cause physical harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause physical harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing actions or behaviors that result in injury or damage to a person's body. Example: "The reckless driving of the motorist could potentially cause physical harm to pedestrians."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Some defense lawyers questioned whether the assaults were intended to cause physical harm.

The New York Times

Violence can be defined as any interpersonal behaviour intended to cause physical harm or mental distress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Guts is so horrific, the story it tells so visceral, that it can actually cause physical harm.

The Guardian - Books

In such instances, working through the pain may offer the brain contradictory feedback — a signal that ordinary activity does not, in fact, cause physical harm.

The New Yorker

McAuslan said the "kids' ones" were not powerful enough to cause physical harm, but he said lasers used in weaponry had now become available on the black market.

The Guardian

The idea is that the device will not only cause physical harm but also incite fear, which will lead to chaos and more fear.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Write short sentences with tangible meaning, e.g. "I will refrain from causing physical harm to those who threaten to physically harm me or my loved ones".

WikiHow

These don't carry with them the same connotation as causing physical harm to another person with a deadly weapon.

The Guardian - Opinion

"While rarely causing physical harm, these offenders thrived on the fear they created through threats and intimidation".

The Guardian - Business

Photographers argue that they are not causing physical harm to the stars, who should expect such intrusions as part of the price of their fame.

The Guardian

That interference "could devastate the sound and stagecraft at major productions, potentially causing physical harm to actors and production workers, serious artistic and cultural losses and — considering the importance of live entertainment to the American economy — significant financial damage".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or medical contexts, "cause physical harm" is a precise and appropriate term. Use more descriptive language to convey the extent and nature of the harm.

Common error

Avoid using "cause physical harm" in situations where the potential harm is minor or unlikely. Opt for milder phrasing such as "cause discomfort" or "pose a risk" when the situation doesn't involve significant injury.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause physical harm" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig examples show it describing actions leading to bodily injury or damage. It often appears as part of a larger clause specifying intent or consequence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause physical harm" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes actions or situations resulting in bodily injury or damage. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, encyclopedias and wikis. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants its seriousness, as overuse in minor situations may sound inappropriate. Related phrases, such as "inflict bodily injury" and "lead to bodily harm", offer alternative ways to express similar concepts with nuances in emphasis. Remember to consider the specific context to provide better clarity when describing different cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflict bodily injury

Focuses specifically on injuries to the body.

induce physical injury

Emphasizes the act of bringing about physical injury.

lead to bodily harm

Highlights the result or consequence of an action.

result in physical damage

Focuses on the physical damage that occurs.

do bodily harm

A more general and direct way of expressing the action.

bring about physical injury

Emphasizes the action of causing physical injury.

create physical damage

Highlights the creation or generation of physical damage.

perpetrate physical violence

Focuses on the violent nature of the action.

be responsible for physical injury

Shifts the focus to accountability or responsibility.

endanger physical well-being

Highlights the risk or threat to someone's physical health.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "cause physical harm"?

Alternatives include "inflict bodily injury", "lead to bodily harm", or "result in physical damage" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "cause physical harm" in formal writing?

Yes, "cause physical harm" is suitable for formal writing, especially in legal, medical, or scientific contexts where precision is important.

How does "cause physical harm" differ from "cause emotional distress"?

"Cause physical harm" refers specifically to injuries or damage to the body, whereas "cause emotional distress" involves psychological or mental suffering. It's crucial to differentiate them as legal and ethical consequences vary.

Can "negligence" "cause physical harm"?

Yes, negligence can indeed "cause physical harm". If someone's carelessness or failure to act responsibly results in bodily injury to another person, it's considered negligence that led to physical harm.