harm the environment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harm the environment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any action or behavior that is damaging the earth and its resources. For example, "The burning of fossil fuels will harm the environment for generations to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Except this time the program would harm the environment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Off-highway vehicle riders do not always harm the environment.

The New York Times

He acknowledged that paper bags can also harm the environment.

The New York Times

We must use products that can not harm the environment.

Columbia University

Did the chairman one, yes harm the environment intentionally, two, no, did not harm the environment intentionally?

Yale University

But some say genetically modified organisms can lead to serious health conditions and harm the environment.

The Guardian

Florida's efforts to combat citrus greening with widespread drugs could harm the environment and public health.

Nature

It's expensive, but it uses absolutely zero water and doesn't harm the environment.

The New York Times

The effort is a plus for the planet as chemical cleaners can harm the environment.

Stanford University

Many also remarked that they valued not having to "waste paper" and harm the environment.

University of California, Berkeley

And only a few people outside Australia think that the best way to create jobs is to harm the environment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental issues, use "harm the environment" to refer to actions that cause ecological damage. Be specific about the type of harm, like "pollution", "deforestation", or "habitat destruction".

Common error

Avoid using "harm the environment" without providing context or specifics. Instead of simply saying an action is bad for the environment, explain how it causes harm, providing specific examples or data to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harm the environment" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe actions or activities that have a detrimental effect on ecosystems, natural resources, and overall environmental health. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a direct way to express negative environmental impact.

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 "harm the environment" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe actions with negative environmental consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for discussing a wide range of ecological issues across various contexts. Its frequency in news, academic, and scientific sources highlights its relevance in contemporary discussions about sustainability and environmental protection. Related phrases like "damage the environment" or "endanger the environment" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase with specific details to provide clarity and impact, avoiding overly general statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damage the environment

Emphasizes physical impairment or degradation of the environment.

cause environmental damage

Highlights the resulting damage from specific actions.

endanger the environment

Highlights the risk and potential for environmental destruction.

degrade the environment

Focuses on the reduction of environmental quality.

pollute the environment

Specifically refers to contamination with harmful substances.

jeopardize the environment

Similar to endanger, stressing exposure to potential harm or risk.

threaten the environment

Suggests an imminent danger or potential negative impact.

adversely affect the environment

More formal and general, indicating any kind of negative impact.

impact the environment negatively

Emphasizes the negative consequences of environmental impact.

exacerbate environmental problems

Indicates a worsening of existing environmental issues.

FAQs

How can I use "harm the environment" in a sentence?

You can use "harm the environment" to describe actions that have a negative impact on ecosystems and natural resources. For example, "Industrial waste can "pollute the environment" and endanger wildlife."

What are some alternatives to "harm the environment"?

Alternatives include phrases like "damage the environment", "degrade the environment", or "endanger the environment". The best choice depends on the specific type of negative impact you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "harmed the environment" or should I use another tense?

"Harmed the environment" is correct for past actions. You can also use "harms the environment" for present actions or "will harm the environment" for future consequences. The tense should match the time frame you're discussing.

What is the difference between "harm the environment" and "affect the environment"?

"Harm the environment" implies a negative impact, while "affect the environment" is neutral and can refer to either positive or negative impacts. Use "harm" when you specifically want to describe something detrimental. Using a phrase like "adversely affect the environment" has the same effect.