"for the worse" vs "to the worse"

Question

"for the worse" vs "to the worse"

Both "to the worse" and "for the worse" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "To the worse" is used to indicate a change for the worse, while "for the worse" is used to describe a negative change or outcome.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that a situation has become worse or deteriorated.

Examples:

The new policy change was for the worse, leading to decreased productivity.
Her decision to quit her job was for the worse as she struggled to find a new one.
The delay in the project's timeline was for the worse, causing budget overruns.
The weather forecast predicted conditions to change for the worse by evening.
The company's financial situation took a turn for the worse after the market crash.

Alternatives:

to the worse
for a negative outcome
resulting in a deterioration
leading to a decline
in a downward direction

This phrase is used to describe a situation where something has changed or is changing in a negative way.

Examples:

The situation went from bad to the worse when the company went bankrupt.
His health took a turn to the worse after the accident.
The weather went from bad to the worse as the storm approached.
The project's progress went to the worse when key team members left.
The relationship went to the worse after the argument.

Alternatives:

for the worse
to a worse state
towards a negative outcome
in a deteriorating manner
in a downward spiral

Answer 1

for the worse

This phrase is correct and is used to describe a negative change or outcome.

Answer 2

to the worse

This phrase is correct and is used to indicate a change for the worse.

"for the worse" vs "to the worse"

for the worse

to the worse

Related Comparisons