damage the standing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "damage the standing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone's reputation, status, or position is negatively affected. Example: "The scandal could potentially damage the standing of the organization in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

His activities undermine the credibility of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and damage the standing of her important post.

The New York Times

Many business leaders and pro-EU campaigners have warned that "Brexit" would hit British exports and damage the standing of the City of London.

The Guardian - Business

The allegations threaten to severely damage the standing of the IMF, where Strauss-Kahn was leading the response to the global financial crisis.

The Guardian

"And misguided because it will so damage the standing of the UK, a country that above all plays by the rules and that is going around the world saying we should comply as a world with human rights.

The Guardian

MP Margaret Hodge, who chairs the committee, told those present that the meeting was a "grossly unedifying occasion which can only damage the standing and the reputation of the BBC".

The Guardian

The amalgamation of the two was designed to concentrate talent in one place as the Champions League grew ever larger, but instead seemed to irreparably damage the standing of the tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"It seriously damages the standing of negotiators on both sides".

The New York Times

If anything, its foremost champions have actually damaged the standing of the white working class.

The Washington Post

6.18pm BST Summary Margaret Hodge, chairman of the public accounts committee, describes the payoffs saga as "grossly unedifying" and that it has damaged the standing of the BBC.

The Guardian

Either way, the episode has damaged the standing of the American media.The news organisations' soul-searching about Ms Lewinsky shows how hard it is to respond to competition.

The Economist

Earlier, Derek Hanekom, a former minister who headed the disciplinary panel, said: "Malema damaged the standing of the ANC and South Africa's international reputation".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "damage the standing", consider the specific aspect of someone's position or reputation being harmed to choose the most appropriate synonym for greater precision. For example, use "harm the credibility" if the focus is on believability.

Common error

While "damage the standing" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone monotonous. Vary your language by substituting alternatives like "undermine the reputation" or "impair the status" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "damage the standing" functions as a verb phrase, where "damage" acts as the verb and "the standing" serves as the object. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correctly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "damage the standing" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes negatively affecting someone's reputation, status, or position. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While acceptable in formal writing, it's advisable to consider synonyms for variety and precision. For instance, you could use phrases like "undermine the reputation" or "harm the credibility" to better convey the specific nature of the damage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undermine the reputation

Focuses on weakening the established positive image.

harm the credibility

Emphasizes the loss of believability or trustworthiness.

impair the status

Highlights the reduction in rank or social position.

erode the authority

Focuses on diminishing power or control.

compromise the integrity

Stresses the loss of moral principles or honesty.

tarnish the image

Emphasizes the act of staining or discoloring the public perception.

weaken the position

Highlights the instability created.

jeopardize the prestige

Focuses on placing honor or distinction at risk.

blemish the record

Emphasizes the negative impact on past achievements.

degrade the character

Highlights a decline in moral qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "damage the standing" to describe actions or events that negatively affect someone's reputation or position. For example, "The scandal could "damage the standing" of the organization in the community."

What are some alternatives to "damage the standing"?

Some alternatives include "undermine the reputation", "harm the credibility", or "impair the status". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "damage the standing" or "harm the standing"?

Both "damage the standing" and "harm the standing" are grammatically correct. "Damage" is more common and implies a significant negative impact, while "harm" can suggest a milder effect. It depends on the degree of impact.

Can "damage the standing" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

While generally acceptable, "damage the standing" is better suited for formal and neutral contexts like news reports or business communication. In informal settings, simpler terms like "hurt" or "ruin" might be more appropriate.