harm from doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harm from doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to discuss the negative consequences or damage that may result from a specific action or behavior. Example: "There can be significant harm from doing too much exercise without proper rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

People tend to worry more about a low risk of harm from something they do (like taking a pill or a vaccine) than about a higher risk of harm from doing nothing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Democrats, once the champions of promoting pro-democracy movements, need to understand that the good that they can do for the people of Iran far exceeds the great harm that comes from doing nothing.

The New York Times

So far, she commented, the state had not sought to protect individuals from doing harm to their own health if they were not harming the health of others; alcohol was an exception to the rule, and also drugs of addiction, but for both it was the social consequences rather than individual health that was paramount.

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

Mr. Tierney doesn't mention those doctors, whom the D.E.A. must prevent from doing harm.

The New York Times

If Dr. Giggles ever took the Hippocratic Oath, his eyes must have glazed at the "abstain from doing harm" part.

The New York Times

And if so, how then can we stop secrets from doing harm, and only good, or eating us up?

The Guardian - Music

"We stand on the shoulders of people we don't remember or who stopped us from doing harm to ourselves," Baker said.

The New York Times - Sports

Punishing premeditated harm helps deter others from doing likewise, the argument goes, as does holding a drunk driver to account for inadvertently injuring others on the road.

The Economist

In the Kiesle case, Mr. Lena said it had been completely up to the local bishop to make sure the priest was prevented from doing harm again.

The New York Times

The number rose to 10 during the Civil War to prevent those sympathizing with the Confederacy from doing harm to the Union.

The New York Times

PhD student Jerrald Rector, at the University of Birmingham, knows he has the bug, and is working on ways to keep it from doing harm.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks, clearly identify the action and the specific "harm from doing" it to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "harm from doing" when you mean to convey the principle of 'doing no harm'. The former refers to the negative consequences of an action, while the latter is an ethical guideline to avoid causing harm in the first place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harm from doing" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the potential negative consequences or damages that stem directly from a specific action or behavior, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harm from doing" is a prepositional phrase used to describe the negative consequences that can result from a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and used in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. It's essential to distinguish "harm from doing" from the principle of 'doing no harm', as they convey different meanings. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "harm from doing" to communicate potential risks and consequences in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harm caused by acting

Directly points to the causation of harm through action.

damage resulting from action

This alternative focuses on the tangible damage that occurs due to a specific action.

negative consequences of acting

This highlights the adverse outcomes stemming from a particular course of action.

detrimental effects of performing

It emphasizes the damaging effects of carrying out a certain action.

ill effects of carrying out

Highlights the negative and unhealthy results of performing something.

injury resulting from behavior

Focuses on physical or emotional injury as a result of conduct.

adverse impact of intervening

Specifically refers to the negative effects when getting involved or taking action.

risk associated with involvement

Focuses on the potential danger or negative outcomes linked to participation or action.

potential downsides of proceeding

Highlights the possible disadvantages of moving forward with an action or plan.

drawbacks of undertaking

Emphasizes the negative aspects of starting or engaging in something.

FAQs

How can I use "harm from doing" in a sentence?

You can use "harm from doing" to discuss the potential negative consequences of an action. For example: "There can be significant "harm from doing" too much exercise without proper rest."

What's the difference between "harm from doing" and "doing harm"?

"Harm from doing" refers to the specific negative outcomes resulting from an action, while "doing harm" generally refers to the act of causing damage or injury. The phrase "doing harm" is broader and not always directly linked to a specific prior action.

What are some alternatives to "harm from doing"?

Alternatives include "damage caused by doing", "negative effects of doing", or "adverse consequences of acting" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "harm from doing nothing"?

Yes, it is correct. It refers to the negative consequences that arise from inaction or failing to take action. An example is: "Democrats, once the champions of promoting pro-democracy movements, need to understand that the good that they can do for the people of Iran far exceeds the great "harm from doing" nothing."