can't hurt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can't hurt' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that doing something will not have any negative consequences. For example, "I'm going to try a new recipe for dinner tonight; it can't hurt to experiment a bit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Tech

Lifestyle

Music

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

You can't hurt me".

The New York Times

It can't hurt.

The New York Times

"Well, money can't hurt.

The New Yorker

"Whispers can't hurt me.

The New York Times - Sports

Talking can't hurt me.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, it can't hurt.

The New York Times - Books

It can't hurt you anymore.

The New Yorker

Finally, public scrutiny can't hurt.

The New York Times

They can't hurt you back".

The New Yorker

I decided it can't hurt.

The New Yorker

The critical steam can't hurt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When suggesting a course of action with uncertain benefits, use "can't hurt" to reassure someone that the risk is minimal. For example, "Adding a little extra fertilizer to the garden can't hurt."

Common error

While "can't hurt" is widely acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "will not be detrimental" or "poses minimal risk" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can't hurt" functions as a modal expression, indicating a low probability of negative consequences or a potential for positive outcomes. It softens a suggestion or proposal, implying that there's little to lose by trying, similar to examples shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sports

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Tech

7%

Lifestyle

5%

Music

3%

Travel

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can't hurt" is a versatile expression used to suggest that an action is unlikely to cause harm and might even be beneficial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is very common and is primarily found in news and media, sports, and book contexts. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for more sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone. Top sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker frequently employ this phrase, demonstrating its acceptance in mainstream media. Alternatives include "won't do any harm" or "shouldn't be detrimental", which can be used depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it couldn't possibly hurt

Similar meaning, but adds emphasis on the impossibility of something being harmful.

won't do any harm

Replaces "can't hurt" with a slightly more formal expression emphasizing the absence of negative consequences.

there's no harm in trying

Emphasizes that the attempt is safe and without risk, even if the success is not guaranteed.

it's unlikely to be damaging

Focuses on the low probability of negative impact.

shouldn't be detrimental

A more formal and cautious way of saying something is unlikely to cause harm.

it bears no risk

Highlights the absence of any potential danger or negative consequences.

it won't make things worse

Focuses on preventing a negative outcome, implying that the action might not improve the situation but at least won't worsen it.

it could be worth a try

Suggests that even if success isn't guaranteed, the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

it's worth a shot

An informal expression suggesting an attempt should be made as there is little to lose.

it might help

Suggests a possibility of improvement, even if it's not certain.

FAQs

How can I use "can't hurt" in a sentence?

The phrase "can't hurt" is used to suggest that an action is unlikely to have negative consequences and may even be beneficial. For example, "Trying a new approach "can't hurt", especially if the current one isn't working".

What are some alternatives to saying "can't hurt"?

Alternatives include phrases like "won't do any harm", "there's no harm in trying", or "it might help", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "can't hurt" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "can't hurt" is more suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "shouldn't be detrimental" or "poses minimal risk".

What's the difference between "can't hurt" and "might help"?

"Can't hurt" suggests an action is unlikely to cause harm, while "might help" implies a possibility of a positive outcome. The first focuses on minimizing risk, the second on a chance of improvement.