Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a harm that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a harm that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific type of harm or damage that is being referenced or described. Example: "The study revealed a harm that could affect the mental health of children exposed to violence."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
19 human-written examples
As harmful as that is to their healing process, it's also harmful to society's well-being, a harm that too many, whatever their intentions, have perpetuated.
News & Media
It is a harm that needs exposing.
News & Media
It did seem absurd to imagine Ethan wearing an orange jumpsuit and sitting in a jail cell for inflicting a harm that was mostly in her head anyway.
News & Media
Is there really a moral difference between ducking in such a way that a harm that was heading towards you hit somebody else instead, and shields you, so that a harm that is heading towards you is visited upon someone else instead?
Academia
Given these facts, the Court finds that plaintiffs "have alleged an actual and well-founded fear that the law will be enforced against them," which threatens the danger of "self-censorship; a harm that can be realized even without an actual prosecution".
News & Media
We also encounter the problem of specifying a harm that might be accrued by a nonexistent person.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
41 human-written examples
We might restate Epicurus' brief argument as follows: if death harms the individual who dies, there must exist a subject who is harmed by death, a clear harm that is received, and a time when that harm is received.
Science
"It's an ongoing harm that has to be addressed, and that gives a sense of urgency".
News & Media
Death is an irremediable harm that is dealt with particularly seriously in English law.
Wiki
These positive fixes are critical to OPIC avoiding a repeat of the harm that resulted from the Buchanan Renewables investment.
News & Media
Throwing people in jail and prohibition are responsible for a lot of the harm that comes with addiction.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a harm that", ensure that the "that" clause clearly defines or specifies the nature or extent of the harm you are referencing. For example, "a harm that is difficult to reverse" is more informative than simply "a harm that exists."
Common error
Avoid stringing together multiple "a harm that" clauses in a single paragraph. This can make your writing convoluted and difficult to follow. Break down complex ideas into simpler sentences for clarity.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
"A harm that" functions as a noun phrase followed by a relative clause, which serves to specify or describe the nature or characteristics of the harm being discussed. This construction is used to provide additional information about the harm, making the statement more precise.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
35%
Academia
25%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "a harm that" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to introduce and elaborate on specific types of harm or damage. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial; ensure the "that" clause provides meaningful detail about the harm in question. Keep your writing concise and consider related phrases like "a detriment which" or "a negative impact that" for stylistic variation. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a harm that" to express complex ideas with precision and impact.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a detriment which
Replaces "harm" with "detriment" and uses "which" instead of "that" for a slightly more formal tone.
a damage that
Substitutes "harm" with "damage", emphasizing the physical or structural aspect of the negative impact.
a disadvantage that
Replaces "harm" with "disadvantage", focusing on the hindering or unfavorable aspect.
an ill effect that
Replaces "harm" with "ill effect", emphasizing the adverse or unhealthy consequences.
a negative impact that
Uses a more descriptive phrase in place of "harm", emphasizing the broad effect.
a cost that
Substitutes "harm" with "cost", highlighting the negative consequences as a form of expenditure or loss.
a downside that
Replaces "harm" with "downside", focusing on the negative aspect of a situation or decision.
a drawback that
Substitutes "harm" with "drawback", focusing on the limiting or restrictive aspect.
a problem that
Replaces "harm" with "problem", framing the issue as a challenge or difficulty.
a consequence that
Replaces "harm" with "consequence", highlighting the result or outcome of an action.
FAQs
How can I use "a harm that" in a sentence?
Use "a harm that" to introduce a specific negative consequence or damage and then describe or elaborate on it. For example, "This policy poses "a harm that" undermines public trust".
What are some alternatives to "a harm that"?
You can use alternatives such as "a detriment which", "a damage that", or "a negative impact that" depending on the specific context.
Is it better to use "a harm that" or "the harm that"?
Use "a harm that" when referring to a general type of harm or introducing a new harm. Use "the harm that" when referring to a specific harm that has already been mentioned or is clearly understood in the context.
What is the difference between "a harm that" and "harms which"?
"A harm that" refers to a singular, specific harm, while "harms which" refers to multiple harms. Ensure subject-verb agreement in your sentence based on whether you're discussing one or more harms.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested