chance of harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chance of harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood or probability of injury or damage occurring in a particular situation. Example: "The researchers assessed the chance of harm associated with the new medication before it was approved for public use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Little chance of harm there.

The New York Times

Currently asylum seekers cannot be returned if there is a "real chance" of harm occurring, which can be lower than a 50% chance.

The Guardian

A lower threshold for assessing harm to returning asylum seekers who have sought complementary protection, where the chance of harm is more than 50%.

The Guardian

The ultimate weapon was the Predator drone, an unmanned spy plane fitted with a Hellfire missile that could be fired by remote control, eliminating any chance of harm befalling an American because there was nobody aboard.

The New York Times

Deputy Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, Simon Chesterman, who represents the Association of Chief Police Officers on firearms issues, said that Tasers were "not risk free" but that the chance of harm was "very low" and normally the result of falling whilst incapacitated.

Independent

Even when the proposal was modified to reduce the chance of harm, the advisory group of federal experts remained dubious.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Viewpoints, first-hand anecdotes, norms and practices among groups of steroid users created boundaries of 'sensible' drug use, but also promoted practices that may increase the chance of harms occurring.

BMJ Open

Also, if a pregnant woman must be treated with radiation, the chances of harm to a developing fetus are considerable.

The New York Times - Health

F.D.A. officials said in November that the chances of harm to patients were "extremely low," and the recall applied only to pharmacies, which were instructed to return the affected pills.

The New York Times

Dr. Belcher, who is president of Dayspring's board of directors, said such programs offered evidence-based interventions for the children of drug abusers that can help minimize the chances of harm from past exposure to cocaine or other drugs.

The New York Times - Health

Dr Goldsworthy believes people are rarely attacked after stumbling across pot plantations, but concedes that the chances of harm are higher around illegal activities.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential negative outcomes, use "chance of harm" to objectively assess the possibility of injury or damage. This phrase is particularly useful in scientific reports, risk assessments, and legal documents where impartiality is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "chance of harm" when the harm is certain. "Chance of harm" indicates a possibility, not a certainty. If the harm is inevitable, use phrases like "inevitability of harm" or "certainty of damage" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chance of harm" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the possibility or likelihood that damage or injury may occur. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

53%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chance of harm" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe the possibility of injury or damage. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Its frequency and appearance across various reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, including scientific and news contexts, highlight its versatility. When writing about potential negative outcomes, this phrase helps to objectively assess and communicate risk. Alternatives include "risk of harm" and "likelihood of harm", but ensure that "chance of harm" is not used when the harm is guaranteed, as it denotes a possibility, not a certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risk of harm

Replaces "chance" with "risk", emphasizing the potential negative outcome.

likelihood of harm

Substitutes "chance" with "likelihood", focusing on the probability of harm occurring.

probability of harm

Uses "probability" instead of "chance", offering a more statistical tone.

potential for harm

Replaces "chance" with "potential", highlighting the inherent possibility of harm.

threat of harm

Emphasizes the "threat", making it suitable in situations where harm is perceived as impending.

danger of harm

Highlights the imminence of harm, implying a greater level of risk.

exposure to harm

Focuses on the act of being subjected to something that can cause harm.

incidence of harm

Shifts the focus to the rate at which harm occurs, best used in statistical or analytical contexts.

prospect of harm

Suggests a future expectation of harm, making it apt for discussing anticipated risks.

vulnerability to harm

Indicates a susceptibility or weakness that increases the likelihood of harm.

FAQs

How can I use "chance of harm" in a sentence?

You can use "chance of harm" to discuss the possibility of injury or damage, as in, "The study evaluated the "chance of harm" associated with the new treatment."

What are some alternatives to "chance of harm"?

Alternatives include "risk of harm", "likelihood of harm", or "potential for harm", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "chance of harm" or "risk of harm"?

Both ""chance of harm"" and "risk of harm" are appropriate. "Risk" often implies a more significant or imminent threat, while "chance" is a more neutral term for possibility.

What does "chance of harm" mean in a legal context?

In law, ""chance of harm"" refers to the probability that an action or situation could lead to injury or damage, influencing decisions about liability and preventative measures.