environmental harm

USAGE SUMMARY

"environmental harm" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe any negative impact or damage caused to the environment by human actions. Example: The government needs to enact stricter laws to prevent environmental harm caused by industrial pollution.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although much environmental legislation is drafted in response to catastrophes, preventing environmental harm is cheaper, easier, and less environmentally dangerous than reacting to environmental harm that already has taken place.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its litany of expanding environmental harm is outrageous, and long.

The New York Times

Seafood industry officials say overfishing and disregard for environmental harm peaked a decade ago.

The New York Times - Science

"They have 47 exotic reptiles established in the wild there, which is causing huge environmental harm.

The Guardian

More complex consequences add to the environmental harm from these government giveaways.

The Guardian

The Millennium Pipeline natural gas project would inflict unnecessary environmental harm on the Hudson River.

The New York Times

What evidence do local residents offer to support their complaints of environmental harm?

The New York Times

That would avoid energy shortages, reduce power costs and limit environmental harm.

The New York Times

Erecting a tower near a downtown bus stop would do significantly less environmental harm.

The New York Times - Books

Here the personal became the political by stepping outside convention and opposing proposals entailing environmental harm.

The Guardian

And, if so, does this environmental harm then outweigh any advantages?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or policy contexts, use "environmental harm" to align with standard terminology. It's a concise and widely recognized term in environmental law and regulations.

Common error

Avoid using "environmental harm" when a more specific term like "pollution" or "deforestation" is more accurate. Specificity strengthens your argument and provides clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "environmental harm" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It identifies the damage or negative impact on the environment. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "environmental harm" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe negative impacts on the environment. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts, from formal scientific reports to casual news articles. The term is deemed appropriate across various registers but shows higher usage in News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, ensure it reflects a broad understanding of environmental damage, and consider more specific terms when appropriate. Alternatives like "ecological damage" or "environmental degradation" may offer more precision in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ecological damage

Focuses specifically on the damage to ecosystems and their components.

environmental destruction

Emphasizes a more severe and irreversible form of damage.

environmental degradation

Emphasizes the process of decline in environmental quality.

environmental pollution

Emphasizes the contamination aspect of environmental harm.

environmental impact

A broader term referring to any effect on the environment, positive or negative, shifting from damage to effect.

damage to the environment

A more descriptive phrase, less concise than "environmental harm".

ecological footprint

Highlights the impact of human activities, with focus on the resources required to sustain those activities.

harm to nature

Uses broader term, encompassing non-environmental aspects.

pollution

Refers specifically to the contamination of the environment with harmful substances.

habitat destruction

Specifically refers to the damage or loss of natural habitats.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "environmental harm"?

Alternatives include "ecological damage", "environmental degradation", and "environmental impact". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does "environmental harm" differ from "pollution"?

"Environmental harm" is a broader term encompassing any damage to the environment. "Pollution" refers specifically to the contamination of the environment with pollutants.

Is "environmental harm" a formal or informal term?

"Environmental harm" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in scientific, legal, and journalistic writing.

What are the consequences of "environmental harm"?

The consequences of "environmental harm" can include habitat loss, species extinction, climate change, and resource depletion, all impacting human health and well-being.