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
it sustained damage
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it sustained damage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an object or entity that has experienced harm or injury, often in contexts related to accidents, incidents, or wear and tear. Example: "The vehicle was involved in a collision, and as a result, it sustained damage to the front bumper."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(5)
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
5 human-written examples
BAD: it sustained damage.
News & Media
Although no damage was reported to the Three Gorges Dam following the quake, what is the significance of this structure, and what repercussions might have resulted had it sustained damage?
News & Media
TRAVEL The cover article on Aug. 4 about the current state of the Jersey Shore after it sustained damage from Hurricane Sandy misstated the surname of a man who noted that the rebuilt Seaside Heights Boardwalk was starting to return to its lived-in look.
News & Media
Partially rebuilt after it sustained damage during World War II, it had not been thought at risk of collapse.
News & Media
Alaska Airlines incurred a $211,000 penalty in March 2001 for flying an MD-80 in what the FAA called "an unairworthy condition" after it sustained damage to a strip on a landing-gear door.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
The heart is one of the poorest organs in the body at repairing itself when it sustains damage.
News & Media
Aerial rhizomes can also be produced from the trunk if it sustains damage or has become hollow, and grow down into the soil to regenerate the plant.
Wiki
Burrough was trying to keep his own Roebuck afloat, as it had sustained damage when it crashed into Madre.
Wiki
Even though less damaged than the Eiffel bridge, it also sustained damage from German bombing on the same day.
Wiki
Various authors have shown how popular replication of fears about an increase in trafficking into forced prostitution and sex work (and often the conflation thereof) is particularly attractive to sex work abolition groups, anti-immigration lobbies, the media and politicians, and how it does sustained damage to established and evidence-based anti-trafficking programmes [ 4, 19- 21].
Science
"We are in contact with the merchant vessel and initial indications are that it has not sustained damage.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing the extent of damage, follow "it sustained damage" with specific details. For example: "it sustained damage to its front axle".
Common error
Don't just state that something "sustained damage" without clarifying what kind of damage or its severity. Be specific to provide a clearer picture.
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it sustained damage" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the state or condition of a subject after experiencing some form of harm or injury. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage across various contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Wiki
40%
Science
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it sustained damage" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something has experienced harm or injury. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's applicable across various contexts, with a slightly more formal tone. The examples illustrate its use in describing damage to objects, structures, and even abstract concepts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific details about the nature and extent of the damage for clarity. Alternative phrases like "it incurred damage" or "it suffered damage" can be used depending on the desired nuance.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it incurred damage
Focuses on the action of receiving damage; more formal.
it suffered damage
Emphasizes the negative impact of the damage; slightly more emotional.
it was damaged
A passive construction highlighting the state of being damaged.
it experienced damage
Highlights the event of damage occurring.
it took damage
Implies an active reception of damage; more informal.
it was impaired
Focuses on the reduction in functionality due to damage.
it was harmed
A broader term indicating any kind of injury or detriment.
it was compromised
Suggests that the damage has weakened its integrity or security.
it deteriorated
Implies a gradual decline or decay, rather than sudden damage.
it was affected
A general term indicating that it has been influenced negatively.
FAQs
How can I use "it sustained damage" in a sentence?
You can use "it sustained damage" to describe something that has been harmed or injured. For example, "The car sustained damage in the accident" or "The building sustained damage during the earthquake".
What are some alternatives to "it sustained damage"?
Alternatives include "it incurred damage", "it suffered damage", or "it was damaged depending on the context.
Is it better to say "it sustained damage" or "it suffered damage"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "It sustained damage" is generally more neutral, while "it suffered damage" can imply a more significant or negative impact.
Which is more formal: "it sustained damage" or "it was damaged"?
"It sustained damage" is generally considered slightly more formal than "it was damaged", although both are acceptable in most contexts.
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
77%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested