very bad for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very bad for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a negative impact or consequence on a person, group, or situation. Example: "Smoking is very bad for your health and can lead to serious diseases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's very bad for business".

The New York Times

"Very bad for stomach".

The New York Times - Travel

Chocolate is very bad for dogs.

The New Yorker

"I feel very bad for the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

So I felt very bad for them.

The New Yorker

It's very bad for us.

The Washington Post

"It's very bad for Colombia.

The Guardian

Very bad for my work.

The New Yorker

But it's very bad for democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think it's very bad for mankind.

The Washington Post

That's very bad for fighting terrorism.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very bad for", consider the specific impact and choose more descriptive language if possible. For example, instead of "very bad for the environment", specify if it "pollutes water sources" or "contributes to deforestation."

Common error

While "very bad for" is acceptable, overuse can weaken your writing. In formal contexts, substitute with more precise terms like "detrimental", "harmful", or "unfavorable" to convey a stronger, more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very bad for" functions as a subjective assessment expressing a negative impact or consequence. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is detrimental or unfavorable. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

24%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very bad for" is a commonly used phrase to express a negative impact or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While versatile, refining its usage with more specific and descriptive language can enhance clarity and impact, especially in formal writing. Considering alternatives and avoiding overuse will lead to more effective communication. With examples from authoritative sources, you can confidently use and understand the phrase in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely detrimental to

Emphasizes a more severe negative impact.

highly unfavorable for

Focuses on the lack of advantage or benefit.

seriously damaging to

Highlights the potential for harm or destruction.

quite harmful to

Indicates a considerable degree of detriment.

not beneficial for

Suggests an absence of positive effects or advantages.

works against

Describes something that actively opposes or hinders a goal or outcome.

a disservice to

Implies an unfair or detrimental action towards someone or something.

a major setback for

Highlights a significant delay or reversal in progress.

inimical to

Denotes something that is hostile or adverse to something else, often in a formal context.

counterproductive for

Describes an action or measure that achieves the opposite of the intended result.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "very bad for"?

You can use alternatives such as "extremely detrimental to", "highly unfavorable for", or "seriously damaging to" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

How can I make my writing more specific when using "very bad for"?

Instead of just saying something is "very bad for" something else, explain the specific negative consequences. For example, instead of "Smoking is very bad for your health", specify "Smoking increases your risk of lung cancer and heart disease".

Is "very bad for" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "very bad for" may sound informal in some contexts. For formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "detrimental to", "harmful to", or "unfavorable to" to create a more professional tone.

What are some common things that are described as "very bad for" something else?

Common examples include health-related issues (e.g., "Smoking is very bad for your lungs"), environmental concerns (e.g., "Pollution is very bad for the environment"), and economic impacts (e.g., "Tariffs are very bad for trade").