harmful trend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harmful trend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or detrimental pattern or development in various contexts, such as social issues, health, or environmental concerns. Example: "The rise in plastic waste is a harmful trend that threatens marine life and ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The drop in the unemployment rate during Obama's term also hides another harmful trend – that an increasing number of people are giving up participating in the U.S. job market altogether.

The Washington Post

Pony painting parties cause controversy Jump to media player Is the latest craze harmless fun or a harmful trend?

BBC

Oh my goodness, what dangerous, harmful trend is it that is threatening our babies, I wondered.

Huffington Post

This is a harmful trend both ways, not only are the island's qualities neglected, but the programmes also perpetuate the shittiest side of modern, largely British, youth culture.

Vice

Next, review the Terms of Service agreements or permissions you've previously accepted without reading, and be sure you're comfortable with the cost of "free". The only way to curb this harmful trend is to take a stand.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Tells what things about the modern game strike him as harmful trends.

The New Yorker

The most depressing aspect of these harmful trends is that they undermine the Met's best work of recent times.

The Guardian - Opinion

Health care officials say that increased reporting of preventable medical errors would make it easier to spot harmful trends and find solutions.

The New York Times

The science-backed fishing quotas that followed, together with other regulations that are now being enforced by the European Union and Russia, have helped to reverse some harmful trends.

The Washington Post

I had the chance to speak with Rosenberg regarding how harmful trends and bunk science have become prevalent in our health industry.

Vice

As with many of the harmful trends in the former Soviet Union, the country leading the resurgence in psychiatric punishment has been Russia.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "harmful trend", be specific about the negative consequences it produces. Provide evidence and examples to support your claims and enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is a "harmful trend" without providing sufficient context or evidence. Overgeneralizations can weaken your argument and make your writing less persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harmful trend" functions as a noun phrase, where 'harmful' is an adjective modifying the noun 'trend'. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a pattern or direction that has negative or detrimental consequences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harmful trend" is a phrase used to describe a pattern or development with negative impacts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and applicability across various contexts. Although the phrase has a neutral tone, it often carries a sense of urgency, emphasizing the need to address the underlying issues. While examples are relatively rare, the phrase appears in sources like The Washington Post and BBC, making it suitable for professional and general audiences. Consider alternatives such as "negative development" or "detrimental tendency" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative development

Emphasizes the adverse nature of the occurrence as an evolution or unfolding situation.

detrimental tendency

Highlights the damaging aspect of an inclination or leaning, particularly over time.

damaging pattern

Focuses on the harmful effects created by a recognizable, recurring sequence or arrangement.

adverse effect

This phrase is broader, indicating any unfavorable outcome, not necessarily a pattern or trend.

pernicious influence

Suggests a subtle and gradual form of harm, often spreading unnoticed.

undesirable shift

Highlights a change in direction that is considered unfavorable or unwanted.

worrisome development

Emphasizes the anxiety-inducing nature of an unfolding situation.

problematic tendency

Underscores the troublesome or difficult nature of an inclination or habit.

unhealthy pattern

Highlights that pattern isn't sound or right in terms of healthy living.

unfavorable turn

Suggests a change in circumstances that is disadvantageous.

FAQs

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

You can use "harmful trend" to describe a negative or detrimental pattern. For instance, "The increasing rates of deforestation represent a "harmful trend" for global biodiversity."

What are some alternatives to "harmful trend"?

Alternatives include "negative development", "detrimental tendency", or "damaging pattern", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

What makes a trend "harmful"?

A trend is considered "harmful" when it leads to negative consequences, such as damage to the environment, public health issues, or societal problems. The key is that it causes tangible harm or deterioration.

Is it always appropriate to label something as a "harmful trend"?

No, it's essential to ensure you have sufficient evidence and context to support your claim. Avoid using the phrase if you cannot clearly demonstrate the negative impact of the trend. Otherwise, it might be seen as an unsupported opinion.