impair structural integrity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impair structural integrity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the effects of damage or deterioration on the strength and stability of a structure. Example: "Water damage can significantly impair structural integrity, leading to potential safety hazards."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Extension of such interfacial cracks under service loads may impair structural integrity.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The interaction between AGE and its receptor (RAGE) elicits oxidative stress generation, thereby evoking proliferative, inflammatory, and fibrotic reactions, which impairs structural integrity and function of many proteins.

BioMed Research International

As an effective cracking control technique, setting joints into concrete slabs may significantly curb crack initiation and development, but may impair the structural integrity and decrease the bearing capacity of the slabs.

Construction and Building Materials

Non-enzymatic glycation and cross-linking of proteins such as collagen impair its structural integrity and function [ 27- 31].

Cardiovascular Diabetology

Alterations of dermal connective tissue collagen impair skin structural integrity and are associated with age-related disorders such as delayed wound healing (Uitto, 1986) and cancer (Bissell et al., 2005; Bissell & Hines, 2011; Lu et al., 2012).

Aging Cell

Together, these results showed that the expression of the p24α3-transgene product caused an accumulation of POMC in large electron-dense structures within the ER and impaired the structural integrity of the Golgi apparatus, whereas the transgenic expression of p24δ2 did not affect the ultrastructure of the cells.

Plosone

Mena/VASP double-deficiency also impaired the structural integrity of intercalated discs.

Cell Communication and Signaling

16 Fragmentation results from actions of specific enzymes (MMPs, collagenases, and elastases) and impairs the structural integrity of the dermis.

Clinical interventions in aging

Furthermore, a 2.9-fold increase in SMI suggests that SCI impairs the structural integrity of trabecular bone.

Bone Research

It is tempting to speculate that Mena/VASP deficiency results in a disruption of the multi-protein complexes with αII-Spectrin and β-actin and thus impairs the structural integrity of the Z-discs, which in turn disrupts the anchoring of the thin filaments from the I-band.

Cell Communication and Signaling

Inappropriately high levels of miR-142 could thus impair Actinin-mediated structural integrity, leading to apoptosis under conditions of stress.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks to buildings or materials, use "impair structural integrity" to clearly communicate a reduction in the strength and safety of the structure. For example: "The prolonged exposure to moisture can impair structural integrity, potentially leading to collapse."

Common error

Avoid using "impair structural integrity" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase is best suited for technical reports, scientific papers, or formal discussions about engineering and construction. In non-technical writing, consider simpler alternatives like "weaken the structure" or "damage the building".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impair structural integrity" functions as a verb phrase where "impair" is the verb and "structural integrity" is the direct object. It is used to describe the act of weakening or damaging the structural soundness of something. Ludwig confirms this usage through multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impair structural integrity" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the weakening or damaging of a structure's ability to maintain its form and withstand forces. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is primarily employed in formal and scientific contexts, particularly in fields like engineering, materials science, and construction. While it's effective in technical writing, simpler alternatives may be more suitable for casual or informal communication. The contexts are mostly of scientific nature, as shown by the distribution. The phrase is well-supported by authoritative sources and is valuable for clearly communicating potential risks and consequences related to structural damage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weaken structural stability

Focuses on the reduction of stability rather than the act of impairing.

damage structural soundness

Emphasizes the damage to the overall soundness of a structure.

compromise structural integrity

Highlights the act of making structural integrity vulnerable.

degrade structural resistance

Specifies the reduction in the ability to withstand stress or force.

undermine structural strength

Implies a gradual weakening of the structure's ability to bear loads.

affect structural stability

A more general term indicating an influence on the stability, not necessarily negative.

reduce structural robustness

Indicates a decrease in the capacity of a structure to maintain its function under stress.

jeopardize structural safety

Focuses on the safety implications of the impaired structure.

lessen structural durability

Emphasizes a decrease in the structure's ability to last or withstand wear.

diminish structural resilience

Highlights the reduction in the structure's ability to recover from stress.

FAQs

How can I use "impair structural integrity" in a sentence?

You can use "impair structural integrity" to describe how something weakens a structure. For example: "The earthquake severely "impaired the structural integrity" of the bridge."

What are some alternatives to "impair structural integrity"?

Alternatives include "weaken structural stability", "damage structural soundness", or "compromise structural integrity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "affect structural integrity" or "impair structural integrity"?

"Affect structural integrity" is a more general term, simply meaning to have an influence. "Impair structural integrity" specifically means to weaken or damage the structure. Therefore, "impair structural integrity" is more appropriate when you want to emphasize the negative impact.

What factors can "impair structural integrity" in buildings?

Factors that can impair structural integrity in buildings include natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes, prolonged exposure to moisture, poor construction materials, and lack of maintenance.