minor damage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minor damage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or insignificant amount of harm or injury to an object or structure. Example: "The car sustained minor damage in the accident, but it is still drivable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was minor damage.

The New York Times

Each building sustained minor damage.

The Guardian

Only minor damage was caused.

The Guardian

The church sustained minor damage.

The Washington Post

Minor damage to the windows was reported.

The New York Times

The synagogue itself received minor damage.

The New York Times

The device caused only minor damage.

The Guardian

They were extinguished with only minor damage.

The New York Times

Some were looted and burned; others suffered minor damage.

The Guardian - Business

The attacks caused only minor damage and no injuries.

The New York Times

I did only minor damage to the wall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the extent of damage, use "minor damage" to convey that the harm is not severe or extensive. This is suitable for situations where repairs are relatively easy or the impact is minimal.

Common error

Avoid using "minor damage" when the harm is actually significant or requires extensive repairs. Using a stronger term like "moderate damage" or "severe damage" is more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor damage" functions as a noun phrase, where "minor" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "damage". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to describe the extent or severity of harm done to something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minor damage" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small or insignificant amount of harm. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of damage is indeed minor and that a more severe term isn't necessary. Ludwig's examples offer a clear understanding of how to use "minor damage" effectively in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight harm

Replaces "damage" with "harm", suggesting a broader range of potential negative impacts beyond physical damage.

small impairment

Substitutes "damage" with "impairment", focusing on a reduction in functionality or value.

limited harm

Uses "limited harm" instead of "minor damage", emphasizing the restricted extent of the negative impact.

minimal impairment

Similar to "small impairment" but suggests an even lesser degree of impact or reduction in function.

superficial damage

Replaces "minor" with "superficial", indicating that the damage is only on the surface and not deep or significant.

negligible harm

Suggests the harm is so small it is barely worth considering.

slight deterioration

Focuses on the aspect of decline or decay being small.

cosmetic blemish

Implies the issue is only related to appearance and not structural integrity.

light wear

Suggests usage has caused minimal marks or changes over time.

inconsequential defect

Highlights the unimportance of the flaw.

FAQs

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

You can use "minor damage" to describe situations where something has been slightly harmed. For example, "The car sustained "minor damage" in the parking lot incident".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "minor damage"?

Alternatives include "slight harm", "small impairment", or "superficial damage", depending on the specific context and the nature of the damage.

Is it appropriate to use "minor damage" in formal writing?

Yes, "minor damage" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in reports or assessments where you need to accurately describe the extent of harm. However, consider the specific context and whether a more precise term might be appropriate.

What is the difference between "minor damage" and "major damage"?

"Minor damage" indicates a small amount of harm that is easily repairable, while "major damage" implies significant harm that requires extensive repairs or replacement.