Bad For: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionEnglish Usage
Quick answer
Use “bad for” when describing something as harmful or detrimental to a person, thing, or outcome.
Key details
Confusion Familyusage-construction
Rule Familyadjective or complement construction
Termsbad for
Further guidance
Construction
Use “bad for” when describing something as harmful or detrimental to a person, thing, or outcome.
Style Boundary
Cambridge directly records “be bad for someone” in the harmful sense; other senses of “bad” are outside this construction.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
Ablaze With: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Abound In or With: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Absorbed In: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Acceptable To: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Accessible To: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Acclaimed For: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
