ecological damage

USAGE SUMMARY

'ecological damage' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the harm that humans have caused to the environment. Example sentence: Scientists are warning of the increasing ecological damage caused by industrial waste.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

No ecological damage was reported.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No potential social or ecological damage was considered.

The Guardian

"It is difficult to understand the ecological damage that this is purported to cause.

The Guardian - Business

Authorities were holding the ship, registered in Liberia, pending a report on ecological damage.

The New York Times

Environmental experts warn construction could cause profound ecological damage by damming rivers, splitting ecosystems and moving untold tons of earth.

The Guardian

As with most of the area's long history of ecological damage, this Burmese python problem is a manmade one.

The Guardian

The rest is then discharged as brine into the sea, where it can cause serious ecological damage.

The New Yorker

Aside from the ecological damage this would have caused, an ancient village and several picturesque gorges would have been flooded.

The Guardian - Travel

This case rests on the social and ecological damage wrought by the sport.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

If farming does not change drastically in the next few decades, enormous ecological damage will result, many scientists say.

The New York Times - Science

Rising population was eroding productive capacity per capita and absolutely by ecological damage in African areas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ecological damage" when referring to harm specifically affecting ecosystems and natural processes. For broader environmental impacts, consider "environmental damage".

Common error

Avoid using "ecological damage" as a vague catch-all term. Instead, identify the specific environmental component that is being damaged (e.g., water sources, air quality, soil health) to provide more clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ecological damage" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence, referring to the negative impact or harm inflicted upon an ecosystem. As Ludwig confirms, this is a standard and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ecological damage" is a widely used and grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to harm inflicted upon ecosystems. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and common usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to be specific about the causes and effects of the damage, avoiding overly broad generalizations. Alternatives such as "environmental degradation" or "habitat destruction" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Finally, awareness of common errors, such as vague usage, can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

environmental harm

A more general term indicating any negative impact on the environment.

environmental degradation

Focuses on the decline in environmental quality, encompassing a broader scope than just damage.

ecosystem disruption

Highlights the disturbance and imbalance caused within an ecological system.

environmental pollution

Emphasizes the contamination of the environment with harmful substances.

habitat destruction

Specifies the damage done to the natural home of plants and animals.

loss of biodiversity

Refers to the reduction in the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem.

environmental impact

A broader term that encompasses both positive and negative effects on the environment but mostly the negative ones.

land degradation

Highlights the reduction in the quality of land, making it less suitable for use.

natural resource depletion

Focuses on the exhaustion of valuable resources like water, minerals, and forests.

deforestation

Specifically refers to the clearing of forests, a major contributor to ecological damage.

FAQs

How can I use "ecological damage" in a sentence?

"Ecological damage" is used to describe harm to the environment. For example: "The oil spill caused significant "ecological damage" to the coastline.".

What are some alternatives to "ecological damage"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "environmental harm", "habitat destruction", or "ecosystem disruption".

Is there a difference between "ecological damage" and "environmental damage"?

"Ecological damage" specifically refers to harm to ecosystems and natural processes, while "environmental damage" is a broader term encompassing all types of harm to the environment.

What causes "ecological damage"?

"Ecological damage" can be caused by various factors, including pollution, deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable resource extraction.