Go Bad – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever opened your refrigerator and found old milk? Or maybe a fun plan suddenly turned unpleasant? In English, we have a simple phrase for these situations. Today, you will learn the phrase go bad.
What Does “Go Bad” Mean?
“Go bad” means to spoil, rot, or become no longer good. Think of it like a banana that turns brown and soft. We use it for food that is no longer safe to eat, but also for situations that turn negative.
When to Use It
You can use this phrase in many everyday contexts. Use it when talking about food that has spoiled. Use it when a situation or plan becomes unpleasant or fails. You can also use it when milk sours or fruit rots. This phrase is neutral and works in both casual and slightly formal settings.
Example Sentences
- Be sure to eat the yogurt before it goes bad.
- The milk has gone bad; we need to buy more.
- Their vacation went bad when it rained every day.
- These apples will go bad if we don’t eat them soon.
Mini Dialogue
Maria: “We should throw out these vegetables.”
Carlos: “Why? Have they gone bad?”
Maria: “Yes, they’re starting to smell funny.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Remember, we use “go bad” mainly for food spoiling or situations turning negative. Don’t use it to describe a person’s character.
❌ Don’t say: “He is a good person who went bad.”
✅ Do say: “This meat will go bad if we leave it out too long.”
Practice Tip
Next time you check your refrigerator, practice by saying, “I think the [food item] might be going bad.” This will help you remember the phrase naturally.
Final Note
Using “go bad” is a practical way to talk about spoiled food or failed plans in English. Try using it this week when you notice food that needs to be thrown out. Now you’re ready to use this common phrase confidently!