damaging statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "damaging statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a statement that causes harm or negative consequences, either to a person, reputation, or situation. Example: "The politician's damaging statement about the economy led to a significant drop in public trust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Michaels is an old foe of Mann's, but this genuinely damaging statement was actually made by Jones.

The Guardian

Yet the most damaging statement by Trump in recent days may not have been his unsympathetic attacks on the Khan family.

The Guardian

The defense lawyers said they just learned that the government reinterviewed Mr. Allen, their principal witness, specifically to get him to provide a more damaging statement after prosecutors discovered they had concealed an Allen statement favorable to the defense.

The New York Times

Mr. Lázaro made the comment in a long and damaging statement after his arrest on Sunday, prosecutors revealed, in which he admitted his ties to the "Service," a reference to the Russian S.V.R., the successor to the K.G.B., the Soviet-era spy agency.

The New York Times

"This is a very disturbing and highly damaging statement," one top nuclear scientist told ScienceInsider.

Science Magazine

It turns out that the most damaging statement was made off-camera, leading some to wonder whether the footage had been surreptitiously edited by Chevron operatives.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But, the lawyers said, defense lawyers confronted with damaging statements often argue that their clients were mistaken, lying or confused.

The New York Times

They did so in an effort to determine whether possibly damaging statements against their clients were made during these interrogations.

The New York Times

This paper introduces suitable features and methods to define hazard rate function by acoustic emission (AE) parametric analysis to develop robust damage statement index and reliability analysis.

Construction and Building Materials

Two vehicles in the convoy were slightly damaged, the statement said, but no coalition soldiers or government personnel were injured.

The New York Times

While potentially popular, these statements are damaging to judicial independence and the rule of law – principles Cameron and his government are legally obliged to uphold – and position parliament and the government in conflict with judiciaries at home and abroad.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "damaging statement", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is being harmed by the statement. Provide specific details about the negative consequences to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a "damaging statement". Use precise language to describe the actual harm caused rather than resorting to hyperbole, which can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "damaging statement" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "damaging" modifies the noun "statement". It identifies a particular kind of statement that has the potential to cause harm or negative consequences. Ludwig provides examples that support this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "damaging statement" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a statement causing harm. Ludwig indicates that it is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, highlighting its use in discussing statements with negative consequences. While not overly common, it is readily understood and can be used effectively in both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, be clear about who or what is being harmed and avoid exaggeration. Alternatives such as "harmful assertion" or "detrimental remark" can provide nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful assertion

Replaces 'statement' with 'assertion', emphasizing a strong declaration that causes harm.

detrimental remark

Substitutes 'damaging' with 'detrimental' and 'statement' with 'remark', highlighting the harmful impact of the comment.

injurious comment

Uses 'injurious' to replace 'damaging' and 'comment' for 'statement', focusing on the hurtful nature of the remark.

prejudicial declaration

Replaces 'damaging' with 'prejudicial' and 'statement' with 'declaration', stressing the biased and harmful nature of the statement.

destructive pronouncement

Substitutes 'damaging' with 'destructive' and 'statement' with 'pronouncement', highlighting the devastating effect of the announcement.

incriminating testimony

Emphasizes the self-incriminating nature of the statement, implying it provides evidence against someone.

adverse allegation

Focuses on the negative and accusatory aspect of the statement, suggesting it's a claim against someone.

unfavorable disclosure

Highlights the negative revelation made in the statement, suggesting it brings unwanted information to light.

compromising admission

Stresses that the statement reveals something damaging or embarrassing about the speaker.

contentious declaration

Highlights the controversial nature of the statement, suggesting it's likely to cause disagreement or argument.

FAQs

What does "damaging statement" mean?

A "damaging statement" refers to a declaration or remark that causes harm, either to a person's reputation, a business, or a situation. It implies negative consequences as a result of the statement being made.

What can I say instead of "damaging statement"?

You can use alternatives like "harmful assertion", "detrimental remark", or "injurious comment" depending on the context.

How is a "damaging statement" different from a false statement?

A "damaging statement" is defined by its negative impact, regardless of its truthfulness. A false statement, on the other hand, is specifically untrue, but may not necessarily cause damage. A truthful statement can still be a "damaging statement" if it causes harm.

Can a "damaging statement" lead to legal consequences?

Yes, a "damaging statement" can lead to legal consequences, particularly if it constitutes defamation or libel. Defamation involves making false statements that harm someone's reputation. The specific legal ramifications depend on jurisdiction and the nature of the statement.