a harmful degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a harmful degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level or extent of harm that is significant or detrimental in a particular context. Example: "The pollution in the river has reached a harmful degree, affecting both wildlife and local communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This now applies to every area of my life and is an incredible improvement from where I was --overly accommodating and self-sacrificing to a harmful degree -- just a few years ago.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The degree of inbreeding among Darwin's children, while not excessive, was enough to increase the risk of recessive diseases — ones that occur if a harmful version of a gene is inherited from both parents.

The New York Times - Science

That's a harmful thing.

Vice

Coccolithophorids are not a harmful algal species.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

94 This could be a harmful consequence.

BMJ Open

While some degree of selection bias is likely present in these studies, the inherent adverse physiological effects of intubation and a high incidence of desaturation and subsequent hyperventilation may indicate a harmful effect of the procedure.

Critical Care

This is a harmful decision.

WikiHow

This could potentially have a harmful effect.

WikiHow

If circulating factors trigger cell damage, capillary endothelial cells and juxtavascular satellite cells may be subjected to harmful stimuli to a higher degree than myofibres.

Aging Cell

They are resistant to desiccation and other harmful conditions but to a lesser degree than are endospores.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This practice suggests that clinicians believe anemia to be potentially more harmful among patients with a greater degree of brain injury.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a harmful degree", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured and what makes it harmful. Specify the consequences or impacts to provide clarity and strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a harmful degree" without specifying what is being harmed. Always clarify the target and nature of the harm to prevent vague or misleading statements. For example, instead of saying 'The radiation reached a harmful degree', specify 'The radiation reached a harmful degree, damaging cellular structures'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a harmful degree" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied noun, indicating the extent or intensity of something negative or detrimental. Ludwig AI shows this by example like in the sentence "overly accommodating and self-sacrificing to a harmful degree".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a harmful degree" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the extent or intensity of something detrimental. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not very common, it appears across diverse sources, particularly Science, News & Media and Wiki. The phrase serves to emphasize the severity of a situation, urging caution or concern. For greater impact, ensure the context clearly defines what's harmful and its consequences. Alternatives like "a dangerous extent" can be considered for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dangerous extent

Replaces 'harmful' with 'dangerous', emphasizing potential for severe consequences.

a damaging level

Substitutes 'harmful' with 'damaging', highlighting the negative impact or impairment caused.

a detrimental amount

Replaces 'harmful' with 'detrimental', focusing on the adverse effects.

a toxic quantity

Substitutes 'harmful' with 'toxic', indicating poisonous or very damaging effects.

a significant severity

Replaces 'harmful degree' with 'significant severity', increasing the emphasis on the intensity of the harm.

an unacceptable intensity

Highlights the intensity aspect, framing it as beyond acceptable limits.

a considerable magnitude

Focuses on the size or scale of the harm.

an excessive amount

Emphasizes that the amount of something is beyond what is acceptable or safe, leading to harm.

a critical threshold

Indicates that a point has been reached where harm is unavoidable.

a substantial impact

Focuses on the notable effect or influence, typically negative, resulting from a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a harmful degree" in a sentence?

Use "a harmful degree" to describe situations where something has reached a level that causes damage or negative effects. For example: "The pollution has increased to "a harmful degree", affecting the local ecosystem."

What are some alternatives to "a harmful degree"?

You can use phrases like "a dangerous extent", "a damaging level", or "a detrimental amount" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a harmful level" or "a harmful degree"?

Both "a harmful level" and "a harmful degree" are acceptable. "Level" refers to a specific point on a scale, while "degree" refers to the extent or intensity. The best choice depends on the context.

What makes "a harmful degree" different from "a slight degree"?

"A harmful degree" indicates a significant negative impact, while "a slight degree" suggests a minimal or barely noticeable effect. They are opposites in terms of severity.