set a bad precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set a bad precedent" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that an action or behavior could lead to negative consequences. For example: "If we allow this behavior, it will set a bad precedent for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It set a bad precedent".

The New York Times

"This would set a bad precedent," he said.

The New York Times

It would set a bad precedent, they argued.

The New York Times

One environmentalist group said the vote set a bad precedent.

The New York Times

Democrats in both the House and Senate said that approach would set a bad precedent.

The New York Times

He said the bailouts set a bad precedent for future presidents.

The New York Times

Veteran food critic Leo Schofield said the ruling set a bad precedent.

The Guardian

Talking about the attorney general, Mr. Giuliani argued, would set a bad precedent for future presidents.

The New York Times

Mr. Markey raised an additional point, that drilling in the refuge would set a bad precedent.

The New York Times

He also said that allowing Great Neck's plan to go forward would set a bad precedent.

The New York Times

Such questions aside, restitution funds in cases like this simply set a bad precedent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set a bad precedent" to warn against actions that might seem harmless in isolation but could lead to widespread negative practices if replicated.

Common error

Avoid using "set a bad precedent" for trivial matters. Reserve it for situations where the consequences are genuinely significant and have the potential to create a pattern of negative behavior. Using it too often dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a bad precedent" functions as a predicative expression. It describes the potential consequence of an action or decision, emphasizing that it could create an undesirable standard for future similar situations. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set a bad precedent" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to caution against actions that could establish undesirable standards for the future. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It functions as a warning, primarily found in news, business, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, consider the long-term implications and articulate why the precedent is undesirable. Alternatives include "establish a harmful standard" or "create an undesirable example". While the phrase is widely used, avoid overusing it in minor situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a harmful standard

Focuses on the creation of a norm that is detrimental.

create an undesirable example

Highlights the negative impact of the action as a model for others.

open the door to abuse

Emphasizes the potential for exploitation or misuse.

pave the way for negative outcomes

Suggests the action facilitates future adverse results.

invite future problems

Indicates the action is likely to cause issues later on.

lay the groundwork for trouble

Focuses on establishing a foundation for future difficulties.

create a slippery slope

Highlights the potential for the action to lead to increasingly negative consequences.

authorise undesirable behavior

Highlights that the action can be interpreted as permissible

legitimize unwelcome practices

Highlights that the action can be interpreted as justifiable

risk future complications

Emphasizes that the action creates a chance for issues later on.

FAQs

How can I use "set a bad precedent" in a sentence?

Use "set a bad precedent" to describe a situation where an action, decision, or rule could lead to negative consequences if repeated or applied in similar situations. For example, "Allowing this exception will "set a bad precedent" for future cases".

What are some alternatives to "set a bad precedent"?

Alternatives include "establish a harmful standard", "create an undesirable example", or "open the door to abuse", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Why is it important to avoid setting a bad precedent?

Avoiding setting a bad precedent helps ensure fairness, consistency, and predictability in future decisions. It prevents the normalization of undesirable behaviors and protects against potential negative consequences.

In what contexts is the phrase "set a bad precedent" most commonly used?

The phrase is commonly used in legal, political, and business contexts to warn against actions that could have far-reaching and negative implications. It's also frequently used in discussions about policy and governance.