do harm

USAGE SUMMARY

"do harm" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone is doing a bad deed or causing harm to another person or thing. For example, "The person decided to do harm to the environment by dumping waste in the river."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These treatments can do harm.

The Guardian

It might well do harm.

The New Yorker

But he could still do harm.

The Economist

But expectations can also do harm.

The New York Times

They can do harm and they delight.

The New York Times - Food

It can only do harm, however".

The Guardian

But do they also do harm?

The Guardian - Opinion

But maybe novels should do harm.

The New York Times - Books

But could they actually do harm?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It will do harm," he said.

The New York Times

Nobody was trying to do harm.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential negative outcomes, use "do harm" to clearly indicate the possibility of causing damage or injury, whether physical, emotional, or otherwise.

Common error

Be specific about what "doing harm" entails in your context. Saying something "can do harm" without specifying the type of harm can weaken your argument or message. Provide concrete examples or explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do harm" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically used with a modal verb (e.g., can, could, might) or in a declarative sentence to express the action of causing damage or injury. Ludwig confirms its proper usage, aligning with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do harm" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating the potential to cause damage or injury. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for diverse contexts. Its prevalence in News & Media and Science highlights its role in discussing potential negative consequences. While alternatives like "cause damage" exist, "do harm" remains a versatile choice for conveying caution and concern. Remember to be specific about the nature of the harm when using this phrase to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause damage

Focuses on the act of inflicting damage, physical or otherwise.

inflict injury

Emphasizes the act of causing physical or emotional harm.

create problems

Highlights the generation of difficulties or adverse situations.

have a negative impact

Emphasizes the adverse effect of an action or event.

be detrimental

Indicates something that causes harm or damage.

pose a threat

Highlights the potential danger or harm something represents.

exact a toll

Focuses on the negative consequences or costs resulting from something.

wreak havoc

Emphasizes the widespread destruction and chaos caused.

lead to destruction

Highlights the path towards ruin or devastation.

generate adverse outcomes

Focuses on the creation of unfavorable results or consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "do harm" in a sentence?

You can use "do harm" to express the potential for a negative action or situation to cause damage or injury. For example, "Spreading misinformation can "do harm" to public trust".

What are some alternatives to "do harm"?

Alternatives include "cause damage", "inflict injury", or "have a negative impact". The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of harm being discussed.

Is it correct to say "make harm" instead of "do harm"?

While "make" can sometimes be used to describe creating a negative situation, "do harm" is the more standard and widely accepted phrase for expressing the act of causing damage or injury.

What's the difference between "do harm" and "cause harm"?

"Do harm" and "cause harm" are largely interchangeable. However, "cause harm" might be slightly more formal in certain contexts, while "do harm" is generally suitable for both formal and informal use.