did its damage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did its damage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the negative effects or harm caused by something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The storm was fierce and did its damage, leaving many homes without power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A low-intensity device, containing no shrapnel, it did its damage by ripping through one of the ghats ancient stone staircases that lead down to the river in Varanasi, a holy town in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, where throngs of pilgrims and tourists had congregated.

The Economist

The delayed reaction did its damage, though.

The New York Times

The storm did its damage with almost surgical precision.

The New York Times

I wanted to take control of what I could before the poison did its damage.

The New York Times

The ploy did its damage: CBS's halftime rating fell 10 points from game action in the previous half-hour.

The New York Times

But the deep freeze did its damage, particularly to azaleas and early-flowering shrubs, and the consquences are just starting to appear.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

That means it does its damage by messing about with a cell's DNA.

The Economist

In order for thalidomide to do its damage, it must grab on to some particular kind of molecule in the embryo.

The New York Times - Science

Nobody in a Scottish jersey sought to disrupt the Italian line-out at source, before it had done its damage.

BBC

Coulter, Beck, their schtick has been heard, and it's done its damage.

Huffington Post

It usually does its damage insidiously, and many people with high blood pressure don't have any symptoms until they have a stroke or heart trouble.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "did its damage" to describe the completion of a harmful action or process. It implies that the negative effects are already present and evident.

Common error

Avoid using "did its damage" when referring to ongoing or future damage. Use a present or future tense verb to accurately reflect the timeline of the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did its damage" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the completion of a harmful action and its resulting negative effects. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in describing past events with consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

28%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "did its damage" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the completed action of something causing harm, with its negative effects now evident. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is found in various contexts, particularly in news and media and science-related content. While versatile, it is best suited for describing past events where the consequences are already present. Remember to avoid using this phrase when discussing ongoing or future damage. Consider alternatives like "caused harm" or "took its toll" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caused harm

Focuses on the act of causing harm, a direct consequence.

inflicted damage

Emphasizes the act of inflicting or imposing damage.

took its toll

Highlights the cumulative negative effect over time.

caused destruction

Emphasizes the destructive aspect of the action.

wreaked havoc

Implies widespread destruction and disorder.

left its mark

Focuses on the lasting impact or consequences.

had a negative impact

General term for adverse effects.

exacted a price

Highlights the cost or sacrifice involved.

created problems

Highlights the creation of difficulties or issues.

produced adverse effects

More formal way of saying "had a negative impact".

FAQs

How can I use "did its damage" in a sentence?

You can use "did its damage" to describe the completed action of something causing harm or destruction. For example, "The floodwaters receded, but not before "did its damage" to the town".

What are some alternatives to "did its damage"?

Alternatives include "caused harm", "inflicted damage", or "took its toll", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is doing its damage"?

Yes, "is doing its damage" is grammatically correct, but it implies that the harmful action is currently in progress, whereas "did its damage" implies the action is completed.

What is the difference between "did its damage" and "caused damage"?

"Did its damage" implies a completed action with evident negative consequences, whereas "caused damage" is a more general statement about the act of causing damage, without necessarily implying that the damage is fully realized or complete.