a harm

USAGE SUMMARY

"a harm" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a negative or damaging effect or consequence of an action or event. Example: "Smoking is a harm to your health and can lead to serious illnesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then we fire a HARM missile".

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a harm that needs exposing.

The Guardian

"There is only a harm if the union sees it as a harm," the governor added.

The New York Times

Pleasure missed out on by the nonexistent doesn't count as a harm.

The New York Times

It is not a harm to someone not to be created.

The Guardian - Opinion

Open Arms, which Haddad's administration championed, draws on a harm reduction approach.

The Guardian

"The prophet Muhammad said speak the truth, even if a harm will come from it.

The Guardian

"If they switched 100percentt from cigarettes, there is likely a harm reduction".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's a harm-reduction type model.

Vice

"This is a harm-reduction approach," Trac-B Exchange program manager Chelsi Cheatom told KSNV-TV.

Huffington Post

Instead of a harm-reduction approach, our current laws lean towards criminalization and prohibition.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a harm", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended level of damage or negative impact. Choose stronger synonyms if the situation warrants it.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "a harm" can make writing sound repetitive. In formal writing, vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "detriment", "disadvantage", or "negative consequence" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a harm" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a specific instance of damage, injury, or negative consequence. Ludwig provides many examples from various domains, supporting this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a harm" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a specific instance of damage or negative impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. While versatile, writers should consider using synonyms in more formal settings to prevent repetition. The phrase's neutral-to-formal register makes it suitable for a wide array of writing styles, although it appears more commonly in professional, scientific, and news-related content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detriment

Replaces "harm" with a synonym implying damage or disadvantage.

a disservice

Substitutes "harm" with a term suggesting an act that negatively affects someone or something.

an injury

Replaces "harm" with a word specifically referring to physical or emotional damage.

a disadvantage

Uses a term that denotes an unfavorable condition or circumstance.

a hazard

Employs a word meaning a potential source of danger or risk.

a peril

Swaps "harm" for a term indicating serious and immediate danger.

a misfortune

Replaces "harm" with a word suggesting bad luck or an unfortunate event.

a setback

Uses a term that means a hindrance or obstacle in progress.

an adversity

Substitutes "harm" with a word denoting difficult or unfavorable situation.

a burden

Replaces "harm" with a word suggesting something that is difficult to bear or carry.

FAQs

How can I use "a harm" in a sentence?

You can use "a harm" to describe something that causes damage or has a negative impact, such as, "Smoking is "a harm" to your health" or "The policy change proved to be "a harm" to small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "a harm"?

Some alternatives to "a harm" include "a detriment", "a disadvantage", "an injury", or "a hazard", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a harm was done"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a harm was done". This phrase implies that some damage or negative effect has occurred.

What's the difference between "a harm" and "harmful"?

"A harm" is a noun phrase referring to a specific instance of damage or negative effect, while "harmful" is an adjective describing something that is capable of causing harm. For example, "That action caused "a harm"", versus "That action was "harmful"".