damaging to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'damaging to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something in a negative way, showing how it has detrimentally affected something else. For example: "The consequences of the incident were damaging to the company's reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it is damaging to French society.

The New York Times

Are fairytales damaging to children?

The Guardian

It's damaging to your morale.

The New York Times

"And that unfairness is damaging to the government, it's damaging to the party and it's actually damaging to the public".

The Guardian

This is hugely damaging to intergenerational relations.

The Guardian

It was damaging to the Mossad's prestige.

The Guardian

Now that would be damaging to Saddam".

The New York Times - Magazine

It is damaging to the children who watch the show".

Independent

But, of course, it is damaging to the Congress.

The New York Times

It is also damaging to fish, wildlife, and vegetation.

The New Yorker

These rules are hugely damaging to families in Britain.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "damaging to", ensure that you clearly specify what is being harmed or negatively affected. For example, "The scandal was damaging to the company's reputation."

Common error

While "damaging to" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "bad for" or "harmful to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "damaging to" functions as a predicate adjective describing the harmful effect on a noun. The phrase indicates a detrimental impact, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples showing its use in various contexts. It highlights the negative consequences of a subject on an object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "damaging to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes a detrimental impact or harm. According to Ludwig, it serves to express criticism or concern about the negative effects of something on a specific entity. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for both objective reporting and formal analysis. While it can be used in both formal and informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "bad for" in casual conversation for a more natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detrimental to

Implies a similar sense of harm but is often used in more formal contexts.

harmful to

A more general term indicating something causes harm or injury.

injurious to

Suggests causing physical or metaphorical injury.

prejudicial to

Indicates causing harm to someone's rights or fairness.

destructive to

Implies causing significant damage or destruction.

deleterious to

A more formal and scientific term for harmful effects.

adverse to

Indicates something working against or opposing something else.

unfavorable to

Suggests a lack of support or benefit, creating a disadvantage.

bad for

A simpler, more direct way of saying something is harmful.

undermining to

Highlights a weakening or destabilizing effect.

FAQs

How can I use "damaging to" in a sentence?

Use "damaging to" to describe something that has a detrimental effect on something else. For instance, "The new policy is "detrimental to" employee morale."

What are some alternatives to "damaging to"?

You can use alternatives such as "harmful to", "detrimental to", or "injurious to", depending on the specific context and level of formality you require.

Is there a difference between "damaging to" and "harmful to"?

While both phrases indicate a negative impact, "damaging to" often implies a more significant or lasting impact, whereas "harmful to" can refer to a broader range of negative effects.

When is it appropriate to use "damaging to" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "damaging to" in both formal and informal writing when you want to clearly convey that something is causing harm or has a detrimental effect. It is especially useful in contexts where precision is important.