damage the outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "damage the outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the negative effects of an action or decision on a result or conclusion. Example: "If we don't address the underlying issues, we risk damaging the outcome of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the absence of DNA damage, the outcome is 'proliferation' and in this stable state, the only active components are those involved in cell cycle progression.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The participation of these additional mechanisms means that, although related compounds may produce similar degrees of oxidative stress, the cellular reactions to that stress may end up being substantially different, such that for the same degree of initial damage, the outcomes may be worse for particular agents.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Depending on the extent of the oil damage and the outcome of government investigations into the accident, BP could face billions of dollars in claims.

The New York Times - Science

Coordination of these phases, together with cellular responses to tissue damage, shapes the outcome of healing tissue, resulting in a scar [3].

Plosone

In OA, cartilage damage is the outcome of an abnormal extra-cellular matrix (ECM) remodelling leading to an overwhelm of tissue breakdown mediated by metalloproteinases (MMPs).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

In the present work, in agreement with a thesis that cell envelopes are the major targets of photoinactivation, we attempted to evaluate the actual contribution of DNA damage to the outcome of phototreatment.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

In May, the Met's counsel, Jeremy Johnson QC, told the court of appeal that the challenge related to points of principle and nothing, he said, was to detract from the bravery of the women, who would keep their damages whatever the outcome.

The Guardian

Plans by leading Italian banks to raise billions of euros from investors to boost their financial strength have been damaged by the outcome of Sunday's referendum, a leading ratings agency said on Tuesday as it downgraded its outlook for the sector.

The Guardian - Business

As for the evaluation of genotoxicity, the proteins did not cause relevant cellular DNA damage, since the outcomes were comparable to the result of the negative control, the 20 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0.

BioMed Research International

Levels of urinary biomarkers, such as kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), can determine the risk of renal damage and predict the outcome of multiple kidney diseases, including transplant rejection.

American Journal of Kidney Diseases

Since it is likely that both viral and immune directed damage are controlling the outcome, the lack of IL- 6 results in slower clearance with less regulation of the early inflammatory responses leading to more inflammatory activity in the heart and results in heightened chronic disease and cardiac damage.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential consequences, use "damage the outcome" to underscore that actions can negatively influence a result, especially in strategic or high-stakes situations. For instance, 'Failing to address these concerns could damage the outcome of the negotiations.'

Common error

Avoid using "damage the outcome" when a milder term like "affect" or "influence" is more appropriate. Overstating the negative impact can create unnecessary alarm or misrepresent the actual risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "damage the outcome" functions as a verb phrase where "damage" acts as a transitive verb and "the outcome" serves as its direct object. It describes the action of negatively affecting a result, aligning with Ludwig's analysis of the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "damage the outcome" is a grammatically sound and functionally versatile expression used to denote a negative impact on a result. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for diverse contexts, ranging from scientific discussions to news reporting. While not exceptionally common, its usage is well-established across various reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether a milder term like "affect" might be more appropriate, and avoid overstating the negative impact. Alternatives such as "harm the result" or "negatively impact the outcome" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harm the result

Changes the verb from "damage" to "harm", focusing on the detrimental effect on the result.

negatively impact the outcome

Replaces "damage" with "negatively impact", providing a more formal and direct expression of adverse effect.

compromise the result

Uses "compromise" to suggest that the result is weakened or made less effective.

undermine the result

Shifts the focus to weakening the foundation or basis of the result.

spoil the conclusion

Employs "spoil" to imply that the conclusion is ruined or made undesirable.

taint the result

Suggests that the result is corrupted or negatively influenced.

weaken the outcome

Focuses on reducing the strength or effectiveness of the outcome.

jeopardize the result

Highlights the risk or potential for failure in achieving a positive result.

impair the conclusion

Indicates that the conclusion is diminished or made less sound.

ruin the outcome

Emphasizes the complete destruction or failure of the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "damage the outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "damage the outcome" to describe how certain actions or events can negatively affect the result of a process or situation. For example, "Poor communication can "damage the outcome" of a project".

What are some alternatives to "damage the outcome"?

Alternatives include "harm the result", "negatively impact the outcome", or "compromise the result", depending on the specific context and the degree of negative impact you want to convey.

Is it better to say "affect the outcome" or "damage the outcome"?

"Affect the outcome" is a more neutral term that simply indicates an influence, whereas ""damage the outcome"" implies a negative impact. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a detrimental effect or simply indicate that something has an influence.

What's the difference between "undermine the outcome" and "damage the outcome"?

"Undermine the outcome" suggests a gradual weakening or subversion of the result, while ""damage the outcome"" implies a more direct and potentially immediate negative impact. "Undermine" focuses on weakening the foundation, whereas "damage" focuses on the result itself.