cause no harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause no harm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you wish to express the idea that something should not have a negative impact or consequence. For example: "I want to be sure that the changes I make to this document will cause no harm to the accuracy of the information it contains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the present study, 66 and 30%% tube well and dug well samples, respectively, had MAR less than 50 which cause no harm to soil and the rest were above 50 which might harmful to soil.

Applied Water Science

The right sort of fireworks at the SCG would do his cause no harm at all.

The Guardian - Sport

Vaccines, when they contain ethyl mercury, contain tiny trace amounts that cause no harm.

The New Yorker

Danny Rose 7/10 The debutant did his cause no harm.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite widespread abuse, some selective-distribution deals do benefit consumers, and others cause no harm.

The Economist

In fresh tensions last August, shots were fired across the demilitarised zone – though carefully calibrated to cause no harm.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were used four hours before the fire began, 75 feet from the Branch Davidian residence, and in a manner that could cause no harm.

The New York Times

The lack of clear and consistent groundwater monitoring undercuts industry claims that mining near the Grand Canyon has caused and will cause no harm.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some cancers grow so slowly that a woman may die from another disease first while other cancers would cause no harm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The body has plenty of liver and other cell types that naturally have more than the "normal" amount of genetic material and yet cause no harm.

The Economist

But Laghouag and Townend consider the vests lifesavers, and Middleton said that even if they failed to inflate, they would cause no harm.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause no harm", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'harm' to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify if you're referring to physical, emotional, or financial harm.

Common error

Avoid using "cause no harm" as a blanket statement without considering potential unintended consequences. Always evaluate specific scenarios to ensure genuine harmlessness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause no harm" functions primarily as a declarative statement or instruction, often within a broader context of ethics, safety, or policy. It indicates a desired outcome where no negative impact or damage occurs. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause no harm" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression signifying the absence of negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears commonly in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its relevance in discussions about ethics, safety, and policy. While various alternatives exist, such as "do no harm" or "pose no threat", the specific choice depends on the nuance desired. When employing this phrase, clarity and context are paramount to ensure the intended meaning is effectively conveyed. Recognizing its potential for overgeneralization is essential to avoid unintended negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do no harm

Replaces "cause" with the simpler "do", maintaining the core meaning of avoiding harm.

inflict no injury

Substitutes "harm" with "injury", focusing on physical or direct damage.

pose no threat

Shifts the focus to the potential danger, suggesting that something does not present a risk.

present no danger

Similar to "pose no threat", emphasizing the absence of risk or peril.

create no damage

Focuses on the lack of physical or structural damage resulting from an action.

yield no negative consequences

Highlights the absence of adverse outcomes or repercussions.

have no adverse effects

Emphasizes the lack of harmful or unfavorable impacts.

not be detrimental

Uses a more formal tone to express the absence of harmful effects.

leave no lasting scars

Implies that any impact is temporary and does not create permanent damage.

not have a downside

Suggests that there are no negative aspects or disadvantages associated with something.

FAQs

How can I use "cause no harm" in a sentence?

You can use "cause no harm" to express that an action or decision should not have negative consequences. For example, "The proposed changes should "cause no harm" to the environment."

What are some alternatives to saying "cause no harm"?

Alternatives include "do no harm", "pose no threat", or "present no danger", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "cause no harm" or "causes no harm"?

"Cause no harm" is typically used as part of a modal verb construction (e.g., "should cause no harm") or in a general statement. "Causes no harm" would be used when the subject is singular and present tense (e.g., "This action causes no harm").

What's the difference between "cause no harm" and "minimize harm"?

"Cause no harm" implies the complete absence of negative consequences, while "minimize harm" suggests that some harm is unavoidable, but efforts are made to reduce it as much as possible.