impose harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impose harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or policies that cause damage or suffering to individuals or groups. Example: "The new regulations may impose harm on small businesses struggling to survive in the current economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But now, the risks are understood enough to ask the question: Is it not morally wrong to knowingly impose harm on innocent others, especially in the name of profit?

Huffington Post

This has arisen from the understanding that children are physiologically, developmentally and emotionally different from adults and developing treatments for children by extrapolating results from adult studies may actually impose harm [ 3].

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This requires that no state or government prohibit persons from transacting with others on any mutually agreeable terms (that do not impose harms of certain sorts on nonconsenting others).

SEP

8 Importantly, in addition to physical and toxic assault, drinkers can impose harms on others' mental health and well-being through, for example, fear of assault, concern for other people's safety, neglect or exploitation resulting from drinking by carers, and even disturbance to sleep.

BMJ Open

Re "Africa: Aid or Harm?" (column, March 28), by Thomas L. Friedman: While offering meager trade benefits, the African growth and opportunity bill imposes harmful policy requirements on African countries.

The New York Times

Mr. Malan said that the bill would also impose serious harm on DaimlerChrysler.

The New York Times

Moreover, the state argued, the endangerment finding and ensuing regulations would impose economic harm on employers, workers, and enforcement agencies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The court's practices also impose unnecessary harm, overwhelmingly on African-American individuals, and run counter to public safety.

The Guardian

"The effect of the United States' conduct has been to impose significant harm on Canfor," the chief executive, David Emerson, said in a statement.

The New York Times

The court's practices impose unnecessary harm, overwhelmingly on African Americans.

BBC

The court's practices impose unnecessary harm, overwhelmingly on African Americans, including arrest warrants are issued if fines are not paid, instead on the basis of public safety.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impose harm", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is imposing the harm and who or what is being harmed. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "impose harm" in a way that obscures the agent responsible for the harm. For instance, instead of "Harm was imposed," specify who imposed the harm to maintain accountability and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impose harm" functions as a verb phrase, where "impose" is the verb and "harm" is the direct object. It describes the act of causing damage or negative consequences. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impose harm" is grammatically correct and describes the act of causing damage or negative consequences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is usable in English. While not extremely common, it appears in news, scientific, and sometimes formal contexts. When writing, it's important to clearly identify the agent imposing the harm and the recipient to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "inflict damage" or "cause injury" may be suitable depending on the specific context. Overall, "impose harm" is a functional phrase, but should be used precisely to convey its intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflict damage

Focuses on the act of causing damage, often physical, differing slightly from 'harm' which can be broader.

cause detriment

Focuses on the action of causing damage and/or suffering.

cause injury

Specifically refers to physical harm or damage.

exact a toll

Emphasizes the cost or consequence of something, often over time.

bring about detriment

More formal and emphasizes the negative impact or disadvantage caused.

lead to suffering

Highlights the emotional or physical pain that results.

perpetrate damage

Suggests a deliberate act of causing harm or damage.

trigger adversity

Focuses on initiating a state of hardship or difficulty.

visit harm upon

An archaic phrase suggesting a deliberate infliction of harm.

wreak havoc

Implies widespread destruction and disorder.

FAQs

How can I use "impose harm" in a sentence?

You can use "impose harm" to describe situations where an action or policy causes damage or suffering. For example, "The new regulations may "impose harm" on small businesses.".

What are some alternatives to "impose harm"?

Some alternatives include "inflict damage", "cause injury", or "bring about detriment", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "impose harm" and "cause harm"?

"Impose harm" suggests a more deliberate or authoritative action that results in harm, while "cause harm" is a more general term for resulting in damage or suffering.

Is it better to use "impose harm" or "inflict harm" in formal writing?

Both "impose harm" and "inflict harm" are suitable for formal writing. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Impose" suggests authority or force, while "inflict" suggests direct causation.