harm the ecosystem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harm the ecosystem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing environmental issues, conservation, or the impact of human activities on natural habitats. Example: "Pollution from industrial waste can significantly harm the ecosystem, affecting both wildlife and plant life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The deer could, as they do elsewhere, harm the ecosystem and spread Lyme disease.

The New York Times

But it can be argued that positively promoting greenery is not a central task for the institution; it already tries to avoid projects that harm the ecosystem.

The Economist

President Kikwete has promised that this would only be a gravel road, and has said that he would never build anything that could harm the ecosystem.

The New York Times

While the plan has broad support on both sides of the state line, some environmental groups say it will result in taller buildings and denser development, which could ultimately harm the ecosystem of the lake.

The New York Times

The plan had been to place the boathouse on the shore, but the State Department of Environmental Conservation feared it would harm the ecosystem, so it became a floating structure, which means it has to ride the six-foot ebb and flow of the tide twice daily.

The New York Times

Soon the plan became a scheme to pump water from under Baca to Denver suburbs, an idea that the locals said would harm the ecosystem.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

On entering the oceans, the polluted waters can harm the ecosystems there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices, bycatch at sea which scoops up unwanted fish in the search for more profitable or targeted species, and the construction of dams and levees which cut rivers off from their natural floodplains, all harm the ecosystems essential to fish migration.

Huffington Post

They point to evidence that the growth is already harming the ecosystem that allowed the islands' more famous inhabitants — among them giant tortoises and boobies with brightly colored webbed feet — to evolve in isolation before mainlanders started colonizing the islands more than a century ago.

The New York Times

Similarly, Masih et al. (2014) showed that drought severely harms the ecosystem and worsens human crises.

Pastoralism

Now, many people in the tech world think that these kinds of intellectual property claims are ridiculous and are ultimately harming the ecosystem much more than they're helping.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "harm the ecosystem", be specific about the cause and effect. For example, instead of saying "Pollution can harm the ecosystem", specify which pollutants and how they cause harm, such as "Industrial runoff containing heavy metals can harm the ecosystem by poisoning aquatic life and disrupting the food chain".

Common error

Avoid using "harm the ecosystem" as a catch-all phrase without providing context or details. Saying that something "harms the ecosystem" without explaining how or why can weaken your argument and lack impact. Always provide specific examples or evidence to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harm the ecosystem" functions as a verb phrase where "harm" is the verb and "the ecosystem" is the direct object. It expresses the action of causing damage or negative impact to the ecosystem. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

40%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "harm the ecosystem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe actions or events that negatively impact natural environments. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Analysis of its usage reveals it is most frequently found in news and media, and scientific contexts. While the phrase itself is quite common, it is essential to use it with specificity, detailing the cause and effect of the harm. Alternatives include "damage the environment" or "degrade the habitat", each with slightly different nuances. Being precise in describing how something "harms the ecosystem" will strengthen the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damage the environment

A broader term that encompasses all aspects of environmental damage, not just ecosystems. It is often used in general contexts.

degrade the habitat

Focuses on the deterioration of natural habitats, which is a key component of an ecosystem. Highlights the impact on living spaces.

disrupt the ecological balance

Emphasizes the disturbance of natural equilibrium within an ecosystem. Less direct than "harm," but conveys a similar meaning.

impact the environment negatively

A more formal and neutral way of expressing harm. Suitable for scientific or official reports.

endanger the environment

Highlights the potential risk or threat to the environment's well-being. More forceful and alarming.

pollute the environment

Refers specifically to contamination, but pollution leads to harm in the ecosystem. Narrower scope than "harm."

deface the ecosystem

Implies the ecosystem is already beautiful and intact but that human action is ruining it.

degrade the environment

Highlights the reduction in the quality of the environment.

impair ecological integrity

A more scientific term that describes the damage to the natural state of an ecosystem.

inflict environmental damage

The damage is caused by a specific action.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "harm the ecosystem"?

Alternatives include "damage the environment", "degrade the habitat", or "disrupt the ecological balance", depending on the specific context.

How does pollution "harm the ecosystem"?

Pollution can "harm the ecosystem" by introducing toxins that poison wildlife, disrupting food chains, and degrading habitats, leading to biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse.

What human activities commonly "harm the ecosystem"?

Common activities that "harm the ecosystem" include deforestation, industrial pollution, overfishing, unsustainable agriculture, and the introduction of invasive species.

Is "harm the ecosystem" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "harm the ecosystem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more specific language may be preferred in scientific or technical writing.