capable of harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'capable of harm' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person or object which has the potential to cause injury or damage. For example: The angry dog was capable of harm, so I kept my distance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If so, is it capable of harm?

The New Yorker

Which is all to say that words are as capable of harm as actions.

HuffPost

But he endorses the view of Representative Thad McCotter (R-Mich)., "America must stand with her ally Egypt to preserve an imperfect government capable of reform, and prevent a tyrannical government capable of harm".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Is this person capable of harming me (or, alternately, helping me)?

Harvard University

Although he was 18, he looked much younger and did not seem physically capable of harming me.

The New York Times

Navalny said no disclosures about Putin or his inner circle were capable of harming the president's ratings, because state television simply ignores them.

The Guardian

"He is no longer physically capable of harming anybody and, indeed, has never harmed anybody in his life," Mr. Heinzmann told the judge.

The New York Times

lizard; turtleLearn about several types of turtles and lizards—such as gila monsters, snapping turtles, and Komodo dragons that are capable of harming humans.

Britannica

While opposed to slavery, he and other Indiana Republicans believed abolition was bad politics at this time and capable of harming the Union coalition they hoped to preserve.

The New York Times

You could argue that this doesn't matter that much, because elements of the Conservative party – see the furious internal row over gay marriage – are capable of harming their party without anyone else's assistance.

The Guardian - Opinion

The law defines propaganda of homosexuality as "the targeted and uncontrolled dissemination of generally accessible information capable of harming the health and moral and spiritual development of minors," particularly that which could create "a distorted impression" of "marital relations".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of harm" to convey a sense of inherent potential, whereas phrases like 'dangerous' indicate a more immediate or active threat.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of harm" when describing immediate threats. Instead, reserve it for scenarios where the potential for harm exists but isn't necessarily active or guaranteed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of harm" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its potential to cause damage or injury. Ludwig AI identifies its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of harm" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered phrase that describes the potential for someone or something to cause damage or injury. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse sources, including news, academic texts, and general reference materials. While several alternatives exist, such as "able to cause injury" or "potential for damage", "capable of harm" effectively conveys a sense of inherent ability to inflict harm. Remember to use it when highlighting a potential risk, and avoid it when describing immediate danger. When used correctly, it adds precision and clarity to risk assessments and warnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to cause injury

Focuses on the ability to inflict physical damage.

potential for damage

Highlights the possibility of causing damage, either physical or otherwise.

liable to be dangerous

Emphasizes the likelihood of posing a threat.

apt to inflict injury

Indicates a tendency to cause harm.

posing a threat

Focuses on the act of presenting danger.

potentially hazardous

Highlights the inherent risk involved.

dangerous

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the potential for harm.

able to inflict damage

Similar to "able to cause injury", but broader in scope.

with the potential for destruction

Highlights the possibility of widespread damage.

fraught with danger

Indicates a situation filled with potential harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of harm" to describe someone or something that has the potential to cause damage or injury. For example, "The neglected machinery was "capable of harm" if mishandled."

What are some alternatives to "capable of harm"?

Alternatives include "able to cause injury", "potential for damage", or "liable to be dangerous", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "capable of harm" or "capable of harming"?

"Capable of harm" focuses on the potential for damage, while "capable of harming" emphasizes the act of causing harm. They are subtly different but often interchangeable.

What is the difference between "capable of harm" and "potential for harm"?

"Capable of harm" highlights the inherent ability to cause damage, whereas "potential for harm" simply indicates a possibility, without necessarily implying a built-in capability.