might be harmful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be harmful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential risks or negative effects of something, indicating uncertainty about the harm it may cause. Example: "The new chemical introduced in the product might be harmful to the environment if not properly regulated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It might be harmful to us.

The New York Times

It might be harmful to his campaign".

The Guardian - Books

This fall, the agency said that any amount of melamine in infant formula might be harmful.

The New York Times

Treating delusions, he claims, might be harmful – instead we should "question our prejudices about normality".

The Guardian - Opinion

The standard objection is that GM foods might be harmful to us.

The Guardian

It is conceivable that starving the body of salt might be harmful, he said.

The New York Times - Science

Too much or too little might be harmful, but the right amount can provide us with needed experience and resilience.

The New York Times

There was (and is) no compelling evidence that testosterone relieves fatigue or nervousness, and later there was evidence that it might be harmful.

The New York Times - Books

"It might be harmful to do an exorcism prematurely," said the Rev. Robert Barron, a Chicago archdiocese theologian and spokesman on exorcisms.

The New York Times

Darwin found it hard to imagine why eyes might be harmful to animals living in perpetual darkness, and attributed their loss "solely to disuse".

The Guardian

After talking to Beverly, I could only conclude that her life was full of many sorts of trouble, any or all of which might be harmful to health.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be harmful" when you want to express a possibility, not a certainty. If there's strong evidence of harm, consider using stronger language like "is harmful" or "will cause harm".

Common error

Avoid using "might be harmful" vaguely. Instead of saying "This chemical might be harmful", specify "This chemical might be harmful to aquatic life" or "This chemical might be harmful if ingested".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be harmful" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a potential risk or negative consequence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "might be harmful" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a potential risk or negative effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related articles, it serves as a cautionary flag, prompting further consideration of possible dangers. When employing this phrase, be precise in specifying the potential harm and the affected entity to ensure clarity. Remember that "might be harmful" implies a possibility, not a certainty; thus, it's essential to choose language that accurately reflects the level of evidence available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be detrimental

Emphasizes a potentially damaging or unfavorable effect.

may pose risks

Highlights the possibility of encountering danger or hazards.

could prove damaging

Focuses on the potential for long-term harm or injury.

may have adverse effects

Stresses the potential for undesirable or negative outcomes.

could be prejudicial

Suggests the possibility of creating bias or unfairness.

might result in damage

Highlights the possibility of physical harm or deterioration.

may be counterproductive

Emphasizes the potential for hindering progress or achieving the opposite of the intended result.

could turn out to be dangerous

Implies a potential for a situation to escalate into a hazardous one.

may not be beneficial

Suggests a lack of positive impact and potential for negative consequences.

might create problems

Focuses on the potential for generating difficulties or complications.

FAQs

How can I use "might be harmful" in a sentence?

Use "might be harmful" to express a potential risk or negative consequence. For example, "Consuming too much of this supplement "might be harmful" to your health."

What are some alternatives to saying "might be harmful"?

You can use alternatives like "could be detrimental", "may pose risks", or "could prove damaging" depending on the context.

Is "might be harmful" the same as "is harmful"?

No, "might be harmful" indicates a possibility of harm, whereas "is harmful" states a certainty. "Might" suggests uncertainty, while "is" indicates a confirmed negative effect.

When should I use "might be harmful" instead of "is dangerous"?

Use "might be harmful" when there is a potential but unconfirmed risk. Use "is dangerous" when the risk is known and well-established. The former is less definitive and implies more uncertainty.