damage the brain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "damage the brain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the effects of substances, injuries, or conditions that negatively impact brain function or health. Example: "Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the brain, leading to cognitive impairments and memory loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can damage the brain.

The Economist

The accident and the pressure can also damage the brain.

The New York Times - Health

The disorder can also damage the brain, kidneys and other organs.

The New York Times

And lead can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in young children.

The New York Times - Health

"If you use high currents you can damage the brain," he says.

The Guardian

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, ingesting mercury can damage the brain, kidney and developing fetus.

The New York Times

Such has repeatedly been the case with children's exposure to lead, a substance known since 1923 to damage the brain.

The New York Times - Health

Greenfield has, for instance, been vocal about the harms of drugs, the way they damage the brain and destroy lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the case of Alzheimer's patients they clump between nerve cells and damage the brain.

Independent

The danger is that the overproduction will eventually damage the brain, so that, as Kramer puts it, "temporary injuries become permanent".

The New Yorker

If left untreated, the symptoms will disappear but the germ will remain in the body and may seriously damage the brain, the heart and the nervous system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the effects of substances or conditions, be specific about the type of "damage" caused (e.g., cognitive impairment, neural degeneration) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "damage the brain" as a catch-all phrase. Specify the type of "damage" (e.g., structural, functional, cognitive) for greater precision and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "damage the brain" functions as a verb phrase where "damage" is the verb and "the brain" is the object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe the action of causing harm to the brain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "damage the brain" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the harm caused to the brain by various factors. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia articles, conveying the negative impact on brain health. While the phrase is widely understood, it's crucial to specify the type of "damage" for clarity. Related phrases like "harm the brain" or "impair brain function" can be used as alternatives depending on the context. By understanding the nuances of its usage, writers can effectively communicate the risks and consequences associated with brain "damage".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harm the brain

Replaces "damage" with "harm", maintaining the core meaning of causing injury to the brain.

injure the brain

Substitutes "damage" with "injure", emphasizing the physical harm to the brain.

cause brain injury

Rephrases the phrase to emphasize the action of causing brain injury.

impair brain function

Focuses on the functional consequences of brain damage rather than the physical damage itself.

cause neurological damage

Specifies the type of damage as neurological, which is closely related to brain function.

compromise brain health

Focuses on the overall health of the brain being negatively affected.

affect the brain negatively

A broader term indicating any negative impact on the brain, not necessarily physical damage.

disrupt brain activity

Highlights the disruption of normal brain processes.

weaken brain structure

Emphasizes the weakening of the brain's physical structure.

cause brain lesions

Specifies a particular type of brain damage – lesions.

FAQs

What does it mean to "damage the brain"?

To "damage the brain" means to cause harm to the brain, leading to potential impairment of its functions. This can result from injuries, diseases, or exposure to toxins.

What are some other ways to say "damage the brain"?

You can use alternatives like "harm the brain", "injure the brain", or "impair brain function" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "damage to the brain" or "damage the brain"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "damage the brain" is more direct and commonly used in contexts describing an action or cause leading to brain harm. "Damage to the brain" is more suitable for describing the state of the brain after the harm has occurred.

What are the long-term effects of "damaging the brain"?

Long-term effects of "damaging the brain" can include cognitive impairments, memory loss, changes in personality, and physical disabilities, depending on the severity and location of the "damage".