focuses on the perception of being unfavorable, rather than inherently bad.

portray them negatively

Focuses on the act of portraying someone in a bad light.

cause them to be viewed poorly

Highlights the consequence of a negative perception.

give them a bad reputation

Implies damaging someone's standing or image.

make them appear wicked

Implies a stronger sense of evil or immorality.

taint their image

Suggests corrupting or damaging their reputation.

make them out to be villains

Emphasizes the portrayal of someone as a negative character.

bring them into disrepute

Implies causing a loss of respect or honor.

FAQs

How can I use "make them bad" in a sentence?

You can use "make them bad" to show how certain actions or situations can cause something or someone to be perceived negatively. For example, "The scandal could "make them bad" in the eyes of the public".

What are some alternatives to "make them bad"?

Alternatives to "make them bad" include "make them look unfavorable", "portray them negatively", or "give them a bad reputation", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make them bad" or "make them look bad"?

While both phrases are acceptable, "make them look bad" is often used when focusing on the appearance or perception, whereas "make them bad" can imply a more fundamental change or negative impact. "The evidence will "make them look bad" in court".

What's the difference between "make them bad" and "make them evil"?

"Make them bad" suggests a general negative portrayal or outcome, while "make them evil" implies a much stronger moral condemnation. The phrase "make them evil" suggests a malicious or wicked intent.