it may harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may harm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential negative effects or consequences of an action or situation. Example: "Be cautious when using this product, as it may harm your skin if you have allergies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

However, simply giving people information about their condition and the benefits of "good" behaviours is not usually sufficient stimulus to effect behavioural change - especially if the behaviour is burdensome, people are uncertain they can perform it, are unconvinced about its effectiveness and have concerns that it may harm them [ 29, 30].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Ultimately, the current system may not only fail to benefit the A.L., it may harm the league by putting its teams at a true disadvantage in the N.L. parks.

The New York Times

"It may harm your ability to grow and costs jobs, including yours".

The New York Times

I think it may harm trade here – if people can't pop outside for a fag, especially in cold weather, they'll probably choose to go somewhere else".

The Guardian

While everyone is being urged to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible, some pregnant women avoid it in the belief that it may harm their babies.

The New York Times - Health

It's a trade that is concerning not just Frontex, but Syrian refugees themselves, who feel that it may harm their own chances of asylum or at least slow their applications down.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

This result not only denies communities a useful tool to combat violent crime; it also may harm criminal defendants.

Yale University

They have told VICE News that they dispute their inclusion, and believe that it may have harmed their reputation or business dealings.

Vice

Charles Gant, a box office analyst for the Guardian, says expectations for Interstellar may harm it in comparison with Gravity.

The Guardian - Film

When we make a subject part of a debate, we legitimate it in ways that may harm individuals and the educational enterprise.

Huffington Post

You do not want to introduce bacteria to the embryo which may harm it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it may harm", ensure the subject and context are clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify what 'it' refers to and what could be harmed for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it may harm" when there is definitive proof of harm. In such cases, use stronger language like "it will harm" or "it causes harm". Using "may" implies uncertainty where none exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may harm" functions as a hedge, expressing a potential or conditional negative consequence. Ludwig AI shows its frequent use in contexts where the outcome is uncertain but the possibility of harm exists. This allows for cautious yet informative communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it may harm" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a potential negative consequence. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge domains. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are crucial to ensure the subject and potential harm are well-understood. Remember that "it may harm" indicates a possibility, not a certainty, so choose stronger language if the harm is definitively known. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate potential risks while maintaining accuracy and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be detrimental

Emphasizes the potential for significant negative impact.

it might cause damage

Focuses on the potential for physical or functional impairment.

it has the potential to hurt

Highlights the possibility of causing pain or distress.

it runs the risk of damaging

Stresses the inherent risk involved, suggesting a higher probability of harm.

it poses a threat to

Implies a direct and imminent danger.

it could prove injurious

Suggests a more formal or legal context of harm.

it may prove detrimental

Highlights that negative effects are likely to happen.

it carries the danger of

Emphasizes the element of danger associated with the action.

it presents a hazard to

Identifies a specific source of danger or risk.

it might have adverse effects

Broadly indicates potential negative consequences without specifying the nature of harm.

FAQs

What does "it may harm" mean?

The phrase "it may harm" indicates that there is a possibility of something causing damage, injury, or negative effects. It suggests uncertainty but acknowledges a potential risk.

How to use "it may harm" in a sentence?

Use "it may harm" to express a potential negative consequence. For example, "Consuming excessive sugar "it may harm" your health" or "Incorrect installation "it may harm" the system".

What can I say instead of "it may harm"?

You can use alternatives like "it could be detrimental", "it might cause damage", or "it has the potential to hurt" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it may harm" or "it will harm"?

"It may harm" suggests a possibility of harm, while "it will harm" indicates a certainty. Use "it may harm" when the negative consequence is not definite, and use "it will harm" when the outcome is assured.