cause damage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cause damage' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb phrase used to indicate that something has caused or is causing harm or injury. For example, "The tornado caused extensive damage to the town", or, "The reckless driver caused minor damage to the other car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first did not cause damage, but the second did.

The New York Times - Sports

Our clients are damaged people who cause damage to others.

The Guardian

But small or moderate quakes can still cause damage.

The Guardian

Wind speeds are rarely strong enough to cause damage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Low sulfate concentrations may cause damage.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Floods can cause damage to homes.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Large earthquakes cause damage to buildings.

Engineering Structures

Over-accumulated Cd can cause damage to human bodies.

Rice

Lava flows can cause damage in several ways.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

This may also cause damage to embryonic development.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Those deformations may cause damage to buildings and infrastructures.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve clarity, specify the agent "causing damage" and the recipient of damage. Instead of saying "Smoking can cause damage", use "Smoking can cause damage to your lungs".

Common error

While "cause damage" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "inflict", "create", or "lead to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause damage" functions as a verb phrase, where "cause" acts as the verb and "damage" as the noun object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses the act of inflicting harm or injury. Many Ludwig examples illustrate direct cause-and-effect scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause damage" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of inflicting harm or injury. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and readily applicable expression in written English. With 69 real-world examples from diverse sources, Ludwig demonstrates its widespread usage across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, remember to tailor your vocabulary for clarity, and consider quantifying the extent of damage. The phrase enjoys frequent use in Wiki, News & Media, and Science, proving its utility in a broad spectrum of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do damage

A more concise and informal way of saying "cause damage", suitable for everyday language.

inflict damage

Focuses on the act of actively imposing damage, suggesting a more direct or intentional action.

create harm

Emphasizes the creation or origination of harm, highlighting the result rather than the process.

lead to destruction

Highlights the potential for total ruin or devastation as a consequence.

give rise to injury

Focuses specifically on physical harm or injury, often used in medical or legal contexts.

generate impairment

Implies a reduction in function or ability, often used in a technical or scientific context.

bring about deterioration

Focuses on the process of decline or decay, suggesting a gradual worsening of condition.

wreak havoc

Suggests widespread disruption and disorder, implying a more chaotic and dramatic impact.

precipitate losses

Highlights the acceleration or hastening of negative outcomes, particularly in financial or business settings.

induce failure

Implies a deliberate or unintentional action that leads to a breakdown or collapse.

FAQs

How can I use "cause damage" in a sentence?

You can use "cause damage" to describe the action of something harming something else. For example, "The flood waters "cause damage" to homes" or "Pollution can "cause damage" to the environment".

What are some alternatives to "cause damage"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "inflict damage", "create harm", or "do damage" as alternatives to "cause damage".

Which is correct, "cause damage" or "cause damages"?

"Cause damage" is generally used when referring to the act of harming something. "Cause damages" refers to a legal context, where "damages" are a sum of money claimed or awarded in compensation for loss or injury. Therefore, both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings.

What's the difference between "cause damage" and "lead to destruction"?

"Cause damage" is a general term for harming something. "Lead to destruction" implies a more complete and devastating outcome. The former suggests harm, while the latter suggests ruin.