does no harm

USAGE SUMMARY

"does no harm" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not caused any negative consequences or impact. Example: "While the new policy may not bring about significant changes, it does no harm to implement it as a precautionary measure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This does no harm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The contrived ending does no harm.

The New York Times - Books

Love does no harm to a neighbor.

The Washington Post

The whimsical note does no harm.

The New York Times

That which does no harm to the state, does no harm to the citizen.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It does no harm, does no harm at all," Mr. Molinaro said.

The New York Times

But I think a bit of variety does no harm.

The Guardian - Books

It does no harm to the taste of the salmon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It does no harm to read what matters: his novels.

The Guardian - Books

But a bit of punishment does no harm.

The Guardian - Sport

But many foragers insist that their handiwork does no harm.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does no harm" to reassure your audience that a proposed action or decision carries minimal risk or negative impact. This can be particularly useful in contexts where uncertainty or concern is present.

Common error

Avoid using "does no harm" as a standalone justification. Always explain why something is unlikely to cause harm to enhance credibility and provide a more complete picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does no harm" functions as a predicate, typically following a subject (an action, policy, or thing). It asserts that the subject does not cause any negative impact or damage. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does no harm" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as indicated by Ludwig. It serves to convey that something has no negative impact or adverse consequences. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While offering reassurance and justification, it's crucial to provide context to reinforce credibility. Alternatives like "causes no damage" or "poses no risk" exist, but "does no harm" remains a versatile and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causes no damage

Focuses specifically on the absence of physical damage.

poses no risk

Emphasizes the absence of potential danger or threat.

has no adverse effects

Highlights the lack of negative consequences or side effects.

is benign

Describes something as gentle and harmless in nature.

is innocuous

Suggests something is unlikely to offend or harm.

is without prejudice

Indicates that an action doesn't negatively impact existing rights or claims.

is perfectly safe

Highlights the security and lack of danger associated with something.

doesn't hurt

A more informal way of saying that something causes no pain or damage.

leaves no trace

Implies the absence of any lasting impact or evidence.

will not backfire

Suggests that an action will not have unintended negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "does no harm" in a sentence?

You can use "does no harm" to indicate that an action or situation has no negative consequences. For example, "Implementing this policy "does no harm" and may even be beneficial."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "does no harm"?

Some alternatives to "does no harm" include "causes no damage", "poses no risk", or "has no adverse effects". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "does no harm" or "causes no harm"?

Both "does no harm" and "causes no harm" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Does no harm" may sound slightly more idiomatic, while "causes no harm" might be more direct and explicit. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

Can "does no harm" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "does no harm" is appropriate for formal writing. However, depending on the context, a more formal alternative like "has no adverse effects" or "is without prejudice" might be preferred.