Worse vs. Worst – Which is Correct?
The correct phrase is turn for the worse. It is an idiom used to describe a situation or condition that deteriorates or declines. “Worst” is a superlative adjective and does not fit grammatically or idiomatically in this context; “worse” is the comparative adjective required.
Turn for the Worse or Turn for the Worst – Which is Correct?
The correct idiom is “turn for the worse,” not “turn for the worst.” This common confusion stems from mixing up the comparative adjective “worse” with the superlative adjective “worst.” The idiom describes a situation that has declined or deteriorated from its previous state, requiring the comparative form “worse.” Using “worst” here is a grammatical error because the phrase calls for a comparison between two states (before and after the decline), not the absolute lowest point.
| Phrase | Grammatical Status | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| turn for the worse | Correct Idiom | To deteriorate; to become less favorable or more serious. | After the initial improvement, her health took a sudden turn for the worse. |
| turn for the worst | Incorrect Usage | Grammatically incorrect and not an established idiom. | (Avoid this phrase entirely) |
How to Use ‘Turn for the Worse’
The idiom “turn for the worse” is used to indicate a negative change or deterioration in a situation, condition, or person’s state. It implies a shift from a current state to a less desirable one. It’s commonly used in contexts related to health, finances, weather, or any unfolding event. The tone is generally neutral to serious, reflecting the negative nature of the change.
Example 1: The patient’s condition, which had been stable, took an unexpected turn for the worse overnight.
Example 2: Economists worried that the slight market downturn could quickly take a turn for the worse if consumer confidence continued to fall.
Example 3: The weather forecast indicated that the clear skies would take a turn for the worse by afternoon, bringing heavy rain.
What are the different forms of ‘Turn for the Worse’?
The phrase “turn for the worse” functions as a fixed idiom, but the verb “turn” can be conjugated according to tense and subject. The “for the worse” part remains constant.
- Present Simple: It turns for the worse. / They turn for the worse.
- Past Simple: It turned for the worse.
- Present Perfect: It has turned for the worse.
- Future Simple: It will turn for the worse.
- Present Participle: Turning for the worse (e.g., The situation is turning for the worse).
Etymology of the phrase ‘Turn for the Worse’
The idiom “turn for the worse” has roots in the general meaning of “turn” as a change of direction or state, combined with “worse” as the comparative form of “bad.” The phrase has been in use for centuries, with “worse” functioning as an adverbial complement to “turn,” indicating the direction or outcome of the change. Early usage can be traced back to the 16th and 17th centuries, highlighting a shift towards a less favorable condition. It reflects the natural progression of language using simple, descriptive terms to convey complex ideas of decline.
Related Concepts
Understanding the difference between “worse” and “worst” is key to correctly using the idiom. Both are forms of the adjective “bad,” but they serve different grammatical functions related to comparison:
For a more comprehensive guide on these tricky adjectives, explore the full explanation of worse vs. worst.
- Worse (Comparative Adjective): Used when comparing two things or states. It signifies that one is of a lower quality, more unfavorable, or more serious than the other.
- Example: “Today’s weather is worse than yesterday’s.” (Comparing today and yesterday).
- Example: “His second attempt was worse than his first.” (Comparing two attempts).
- Worst (Superlative Adjective): Used when comparing three or more things or states, indicating the lowest quality, most unfavorable, or most serious among all.
- Example: “This is the worst movie I’ve ever seen.” (Comparing this movie to all movies seen).
- Example: “That was the worst decision of his career.” (Comparing that decision to all career decisions).
In “turn for the worse,” the phrase implies a comparison between the current state and a previous, more favorable state, hence requiring the comparative “worse.”
Examples from Media and Literature
- “I thought things couldn’t get any worse, but then they took a dramatic turn for the worse.” – Common expression.
- “The patient’s vital signs, which had stabilized momentarily, took a sudden turn for the worse, alarming the medical team.” – Medical journal.
- “After a promising start to the season, the team’s performance took an unexpected turn for the worse, leading to a string of losses.” – Sports news report.
- “The economic outlook seemed bleak, and analysts predicted that without intervention, the situation would inevitably take a turn for the worse.” – Financial commentary.
- “Just when Juliet thought her misfortunes were over, fate took yet another cruel turn for the worse.” – Fictional narrative.
Turn for the Worse Synonyms
While “turn for the worse” is a specific idiom, its meaning of deterioration or decline can be expressed through various synonyms depending on the context.
| Synonym / Related Phrase | Definition |
|---|---|
| Deteriorate | To become progressively worse. |
| Decline | To diminish in strength or quality; to go down. |
| Worsen | To make or become worse. |
| Go downhill | To decline steadily in quality, health, or fortune. |
| Regress | To return to a former or less developed state. |
| Take a dive | To decrease sharply or suddenly; to fail. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can “turn for the worst” ever be correct?
No, “turn for the worst” is never correct in standard English. The idiom requires the comparative “worse” to indicate a deterioration from a previous state.
Question 2: Why is it “worse” and not “worst” in this idiom?
It’s “worse” because the idiom implies a comparison between the current state and a previous state, indicating a decline. “Worse” is a comparative adjective, suitable for this comparison. “Worst” is a superlative, meaning the absolute lowest point, which doesn’t fit the grammatical structure or meaning of the idiom.
Question 3: Are there similar idioms where “worst” is used correctly?
Yes, “worst” is used correctly in idioms like “at worst” (meaning in the worst possible case) or “if worst comes to worst” (meaning if the most dreadful scenario happens). However, these are distinct from “turn for the worse” and use “worst” appropriately in a superlative context.
Conclusion
The phrase “turn for the worse” is the universally correct idiom to describe a deterioration or decline in a situation, condition, or state. The confusion with “turn for the worst” is a common error stemming from a misunderstanding of comparative (“worse”) versus superlative (“worst”) adjectives. Always remember that “worse” implies a comparison and a negative shift from a previous state, which is precisely what the idiom conveys. Using the correct form demonstrates precision in language.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, remember that “worse” is for comparing two things or states (e.g., “bad, worse, worst”). Since a “turn” implies a change from one state to another, the comparative “worse” is the appropriate choice to describe that negative shift.
