harmful to

USAGE SUMMARY

"harmful to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is detrimental, dangerous, or detrimental to someone or something else. For example: The chemicals in the paint are harmful to the environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Harmful to youth?

The New York Times

"This fishing method is harmful to dolphins".

The New York Times

"It's been harmful to the state".

The New York Times

She's not harmful to anybody".

The New York Times

It's harmful to both sides".

The New York Times

"$4 gasoline is harmful to the economy, harmful to business and harmful to all of us personally.

The Guardian

It might be harmful to us.

The New York Times

"It's just harmful to our troops".

The New York Times

It was particularly harmful to my reputation".

The New York Times

They are not considered harmful to humans.

The New York Times

Are "thematic elements" harmful to children?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "harmful to", ensure you clearly specify what is being harmed. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "harmful to" in overly casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "bad for" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harmful to" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun by describing its negative impact or potential for causing damage. Ludwig examples show its wide usage in describing potentially damaging factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "harmful to" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe something that causes damage or has negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings. It appears very frequently in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Science" contexts, as derived from Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples. When using "harmful to", be specific about what's being harmed for clarity and impact. While "harmful for" exists, "harmful to" is generally considered more correct. Knowing its best use scenarios can vastly improve ones writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damaging to

Focuses on the act of causing damage or harm.

detrimental to

More formal and emphasizes the long-term negative consequences.

hazardous to

Implies a risk or danger.

injurious to

Suggests physical harm or damage.

unhealthy for

Specifically relates to health and well-being.

prejudicial to

Indicates bias or unfairness leading to harm.

toxic to

Suggests a poisonous or severely damaging effect.

unfavorable to

Indicates a negative or disadvantageous impact.

adverse to

A formal alternative, signifying opposition or antagonism resulting in harm.

negative impact on

More general, referring to any adverse effect.

FAQs

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

Use "harmful to" to describe something that causes damage or has a negative impact. For instance, "Smoking is "harmful to" your health."

What are some alternatives to "harmful to"?

Alternatives include "detrimental to", "injurious to", and "damaging to". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "harmful for" instead of "harmful to"?

While "harmful for" is sometimes used, ""harmful to"" is generally considered more grammatically correct and widely accepted, especially in formal writing.

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

"Dangerous to" implies an immediate or obvious threat, while ""harmful to"" suggests a more gradual or subtle negative effect. For example, a venomous snake is "dangerous to" humans, while prolonged exposure to pollution is ""harmful to"" their health.