less damage

USAGE SUMMARY

"less damage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, "The new safety features of the car led to less damage in the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Less damage to the house.

The New York Times

One does less damage with a mortar".

The Guardian - Books

The sooner you do, the less damage".

The New York Times

Deeper earthquakes tend to cause less damage at the surface.

The Guardian

It may be that men have less damage to repair.

The New York Times - Health

This storm, thankfully, did far less damage than Katrina.

The New York Times

Let's hope that combination does a little less damage.

The New Yorker

Other stock indexes have suffered much less damage.

The New York Times

"What causes less damage to the system?" Solalinde asked.

The New Yorker

Spending cuts do less damage than tax rises.

The Economist

That translates to less damage, depending on quantity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the effects of different actions or events, use "less damage" to clearly indicate which one causes a smaller degree of harm. For example, "Using renewable energy results in "less damage" to the environment than burning fossil fuels".

Common error

Avoid using "fewer" when referring to something that can't be counted individually. "Damage" is a non-countable noun, so "less" is the correct choice. For example, it's correct to say ""less damage"", not "fewer damage".

Linguistic Context

Less damage functions as a comparative phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate a smaller degree of harm or destruction. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. For example, "The new fire retardant caused less damage to the house."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less damage" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase that signifies a smaller degree of harm or destruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows for usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. The primary function is to compare outcomes, highlighting scenarios where the extent of harm is minimized. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When aiming for semantic precision, consider alternatives like "reduced harm" or "mitigated impact", but remember that "less damage" provides a clear and direct way to express the concept of reduced harm in a wide array of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced harm

Focuses on the reduction of harm, a direct synonym emphasizing the positive change.

mitigated impact

Highlights the lessening of the impact or effect of something, particularly negative consequences.

decreased destruction

Emphasizes the reduction in the amount of destruction or devastation caused.

minimal impairment

Suggests that any impairment or negative effect is kept to a minimum.

alleviated consequences

Highlights the relief or lessening of the negative consequences resulting from an action or event.

lessened severity

Focuses on reducing the intensity or seriousness of a situation or outcome.

contained repercussions

Suggests that the negative repercussions or fallout have been controlled or limited.

softer blow

Implies a less harsh or damaging impact, often in a metaphorical sense.

limited repercussions

Highlights that the effects of an event, situation, or action are restricted in scope or degree.

reduced consequences

Focuses specifically on reducing the negative consequences of an action or event.

FAQs

How can I use "less damage" in a sentence?

Use "less damage" when comparing the degree of harm caused by different things or actions. For instance, "The new safety measures resulted in "less damage" during collisions".

What are some alternatives to "less damage"?

You can use phrases like "reduced harm", "mitigated impact", or "decreased destruction" depending on the specific context. These alternatives also express the idea of a reduction in negative effects.

Is it correct to say "fewer damage" instead of "less damage"?

No, "fewer damage" is grammatically incorrect. "Damage" is a non-countable noun, so you should always use "less". "Fewer" is used for countable nouns.

What's the difference between ""less damage"" and "minimal damage"?

"Less damage" implies a comparison, suggesting that one situation causes less harm than another. "Minimal damage" indicates that the harm caused is very small or insignificant.