do harm to

USAGE SUMMARY

"do harm to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing someone or something causing injury, loss, or damage to another person or thing. For example, "The negligent driver caused harm to two other vehicles in the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I do harm to patients everyday.

The New York Times

However, porosities can do harm to the persistent corrosion resistance of coatings.

Surface and Coatings Technology

At least he doesn't do harm to his musical integrity.

The New York Times

"We do harm to those who harm us," she said.

The New York Times

"I don't want her to do harm to this country".

The Guardian

In the meantime, non-selective use of CILs will do harm to aquatic organisms.

Aquatic Toxicology

"There are pockets of Al Qaeda and Taliban who wish to do harm to us, who wish to do harm to the Afghan transitional government," Ms. Clarke said.

The New York Times

The EWG list can do harm to low income groups by discouraging good eating habits.

Cornell University

Out of sheer passion he would never do harm to a fly".

The New Yorker

"But we didn't do harm to the Republicans who were in office.

The New Yorker

He doesn't have to actively oppose an In vote to do harm to the In cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs if you need to emphasize the severity of the action. Alternatives like "damage", "injure", or "devastate" can convey a greater impact than "do harm to".

Common error

While "do harm to" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and impactful verbs to convey the intended meaning more effectively. Replace it with alternatives like "damage", "impair", or "undermine" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do harm to" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of causing damage, injury, or negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do harm to" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe actions that cause damage or negative effects. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in English. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its wide applicability. While the phrase is suitable for various contexts, it is important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, as stronger verbs may be more appropriate in certain situations. When writing, ensure the target of the harm is clearly identified and avoid overuse in highly formal contexts. Consider alternatives such as "cause damage to" or "be detrimental to" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause damage to

Focuses on the resulting damage, rather than the act of harming.

inflict injury on

Emphasizes the act of causing physical harm or damage.

be detrimental to

Highlights the negative impact or adverse effects.

cause detriment to

More formal than "be detrimental to", emphasizing loss or damage.

pose a threat to

Suggests a potential for harm or danger.

be prejudicial to

Indicates bias or unfairness causing harm.

work to the disadvantage of

Emphasizes the negative impact on someone's prospects or position.

adversely affect

Focuses on the negative influence or change brought about.

impair

Signifies weakening or damaging something.

undermine

Highlights a weakening or erosion of something, often gradually.

FAQs

What does "do harm to" mean?

The phrase "do harm to" means to cause damage, injury, or negative effects to someone or something.

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

You can use "do harm to" to describe an action that negatively impacts someone or something. For example, "Pollution can "do harm to" the environment".

What are some alternatives to "do harm to"?

Alternatives include "cause damage to", "be detrimental to", or "adversely affect", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "does harm to" is correct when the subject is singular. For example, "He "does harm to" his reputation with those actions".