collateral damage

USAGE SUMMARY

"collateral damage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to unintended, secondary damage or destruction caused by military action or other activities. For example: The government was criticized for not adequately preparing for the collateral damage caused by the bombing raid.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Call it collateral damage.

The Economist

"I'm collateral damage".

The New York Times

Rockets inflict collateral damage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Collateral damage, for example.

The New York Times

… No, we're collateral damage".

The Guardian

Plame becomes collateral damage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Collateral power, collateral damage.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is collateral damage.

The Guardian

I caught some collateral damage.

The New York Times - Arts

But that's collateral damage.

The New York Times

Mullin, unfortunately, was collateral damage.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "collateral damage", be specific about the type of damage being referred to. For example, specify whether it involves civilian casualties, environmental impact, or economic losses, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "collateral damage" as a euphemism to downplay the severity of unintended consequences. Acknowledge the harm caused rather than using the phrase to sanitize or minimize its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collateral damage" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it refers to unintended damage or casualties resulting from an action. Examples show it describing the impact of military operations or policy decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Collateral damage" is a noun phrase that describes unintended harm or destruction resulting from an action, often in military or policy contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, it often carries a critical connotation, highlighting the negative side effects of actions. To use the phrase effectively, be specific about the type of damage being referred to and avoid using it as a euphemism to downplay the severity of the consequences. Related phrases include "unintended consequences" and "accidental casualties", which can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collateral impact

A more general term indicating an unintended effect, but less specifically negative.

accidental casualties

Specifically refers to unintended deaths or injuries, especially in a military context.

unintended consequences

Focuses on the unplanned results of an action, without necessarily implying damage or harm.

inadvertent harm

Stresses that the harm caused was unintentional or accidental.

secondary effects

Highlights the indirect results of an event, which may not be immediately apparent.

unforeseen repercussions

Highlights the unexpected and often negative consequences that follow an action.

ancillary losses

Emphasizes the accidental losses that occur in addition to the intended outcome.

knock-on effects

Describes a chain reaction of consequences stemming from an initial action.

side effects

Commonly used in medical contexts to describe unintended consequences of a treatment.

indirect costs

Focuses on the financial burdens or expenses that are not immediately obvious.

FAQs

How to use "collateral damage" in a sentence?

You can use "collateral damage" to describe unintended harm resulting from an action. For example, "The military operation resulted in significant "collateral damage" to civilian infrastructure".

What can I say instead of "collateral damage"?

Alternatives include "unintended consequences", "secondary effects", or "accidental casualties", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "collateral damage" or "collateral damages"?

"Collateral damage" is the standard and more common form. "Collateral damages" may be used in legal contexts to refer to specific financial losses.

What's the difference between "collateral damage" and "unintended consequences"?

"Collateral damage" specifically implies harm or destruction, whereas "unintended consequences" is a broader term that can refer to any unplanned result, positive or negative.