cause the harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause the harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the responsibility or effect of an action that leads to damage or injury. Example: "The negligence of the contractor may cause the harm that affects the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is the responsibility of people who can cause the harm," he said.

The Guardian

At the same time, the actor does not intend to cause the harm which results from it.

Harvard University

Nevertheless, existence of probability is different from substantial certainty which is an ingredient of intent to cause the harm which results from the act.

Harvard University

You don't punish people for acts that not only don't cause harm, but aren't even of the kind to cause the harm that the statute was designed to prevent.

The New Yorker

Rabin adds that there is plenty of precedent for a taxation scheme that applies to late-arrivers to a market even though they did not cause the harm in the first instance.

Forbes

The Campus Climate Survey Validation Study (CCSVS), released January 20 , 2016by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, is commendable for broadening inquiry to question those who cause the harm while also addressing flaws in other surveys such as the 2015 American Association of Universities Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Privilege unconsciously causes the harm of others.

The New York Times

Half the respondents were informed that a corporation caused the harm; the remainder were told that an individual did so.

Cornell University

We believe that the vessel slops we discharged in Ivory Coast were not capable of causing the harm that happened there.

The New York Times

Yet the but-for test seems to yield the conclusion that neither has caused the harm.

SEP

The third time through the order caused the harm — again — for Mike Bolsinger on Monday night.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause the harm", consider the specific type of harm you're referring to (physical, emotional, financial) and adjust your language accordingly for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice when it's crucial to identify the actor. Instead of "Harm was caused", specify who or what "caused the harm".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause the harm" functions as a verb phrase where 'cause' acts as the verb, and 'the harm' serves as the direct object. It describes the action of inflicting or bringing about damage or injury. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause the harm" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon phrase used to describe the act of inflicting damage or injury. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's acceptable in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, academic texts, and wikis, the phrase carries a neutral tone suitable for discussing responsibility or the impact of actions. Related phrases like "inflict damage" or "result in harm" can offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. When using the phrase, be mindful of identifying the responsible actor to avoid passive voice and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflict damage

Focuses on the act of causing damage, removing the more general term "harm".

do damage

Replaces "cause" with the more direct verb "do", simplifying the phrase while maintaining the core meaning.

inflict injury

Specifies the type of harm as "injury", making the phrase more precise in certain contexts.

create damage

Emphasizes the creation or generation of damage rather than just its causation.

generate harm

Highlights the production or creation of "harm", which can be physical, emotional, or otherwise.

lead to damage

Shifts the focus to the consequence or result of an action leading to damage.

result in harm

Similar to "lead to damage", this phrase focuses on the outcome or consequence of an action.

bring about harm

Indicates that something is the direct reason or cause of harm occurring.

perpetrate harm

Implies a deliberate or intentional act of causing harm.

give rise to harm

Suggests that something initiates or triggers a series of events leading to harm.

FAQs

How can I use "cause the harm" in a sentence?

You can use "cause the harm" to describe actions that lead to negative outcomes. For example, "The company's negligence could "cause the harm" to the environment."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cause the harm"?

Alternatives include "inflict damage", "do damage", or "result in harm", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "cause harm" or "cause the harm"?

Both "cause harm" and "cause the harm" are grammatically correct. "Cause harm" is more general, while "cause the harm" implies a specific harm that is already understood or defined in the context.

What is the difference between "cause the harm" and "create the harm"?

"Cause the harm" implies a direct action leading to damage, while "create the harm" suggests actively bringing the damage into existence. For example, spreading misinformation can "cause the harm", while deliberately sabotaging equipment "create the harm".