damage was done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "damage was done" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe the aftermath of an event, incident, or action and implies that irreversible or serious harm has been caused. An example sentence would be, "The storm caused flooding that resulted in extensive damage being done to the town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The damage was done.

The New Yorker

No damage was done.

The New York Times - Magazine

But little damage was done.

The Economist

Little serious damage was done.

The Guardian - Books

Fair point, but the damage was done.

The New York Times - Sports

Permanent damage was done to both shoulders.

The New Yorker

No damage was done to the plane.

The New York Times

But he said the damage was done.

The New York Times

By then the damage was done.

The New York Times - Arts

The political damage was done, though.

The New Yorker

But by then the damage was done.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "damage was done" to indicate that an action or event has already caused irreversible harm or negative consequences. It's effective when emphasizing the finality of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "damage was done" when the consequences are minor or easily rectified. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for situations with lasting impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "damage was done" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that harm or negative consequences have already occurred as Ludwig AI confirms. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe a range of situations, from political fallout to physical harm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "damage was done" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote that an action or event has resulted in irreversible harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently found in News & Media, where it serves to emphasize the lasting impact of various situations. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the weight of its implications, as it is best suited for scenarios where the consequences are significant and difficult to rectify. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively employ "damage was done" to convey the finality and severity of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's done cannot be undone

Expresses the finality and irreversibility of a completed action.

the harm has been inflicted

Focuses on the infliction of harm rather than the state of completion.

the ill is already done

Highlights the negative or undesirable nature of what has been completed.

the die is cast

Suggests that a decision has been made and cannot be changed.

the injury occurred

Emphasizes the occurrence of an injury, whether physical or metaphorical.

the situation is beyond repair

Indicates that the situation cannot be fixed or restored to its previous condition.

the effect is irreversible

Focuses on the inability to reverse the consequences of an action.

the bell cannot be unrung

Emphasizes the impossibility of retracting something that has been said or done.

the repercussions are now in motion

Stresses the unfolding consequences of a prior action.

the mistake is now permanent

Focuses on the lasting and unchangeable nature of a mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "damage was done" in a sentence?

You can use "damage was done" to describe situations where harm has already occurred and cannot be undone. For example, "The company's reputation suffered after the scandal; the "damage was done"."

What phrases are similar to "damage was done"?

Similar phrases include "what's done cannot be undone", "the die is cast", or "the harm has been inflicted". These all convey a sense of finality and irreversibility.

Is it correct to say "the damage is done" instead of "damage was done"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "damage was done" implies that the action causing the damage is already completed, whereas "the damage is done" suggests that the damaging process might still be ongoing or has just concluded.

Can "damage was done" refer to both physical and emotional harm?

Yes, "damage was done" can be used in both contexts. For instance, "The flood caused extensive physical damage, but also emotional "damage was done" to the community".