is detrimental

USAGE SUMMARY

"is detrimental" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something which has a negative or harmful effect. For example: Smoking is detrimental to your health.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is detrimental to it.

The Guardian

Keeping secrets is detrimental to your health.

Columbia University

This dynamic is detrimental to decision-making.

Columbia University

"The influence of them is detrimental to the area".

The New York Times

No. Everyone knows being close to Syriza is detrimental".

The Guardian - Business

**·**Disorganization is detrimental to grades and to your social life.

The New Yorker

It's a distraction and is detrimental to our chances.

The Guardian - Sport

In most situations this phenomenon is detrimental.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

However, excessive impregnation is detrimental to activation.

Carbon

However, this emphasis is detrimental to engagement and consensus-building.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Functional failure of the organ is detrimental to an organism.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is detrimental", clearly specify what is being harmed and to what extent. Providing context strengthens the statement and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is detrimental" when the effect is minor or insignificant. Overusing strong language can diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is detrimental" functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective. This structure asserts that the subject possesses the quality of being harmful or damaging. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is detrimental" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that something causes harm or damage. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It finds common use in news, scientific, and academic contexts to express negative evaluations. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what is being harmed and consider synonyms like "is harmful" or "is damaging" for subtle variations in meaning. Remember to avoid overstating the impact, reserving "is detrimental" for situations where the effect is truly significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is harmful

Replaces "detrimental" with a more common synonym, focusing on causing harm.

is damaging

Emphasizes the act of causing damage rather than general harm.

is injurious

A more formal synonym for "harmful", suggesting physical or legal injury.

is adverse

Highlights the unfavorable or negative nature of the effect.

is counterproductive

Focuses on actions that have the opposite of the intended effect.

is destructive

Emphasizes significant damage or ruin.

is unfavorable

Indicates a lack of support or approval, often in a business context.

is prejudicial

Suggests bias or unfairness that leads to harm.

is unhealthy

Focuses specifically on negative impacts to health or well-being.

is catastrophic

Implies a sudden and widespread disaster or failure.

FAQs

How can I use "is detrimental" in a sentence?

The phrase "is detrimental" connects a subject with a harmful effect or consequence. For example, "Smoking is detrimental to your health" or "Lack of sleep is detrimental to productivity".

What are some synonyms for "is detrimental"?

Alternatives to "is detrimental" include "is harmful", "is damaging", "is injurious", and "is adverse". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "is detrimental" a formal or informal phrase?

"Is detrimental" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, frequently used in academic, scientific, and professional writing. While understood in informal settings, more common synonyms may be preferred.

What is the difference between "is detrimental" and "is harmful"?

While both indicate negative effects, "is detrimental" often suggests a more lasting or impactful harm than "is harmful". The phrase "is harmful" is a more general term and can be used in a wider range of situations, while "is detrimental" often implies a more serious or long-term negative consequence.