incur harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incur harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential negative consequences or damages that may result from a specific action or decision. Example: "If we proceed with the project without proper safety measures, we may incur harm to both our employees and the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Those practices do incur harm," he said, and should come under the scrutiny of the Fish and Wildlife Service.

The New York Times - Science

At those times when (living) people are responsive, they may incur harm; because shoes are never responsive, they can never incur harm.

SEP

Is it plausible to argue that dead people can still incur harm?

SEP

Detection and prevention of repackaging is also beneficial for original developer/publisher as they do not incur harm to revenue or reputation.

Procedia Computer Science

This puzzle is the problem of locating the time during which we incur harm for which death and posthumous events are responsible.

SEP

Nevertheless, concurrentists could be correct about when death harms us even if they are wrong about the time we incur harm from posthumous events.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Eternalism, the position that those who are harmed by death are always incurring harm, is surely wrong.

SEP

Assuming he is unresponsive while dead, it is hard to take seriously the idea that he incurs harm then.

SEP

The problem, of course, is that by the time posthumous events occur nothing remaining of us is capable of incurring harm.

SEP

Subsequentism is more plausible, but it is hard to make sense of the idea of incurring harm posthumously, since we are not responsive while dead.

SEP

Hence its lacking goods at some time does not imply, of a thing, that it is incurring harm at that time.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incur harm", ensure the context clearly specifies the action or decision that leads to the harm. This provides clarity and strengthens the cause-and-effect relationship in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "incur harm" in contexts where the potential negative outcome is minor or insignificant. Reserve it for situations involving genuine damage, injury, or serious repercussions, as overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incur harm" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of experiencing damage or negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, appearing in sentences where an entity faces potential or actual detrimental effects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incur harm" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of experiencing damage or negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent and appropriate for neutral to formal settings. When using "incur harm", focus on clarifying the cause-and-effect relationship to ensure your writing conveys the intended message with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffer damage

Focuses on the damage experienced as a result.

sustain injury

Emphasizes the physical or emotional wound received.

experience loss

Highlights the deprivation or disadvantage resulting from the event.

be subjected to damage

Implies that damage is imposed or inflicted upon someone or something.

be exposed to danger

Highlights risk involved in an action.

face repercussions

Focuses on the consequences or aftereffects experienced.

bear the brunt

Indicates enduring the main force or impact of something harmful.

be affected negatively

Indicates damage to something's structure.

meet with adversity

Highlights the unfortunate or unfavorable situation encountered.

get into trouble

Indicates the occurrence of problems or difficulties.

FAQs

What does "incur harm" mean?

"Incur harm" means to experience damage, loss, or negative consequences as a result of one's actions or circumstances. It implies that the harm is a direct result of a specific cause.

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

You can use "incur harm" to describe situations where a decision or action leads to negative outcomes, such as "The company may "incur financial harm" if it fails to adapt to changing market conditions".

What are some alternatives to "incur harm"?

Alternatives to "incur harm" include "suffer damage", "sustain injury", or "experience loss", depending on the specific type of negative outcome you want to emphasize.

Is "incur harm" formal or informal language?

"Incur harm" is generally considered neutral to formal. While understandable in most contexts, it carries a slightly more serious tone than more casual alternatives like "get into trouble".