not good for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not good for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is not beneficial or appropriate for a situation. Example: "Eating a full meal before bedtime is not good for digestion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not good for China.

The New York Times

It's not good for families.

The New York Times

They're not good for you".

The New York Times - Food

That's not good for anyone".

Independent

It's not good for seniors.

The New York Times

It's not good for anyone".

The New York Times

It's not good for us.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not good for America".

The New York Times

"That's not good for us.

The New York Times

It's not good for cinema.

The New York Times

Not good for digestion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not good for", ensure the context clearly specifies what the subject is detrimental to. Vague usage can weaken the impact of your statement.

Common error

In formal writing, relying too heavily on "not good for" can sound simplistic. Enhance your writing by using stronger, more specific synonyms like "detrimental", "unfavorable", or "counterproductive" to convey the negative impact more precisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not good for" primarily functions as a predicate adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses that something has negative consequences or is detrimental to the subject. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

12%

Social Media

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not good for" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something is unfavorable or detrimental. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. While its frequency is high, particularly in news and media and wiki sources, writers should consider using more formal alternatives like "detrimental" or "unfavorable" in academic or business writing to achieve a more sophisticated tone. Ultimately, understanding the nuance and context will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad for

A more informal and direct synonym.

detrimental to

Focuses on the damaging or harmful aspect.

harmful to

Emphasizes the potential for causing damage.

unfavorable to

Indicates a lack of support or positive outcome.

unsuitable for

Similar to inappropriate, but can also imply inadequacy.

inappropriate for

Suggests something is unsuitable or not fitting.

undesirable for

Highlights the unwanted or unwelcome nature of something.

counterproductive to

Indicates an action that hinders progress.

adverse to

Implies an opposing or conflicting effect.

prejudicial to

Highlights the potential for bias or unfairness.

FAQs

How can I use "not good for" in a sentence?

You can use "not good for" to express that something is detrimental or unfavorable to someone or something. For example, "Smoking is "bad for" your health" or "That policy is "unfavorable to" small businesses".

What are some alternatives to saying "not good for"?

Alternatives include "detrimental to", "harmful to", "unsuitable for", and "inappropriate for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "not good for" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "not good for" may sound too informal in some formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "adverse to" or "prejudicial to" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "not good for" and "bad for"?

"Not good for" and "bad for" are often interchangeable, but "not good for" can sometimes imply a milder negative effect. "Bad for" tends to be more direct and straightforward.