took it badly

USAGE SUMMARY

'took it badly' is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe how someone reacted emotionally to something. For example, "The dismissal of his proposal left him feeling humiliated and he took it badly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He was cocky while they were winning but took it badly when they lost.

The New Yorker

Mr. Martin, according to the prosecutor's version at the hearing, took it badly.

The New York Times

Rosberg took it badly and the race was followed by the famous cap-throwing incident.

The Guardian - Sport

He was desperate to succeed and took it badly when he didn't.

The Guardian - Sport

Boston itself took it badly: "What a punch to the gut of every Bostonian," wrote a commenter.

The Guardian

"I was at a comedy club trying to do my act, and I got heckled and I took it badly and went into a rage," Richards said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Some take it badly.

The Guardian - Opinion

To say Alun Wyn has taken it badly is a gross understatement.

The Guardian - Sport

Some horses really take it badly when they are traumatized, on drugs or in a strange location.

The New York Times - Sports

The loved ones she left behind have taken it badly, spending their days drinking, fighting and shagging each other senseless.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And it's not just 6'2" male couriers that take it badly either; even short female cyclists can become incandescent with rage when they feel threatened.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reaction, use "took it badly" to convey a sense of disappointment or distress that goes beyond mere dislike. Ensure the context supports this level of negative emotion.

Common error

In formal or professional writing, avoid using "took it badly" as it can come across as too informal. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "responded negatively" or "didn't receive it well" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took it badly" functions as a verb phrase expressing how someone reacted to a situation or news. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a perfectly acceptable expression for describing an emotional response.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took it badly" is a common way to express that someone reacted negatively to a situation, piece of news, or event. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is more appropriate for neutral to informal contexts, with a strong presence in news and media. When aiming for a formal tone, alternatives like "responded negatively" or "didn't handle it well" might be more suitable. Be mindful of the emotional weight the phrase carries, as it implies more than mere dislike and suggests a significant level of disappointment or distress. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively use "took it badly" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reacted poorly

This alternative is a more general and neutral way of saying someone didn't respond well.

responded negatively

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the adverse nature of the reaction.

didn't handle it well

This alternative focuses on the person's ability to manage the situation rather than just their emotional response.

was upset by it

This alternative highlights the person's emotional state as a result of the situation.

was devastated

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of emotional distress and profound disappointment.

was displeased

This alternative is a more understated and formal way of indicating dissatisfaction.

was crushed

This alternative suggests a significant emotional blow, often implying a loss of hope.

bore it ill

An archaic way to express a negative reaction, suggesting resentment or bitterness.

was resentful

This alternative emphasizes a feeling of bitterness and anger as a result of the event.

felt aggrieved

This alternative suggests a feeling of being wronged or unfairly treated.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "took it badly"?

To say someone "took it badly" means they reacted with disappointment, sadness, or anger to a piece of news, an event, or a situation. It implies a negative emotional response.

What are some alternatives to "took it badly"?

Alternatives include phrases like "reacted poorly", "responded negatively", or "didn't handle it well", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "took it badly" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "took it badly" is more suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "responded negatively" or "was displeased" to maintain a professional tone.

How can I use "took it badly" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's reaction to bad news: "When she heard about the project's cancellation, she "took it badly"".