cause damage to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cause damage to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something damaging something else. For example: "The storm caused damage to many of the homes in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our clients are damaged people who cause damage to others.

The Guardian

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve.

The New York Times - Health

Pranks that disrespect or cause damage to our school and/or community will not be tolerated".

The New York Times

Nor has any light been shed on the way graphene could cause damage to cells.

The Guardian

"There was no intention by members of the armed forces to cause damage to civilians".

The New York Times

"They could be dropped outside the prostate and cause damage to the rectum," Dr. Albertsen said.

The New York Times - Health

Left untreated, it can cause damage to the teeth and surrounding tissue, headaches and jaw pain.

The New York Times - Health

Excessive intake of lead can cause damage to the kidneys, bones and nervous system.

The Guardian

The metal can be absorbed through the skin and cause damage to the nervous system.

The Guardian - Money

"It can even be a hazard to swimmers and cause damage to boat motors".

The New York Times

The IET believes this is liable to cause "damage" to the UK economy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause damage to", ensure the subject clearly identifies the source of the damage, and the object specifies what is being damaged. For instance: "The flood cause damage to the crops."

Common error

Avoid using the incorrect tense of "cause". Ensure that the tense matches the context of the sentence. For example, use "caused damage to" when referring to a past event, rather than incorrectly using "cause damage to" when the event is already over.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause damage to" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of inflicting harm or impairment upon something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples illustrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

26%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause damage to" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of something inflicting harm or impairment on something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and appropriate across various contexts, with neutral register. While it's used most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, ensuring correct tense and clear identification of the source and object of damage will improve clarity and precision in writing. Remember to choose alternative phrases like "do damage to" when appropriate for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do damage to

This is a very similar phrase with almost identical meaning to the query.

inflict harm on

This alternative suggests a more deliberate or direct action of causing harm.

be detrimental to

This alternative suggests something that is harmful or disadvantageous.

jeopardize the integrity of

This alternative emphasizes the undermining of completeness or soundness.

result in impairment of

This alternative suggests a reduction in function or ability as a consequence.

contribute to the weakening of

This phrase suggests a partial or indirect involvement in causing damage.

lead to deterioration of

This phrase emphasizes the gradual process of decline or decay.

pose a threat to

This phrase highlights the potential danger or risk involved.

trigger the decline of

This alternative emphasizes the initiation of a downward trend.

precipitate the ruin of

This phrase implies a swift and catastrophic destruction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "cause damage to" in a sentence?

You can replace "cause damage to" with phrases like "do damage to", "harm", or "impair", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "cause damage to" and "cause damages to"?

"Cause damage to" is generally used to describe the act of making something impaired. "Cause damages to" is less common, and often refers to monetary compensation for damage caused.

Is it more formal to say "cause damage to" or an alternative phrase?

Alternatives like "be detrimental to" or "jeopardize the integrity of" can be more formal than "cause damage to", which is generally considered neutral.

Which prepositions can I use instead of "to" after "cause damage"?

While less common, prepositions other than "to" are rarely used. "Cause damage to" is the standard and most widely accepted construction.