How to Use Worse comes to worst Correctly (2024)

The idiom worse comes to worst means if the worst possibility should occur. When the idiom originated centuries ago, worst comes to worst was the conventional formulation. Worse comes to worst gradually took over, but in 21st-century writing a third option, worse comes to worse, is gaining ground. We prefer worse comes to worst because of the logical progression from comparative to superlative, but writers can be forgiven for using the other forms, as none makes much logical sense under close examination.

Examples

But if worse comes to worse,she’ll try to get a job. [CNN]

[A]nd if worse comes to worse, Rashad will not want to stand with Jones. [Mirror]

Other commands will lock the device to protect your private data or, if worst comes to worst, wipe all data on a stolen phone. [PC Magazine]

But if worse comes to worst, he said, Italy “will consider creating a national Italian command for those operations that use our air bases” in order not to lose control. [New York Times]

As in, when worst comes to worst to the eighth degree, workers can simply grab a hose and replenish the water in the pool. [AL.com]

How to Use Worse comes to worst Correctly (2024)

FAQs

How to Use Worse comes to worst Correctly? ›

"When worse comes to worst" or "When worst comes to worst." Obviously, worst can't come to worst because it's already there. Worst is worse than worse, so when worse comes to worst it means that things not only get worse but are as bad as they can get. Hence “When worse comes to worst” is the correct form.

How to use worse comes to worst? ›

if the situation develops in the most serious or unpleasant way: We should be home when you arrive, but if worst comes to worst, the neighbors have a spare key and will let you into the house.

Which is correct: worse comes to worst or worst comes to worst? ›

The traditional idiom is “if worst comes to worst.” The modern variation “worse comes to worst” is a little more logical. “Worse comes to worse” is just a mistake.

How to use worse and worst in a sentence? ›

Worse is used to compare two things, as in “The pain in my foot is worse today than yesterday,” or “The sequel to the book was worse than the debut.” Worst compares a group of things, such as “He is the worst runner on the team,” or “That was the worst wildfire in the region's history.”

What is the example sentences of if worse comes to worst? ›

Example sentences

We plan to have our wedding ceremony at the beach but if worse comes to worst, the hotel has an enclosed area where they can set up a small stage and alter. — If worst comes to worst, you can get a temporary job until you find a permanent one.

What does the phrase "worse comes to worst" mean? ›

Also, if worse comes to worst . In the least favorable situation, if the worst possible outcome occurs. For example, If worst comes to worst and the budget is not approved, the government will shut down , or Go ahead and go to school with a cold; if worse comes to worst the teacher will send you home .

Do I use worse or worst? ›

Worse is what's called the comparative form, basically meaning “more bad.” Worst is the superlative form, basically meaning “most bad.” Worse is used when making a comparison to only one other thing: Your breath is bad, but mine is worse or The situation was bad and it just got worse.

Is worst comes to worst a saying? ›

“If worst comes to worst” is a case in point: it's a proverbial idiom that has been around for more than four centuries in English, and yet it's been an irksome source of puzzlement for about three centuries of that life span.

Which comes first worse or worst? ›

Remember, it goes: bad, worse, worst. If the last two confuse you, it may help to point out that if you want to use these words in the correct order of intensity, notice that the last letters should be in alphabetical order. The “e” in worse comes before the “t” in worst.

How do you use or worse in a sentence? ›

The expression "or worse" is used to suggest that there is another possible result that is even "less good" (or "more bad") than the bad result already mentioned. For example, in this sentence: Tomas is scared that they are going to laugh at him, or worse, beat him up.

Is it worse or worst day of my life? ›

That's because worst is the superlative form of the adjective bad—it's the most bad. If you're comparing two dates, you might decide that one was worse than the other. Worse is bad's comparative adjective: You use it when you're comparing two (or more) things.

Do you say worse case or worst case scenario? ›

The proper english indicates it should read “Worst-case scenario”. However the vocal sound is “Worse-case scenario”.

Is it worse or worst luck? ›

They're both correct, but they mean different things. “Worse” means “more bad”, and “worst” means “the most bad”.

What is a good sentence for worst? ›

It was the worst movie I've ever seen. His worst quality is his impatience. This has got to be the worst day of my life. The worst part of working there is the long commute.

How do you use worst in a sentence as an adverb? ›

As an adverb, worst is the superlative of the word badly and describes something as being done in as bad a manner as possible. Used in a sentence: We didn't get any runners on base, making today's baseball game the worst one this year.

How do you use worse in a sentence? ›

Examples of worse in a Sentence

Adjective His schoolwork got worse after his parents split up. Her second book was worse than her first one. Her first book was bad, but her second one is even worse.

How do you use worse than in a sentence? ›

worse than somebody/something It's raining worse than ever. These workers were treated worse than animals.

How do you use worse situation in a sentence? ›

For example, "The pandemic has put many families in worse situation than they were before.". Hence they survive in worse situation by struggling with various natural calamities. I've been in worse situations. The business has been in worse situations.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6307

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Birthday: 1996-05-10

Address: Apt. 425 4346 Santiago Islands, Shariside, AK 38830-1874

Phone: +96313309894162

Job: Legacy Sales Designer

Hobby: Baseball, Wood carving, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Lacemaking, Parkour, Drawing

Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.