Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
incremental harm
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "incremental harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe damage or negative effects that occur gradually over time rather than all at once. Example: "The incremental harm caused by pollution can lead to severe health issues in the long run."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Presumably the bones used for broth are from animals we would have killed for food anyway, so no incremental harm, no incremental foul.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
We determine the strength of a recommendation by considering the balance between the desirable effects of an intervention and the undesirable effects (incremental harms, burdens, and for select recommendations, costs).
Science
Moreover, the risk of incremental harms from angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in black patients is also supported by a systematic review of randomised trials.
Science
It may be that the adverse relationship between vasoactive agents and survival actually comprises a combination of incremental benefits in a subset of patients that are outweighed by incremental harms in another subset.
Science
These include maximizing the morbidity and mortality of DEOs that may be averted by DDX tools, and minimizing the incremental costs and harms from the diagnostic tests that these tools may induce.
The chosen comparator should be described in sufficient detail for readers to assess whether the incremental benefits or harms reported are likely to apply in their own setting, where usual care may be more, or less, effective.
Science
This small feasibility study does not allow us to draw any conclusions about the incremental benefits or harms of using 'real-time' ultrasound over standard approaches in higher-risk tracheostomy patients, as few patients were included and there was no comparison group.
Science
32 Such methods can be used to build predictive models that can calculate the incremental risk of iatrogenic harm through continuing 'exposure' to care.
Science
For example, a design that does not allow students to experience incremental success not only harms expectancy for success but also evokes anxiety (Weiner, 1985).
Science
For example, for both genders there is an incremental increase in deliberate self-harm associated with an increase in consumption of cigarettes, drugs and alcohol.
Wiki
A Markov Monte Carlo Model was used to conduct n incremental economic analysis comparing 3 harm-reduction interventions with one another and with no intervention; i.e. NSP alone, OST alone and combined OST and NSP.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing policies or actions, use "incremental harm" to underscore the need for preventative measures before the damage becomes irreversible. For example, "The policy aimed to mitigate the incremental harm caused by industrial emissions."
Common error
Don't use "incremental harm" when describing situations involving sudden or acute harm. "Incremental harm" is more appropriate for gradual processes like pollution or long-term exposure to risks.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "incremental harm" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "incremental" modifies the noun "harm". It is used to describe the nature of the harm as gradually increasing over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
67%
News & Media
27%
Formal & Business
6%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "incremental harm" is a noun phrase used to describe damage or negative effects that accumulate gradually over time. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable. While not extremely common, its use is appropriate in contexts where a slow, progressive worsening is observed. It's commonly found in scientific and policy-related discussions, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues before the damage becomes severe. Related terms include "gradual harm" and "cumulative harm", though each has slightly different connotations.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
gradual harm
Emphasizes the slowness and step-by-step nature of the harm.
cumulative harm
Highlights the accumulating effect of the harm over time.
progressive damage
Focuses on the ongoing and advancing nature of the damage.
creeping harm
Suggests a subtle and insidious increase in harm.
stepwise harm
Indicates that the harm increases in distinct steps or stages.
gradual increase in harm
Explicitly states that the harm is increasing slowly.
accumulating damage
Highlights the build-up of damage over a period.
slowly worsening harm
Emphasizes the gradual deterioration and escalation of harm.
piecemeal harm
Suggests the harm is occurring in small, individual increments.
mounting harm
Indicates that the harm is accumulating to a significant level.
FAQs
How can I use "incremental harm" in a sentence?
"Incremental harm" is used to describe damage or negative effects that accumulate gradually over time. For example, "The study examined the "cumulative harm" caused by long-term exposure to low levels of radiation."
What are some alternatives to "incremental harm"?
Alternatives include "gradual harm", "cumulative harm", or "progressive damage", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is "incremental harm" the same as "cumulative harm"?
While similar, "incremental harm" emphasizes the step-by-step increase in damage, whereas "cumulative harm" highlights the total accumulated effect. The best choice depends on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.
In what contexts is "incremental harm" most appropriately used?
It's most appropriate in contexts where damage or negative effects develop slowly over time, such as environmental degradation, the effects of long-term exposure to toxins, or the gradual erosion of trust in an institution.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested