cause you harm

USAGE SUMMARY

"cause you harm" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used as an informal way to express the idea that one person has caused another person harm, either physical or emotional. For example, "I'm sorry for what I said; it was never my intention to cause you harm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Also, stand by while Cohen says, "Just because something isn't true doesn't mean that it can't cause you harm or damage," thus suggesting that Clifford is a liar that's sure to make her go away.

The New Yorker

"It's not anything that's going to cause you harm, but you probably won't like it".

Vice

But I don't think anyone should be allowed to cause you harm, just because you're in the public eye.

Vice

"Just because something isn't true doesn't mean that it can't cause you harm or damage," Cohen told BuzzFeed.

Huffington Post

"You must ask Valérie to be careful, she can cause you harm," one is reported as warning him.

Huffington Post

In his Tuesday statement about the payment, Cohen said, "Just because something isn't true doesn't mean that it can't cause you harm or damage.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

And is there a substance which can make you appear dead without causing you harm?

BBC

Read on to find out if what's lurking in your closet may be causing you harm.

Huffington Post

Be honest with yourself about whether they are really causing you harm, or could you be trying to control them.

WikiHow

Another common trigger thought is feeling like something is causing you harm, even in a very general way.

WikiHow

If you really think about it, you may find that your superstitious beliefs are actually causing you harm instead of bringing you luck.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause you harm", consider the specific type of harm you're referring to (physical, emotional, financial) to ensure clarity.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "cause you harm" can sound repetitive. Replace it with synonyms like "endanger you", "damage you" or "jeopardize your safety" for a more varied and professional tone, especially in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause you harm" functions as a verb phrase where "cause" acts as the verb, "you" is the indirect object, and "harm" is the direct object. It expresses the action of inflicting damage or injury upon someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

33%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause you harm" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of inflicting damage or injury, whether physical, emotional, or financial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is an acceptable phrase in written English. While versatile, it is most frequently found in informal contexts such as Wiki and News & Media, and may benefit from more formal alternatives like "be detrimental to you" or "jeopardize your safety" in academic or professional settings. When using the phrase, consider the specific type of harm to ensure clarity. Remember that using synonyms may provide a more varied tone in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be harmful to you

Directly states the potential for causing harm, whether physical or emotional.

do you damage

Implies a broader range of negative impacts, not limited to physical harm.

put you in danger

Specifically refers to placing someone in a situation of risk or peril.

inflict injury upon you

Focuses specifically on physical harm or injury.

pose a threat to you

Emphasizes the potential danger or risk involved.

be detrimental to you

Highlights the negative impact on well-being or success.

bring you trouble

Suggests causing difficulties or unpleasant experiences.

create problems for you

Shifts the focus to creating difficulties or challenges, rather than direct harm.

have a negative impact on you

Broadly indicates an adverse effect, without specifying the type of harm.

prejudice you

Suggests causing damage or disadvantage, particularly in legal or social contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "cause you harm" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "inflict damage upon you", "jeopardize your safety", or "endanger you".

What is the difference between "cause you harm" and "cause you injury"?

"Cause you harm" is broader, encompassing emotional, financial, or physical damage. "Cause you injury" is more specific, referring only to physical harm or wounds.

Is "cause you harm" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "cause you harm" may be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Using phrases like "be detrimental to you" or "have a negative impact on you" may be more suitable.

What are some situations where "cause you harm" is commonly used?

"Cause you harm" is commonly used in situations involving potential risks, warnings about dangers, or discussions about the negative consequences of actions or decisions.