be harmful over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be harmful over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the long-term effects of something that may cause damage or negative consequences. Example: "While the product may seem safe initially, it can be harmful over time if not used properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Health

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These chemicals can be harmful over time.[28].

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

His study concluded that "bras provide no benefit to women and may actually be harmful to breasts over time," and "medically, physiologically, and anatomically, the breast does not benefit from being deprived of gravity".

Huffington Post

Some diets that may help you lose weight may be harmful to your health over time.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, today's produce is often contaminated from dirt, animal waste, air pollutants, chemical pesticides, and bacteria-all of which can be harmful to our health over time.

WikiHow

Increasing inspiratory time and thereby the inspiratory/expiratory ratio (I E ratio) may improve oxygenation, but may also be harmful as the absolute stress and strain over time increase.

Critical Care

X-rays and CAT scans are generally considered safe, but doctors are wary of unnecessary tests because radiation can be harmful if it accumulates in a patient over time.

The New York Times

However, low concentrations of a mixture of chemicals over time may still be harmful to the fetus.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The toxins and chemicals often used in standard commercial cleaning products can be harmful to your health if used consistently over time.

WikiHow

Doing so over a long period of time may be harmful; excess vitamin C can cause severe diarrhea.

Forbes

Rules limiting the number of hours hospital interns and residents can work were intended to improve patient care, but there were fears that signing cases over to a new team at a specified time would be harmful.

The New York Times - Health

These hormones cause a range of physiological changes that over long periods can be harmful.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health or environmental impacts, quantify the "time" element. Instead of just saying something "can be harmful over time", specify the duration (e.g., "can be harmful after prolonged exposure of 10 years").

Common error

Avoid using "be harmful over time" vaguely. Always provide context: specify what is causing the harm and what the potential consequences are. For instance, instead of "This substance can be harmful over time", say "Exposure to this chemical can be harmful over time, leading to respiratory issues".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be harmful over time" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing a state or condition that arises or worsens gradually. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common when discussing long-term effects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be harmful over time" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something that causes negative effects gradually. Ludwig AI supports this, and while not extremely frequent, it appears in various contexts like health, science, and news. When using this phrase, be specific about the cause and potential consequences to avoid vagueness. Synonyms include ""cause long-term damage"" or ""have detrimental long-term effects"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause long-term damage

Focuses on the damage caused, highlighting the long-term aspect.

have detrimental long-term effects

Uses more formal language to describe negative effects over an extended period.

be damaging in the long run

Simple and direct way of expressing long-term harm.

pose a long-term risk

Emphasizes the risk aspect and its duration.

have lasting negative consequences

Highlights the lasting nature of the negative results.

exert adverse effects over time

A more formal and scientific expression of negative effects occurring gradually.

lead to chronic problems

Indicates the development of ongoing, persistent issues.

prove detrimental over the long haul

Informal but conveys the idea of lasting negative consequences.

result in gradual deterioration

Focuses on a process of progressive decline over time.

cause cumulative harm

Stresses that harm increases gradually over time.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to "be harmful over time"?

When something "be harmful over time", it signifies that its negative effects accumulate or become apparent only after a prolonged period, instead of causing immediate harm. For example, low-level radiation exposure may "be harmful over time".

What are some synonyms for "be harmful over time"?

Alternatives to "be harmful over time" include "cause long-term damage", "have detrimental long-term effects", or "pose a long-term risk". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can I use "be harmful over time" in a sentence?

You might say, "While occasional use is safe, consistent exposure to this chemical can be harmful over time." Ensure the sentence clarifies what 'this chemical' refers to and what harm it might cause.

What's the difference between "be harmful over time" and "be immediately harmful"?

"Be harmful over time" suggests that negative effects are gradual, whereas "be immediately harmful" implies that the negative consequences manifest rapidly. For example, a sudden loud noise might be immediately harmful to hearing, while constant exposure to moderate noise levels can be harmful over time.