set a negative precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

"set a negative precedent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an action or event that establishes a standard that is likely to be unfavorable and should not be followed. For example, "The company's decision to cut employees' wages set a negative precedent for the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Defeat would set a negative precedent for a series of other state elections in the coming year, ahead of a general election due by 2004.

The Economist

Shorten has already faced condemnation from within his own party as well as from the United Nations high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) which said turnback policies were contrary to the 1951 refugee convention and set a "negative precedent" for countries already hosting large numbers of asylum seekers.

The Guardian

Because Harvard and BWH are not yet off the hook for their handling of the investigation, some still worry that the case will set a negative precedent for universities.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Americans who oppose the use of nuclear weapons seem to do so primarily for fear of setting a negative precedent that could lead to the use of nuclear weapons by other states against the United States or its allies in the future.

Stanford University

But the plan has dismayed biotech companies, which say the proposal "sets a negative precedent" for other science-based industries.

Science Magazine

The action sets a negative precedent for future publications of the Star.

Los Angeles Times

While not as extreme as some of the environmental "steamrolling" proposals that cropped up earlier in the debate, the language in the final bill sets a negative precedent for democratic participation in local decision-making.

Huffington Post

Australia, the organisation says, has set a "negative worldwide precedent".

The Economist

As far as the marketplace is concerned, the presence of these newer and typically more expensive forms of creatine in a multitude of consumer products that are often marketed with misleading and/or unsubstantiated claims of greater bioavailability, efficacy, and safety sets a negative precedent.

Amino Acids

The measure was opposed by the Assn. of California Water Agencies and the California Special Districts Assn., which said in a letter to lawmakers that the measure "could set negative precedent for other special districts and local agencies by changing campaign finance principles for locally elected officials".

Los Angeles Times

When an issue this spirited remains this foggy, and no one is demanding pertinent information, then no bottler will set a precedent that has a potentially negative side effect on their bottom-line.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set a negative precedent", consider the long-term implications of the action you are describing. Is it possible to mitigate the potential harm?

Common error

Avoid using "set a negative precedent" when the situation is minor or easily reversible. Reserve it for actions that truly establish a problematic standard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a negative precedent" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action or decision that establishes an undesirable standard or pattern that may be followed in the future. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set a negative precedent" describes an action or decision that establishes an undesirable standard for future situations. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news media and academic sources. While the phrase itself is grammatically sound, it's important to consider the implications of an action before using it and avoid overstating the impact. Alternatives include "establish an unfavorable pattern" and "create an undesirable model". Being mindful of potential long-term effects can help prevent the creation of a "negative precedent".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish an unfavorable pattern

Focuses on the pattern creation, but replace "precedent" with pattern.

create an undesirable model

Uses "model" instead of "precedent", emphasizing the creation of a standard to be followed.

set a worrisome pattern

Highlights the creation of a pattern that causes concern.

set a bad example

Shifts the focus to the 'example' being demonstrated.

set a troubling example

Focuses on the creation of an unsettling or disturbing model.

lay a problematic foundation

Emphasizes the 'foundation' or basis being created, implying future issues.

engender an inferior standard

Highlights an inferior standard.

open the door to undesirable consequences

Highlights the potential negative results that could follow.

pave the way for trouble

Uses a metaphor to suggest the creation of a path towards negative outcomes.

set the stage for future problems

Emphasizes the preparation for future difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "set a negative precedent" to describe an action or decision that creates an undesirable standard for future situations. For example: "The company's decision to cut benefits could "set a negative precedent" for other employers."

What's a similar phrase to "set a negative precedent"?

Similar phrases include "set a bad example", "establish an unfavorable pattern", or "create an undesirable model". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always wrong to "set a negative precedent"?

While generally undesirable, there might be rare situations where the immediate benefits of an action outweigh the risks of "setting a negative precedent". However, these situations should be carefully considered.

How can I avoid "setting a negative precedent"?

Before making a decision, consider the potential long-term consequences and whether it could create a problematic standard for future actions. Seek input from others to identify potential unintended consequences.