it does not hurt

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "it does not hurt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something isn't painful or causing discomfort. For example, "I know it looks intimidating, but I promise it does not hurt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

History seems to show that though product recall may affect the public perception of a brand, it does not hurt its prospects with investors.

Independent

But it does not hurt.

The New York Times

It does not hurt them at all".

The New York Times

But it does not hurt to have him around.

The New York Times - Sports

It does not hurt that Mr. Parris is a showman.

The New York Times

"I am sure it does not hurt that Mitt Romney is my dad," he said.

The New York Times

"I hear it so many times, but it does not hurt any less".

The New York Times

It does not hurt that he was thought handsome and polite.

The New York Times

Of course, it does not hurt to be able to afford hungry talent.

The New York Times - Sports

As far as security goes, it does not hurt to have Police Department headquarters next door.

The New York Times

It does not hurt that the sport is kind to the knees.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it does not hurt" to suggest a course of action, consider balancing the statement with a positive aspect or benefit. For example, "Trying this new approach might seem daunting, but "it does not hurt" to experiment, and it could lead to significant improvements."

Common error

Avoid overstating the positive impact. "It does not hurt" implies a lack of harm or a slight benefit, not necessarily a strong advantage. Using it to describe something with a significant positive impact can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it does not hurt" functions as a statement of non-negative consequence, suggesting that a particular action or situation is either harmless or potentially beneficial. This assessment aligns with Ludwig's AI response, which confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it does not hurt" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is either harmless or potentially beneficial. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, highlighting its function as a statement of non-negative consequence. It's appropriate across various contexts, including news media, science, and informal communications. The phrase is primarily used to encourage a particular action that carries a low risk of harm. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a lack of detriment rather than a guarantee of substantial benefit. Considering context and avoiding overstatement will ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it won't cause harm

Focuses on the absence of potential damage or injury.

it's not detrimental

Emphasizes that something has no negative impact.

it's harmless

Highlights the lack of danger or risk associated with something.

there's no downside

Highlights the absence of any negative aspects or disadvantages.

it's not a problem

Indicates that something doesn't create difficulties or issues.

it presents no issues

Similar to "it's not a problem", but with a slightly more formal tone.

it's all good

An informal way of saying that everything is fine and there are no negative consequences.

it can't be bad

Suggests that something is at least neutral, if not positive.

it's advantageous

Shifts the focus to the positive, suggesting a beneficial effect rather than just the absence of harm.

it's helpful

Similar to "it's advantageous", emphasizing the positive contribution of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it does not hurt" in a sentence?

You can use "it does not hurt" to suggest that an action is worth trying because it carries little to no risk. For example, "It does not hurt to ask for a discount; the worst they can say is no."

What are some alternatives to "it does not hurt"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it's harmless", "it won't hurt", or "there's no harm in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it doesn't hurt" instead of "it does not hurt"?

Yes, "it doesn't hurt" is a contraction of "it does not hurt" and is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, especially in informal conversation and writing. Both phrases carry the same meaning.

In what situations is "it does not hurt" most appropriate?

"It does not hurt" is best used when suggesting a course of action that is low-risk and potentially beneficial. It implies that even if the action doesn't yield significant results, it won't cause any harm or negative consequences.