harmful for

USAGE SUMMARY

"harmful for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing a negative consequence, or an effect that is dangerous or unhealthy. For example, "sugar-sweetened beverages are harmful for your health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We know it's harmful for our families.

The New Yorker

"It's probably not harmful for children, but it's not normal.

The Guardian

So is pet ownership healthy or harmful for the elderly?

The New York Times

The government's own reporting has found detention is especially harmful for children.

The Guardian

It is also seen as potentially harmful for girls who are still "growing".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The advent of e-cigarette ads is harmful for a number of reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If the Muslims do not learn, it will be very harmful for them".

The New York Times

"Diets with a gimmick," she added, "aren't harmful for a short period of time.

The New York Times

"[The] presence of even little smoke is considered harmful for newborn and toddlers.

The Guardian

She fears that Texas' attempts to restrict abortion access are especially harmful for poor women.

The Guardian

I hope it will lead to changes in the accord which is harmful for democracy".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "harmful for", clearly specify what or whom the subject is harmful to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "harmful for" without providing specific context. Stating something is "harmful for society" without further explanation weakens the statement. Instead, specify which aspect of society is affected and how.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harmful for" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun and indicating a detrimental or adverse quality. Ludwig examples confirm its use in expressing negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

37%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "harmful for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily functioning to express negative consequences or potential dangers. Ludwig confirms that the phrase appears across a variety of sources, including news, science, and general knowledge websites, indicating its broad applicability. Though generally neutral in tone, precise context enhances clarity. Related phrases like "detrimental to" and "damaging to" offer nuanced alternatives. Overall, "harmful for" is a versatile and readily understood phrase for conveying potential harm or adverse effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Detrimental to

More formal and often used in scientific or technical contexts.

Damaging to

Implies causing physical or structural harm.

Injurious to

Suggests causing injury or harm, often in a legal or medical context.

Adverse to

Indicates an opposing or unfavorable effect.

Unhealthy for

Specifically refers to negative impacts on health.

Bad for

A more informal and general term for something negative.

Counterproductive to

Indicates that something hinders progress or desired outcomes.

Negative for

A direct and general term, less nuanced than "harmful".

Risky for

Implies a chance of negative consequences or danger.

Unfavorable to

Suggests something that is not conducive to success or well-being.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "harmful for"?

Alternatives include "detrimental to", "damaging to", "injurious to", or "unhealthy for", depending on the specific context.

How can I use "harmful for" in a sentence?

You can use "harmful for" to describe something that has a negative impact on something else. For example, "Smoking is harmful for your health" or "Excessive screen time can be harmful for children".

Is "harmful to" or "harmful for" more correct?

Both "harmful to" and "harmful for" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific context. However, "harmful to" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "harmful for" and "dangerous for"?

While both indicate potential harm, "dangerous for" implies a higher level of immediate risk or threat. "Harmful for" suggests a broader range of negative effects, which may not necessarily be immediately life-threatening.