permanent damage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "permanent damage" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to harm or injury that cannot be reversed or fixed. Example: The car accident left him with permanent damage to his spine, causing him to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But permanent damage?

The New York Times

"Molestation doesn't make any permanent damage.

The New Yorker

I don't know about permanent damage.

The New York Times

Thankfully, I have recovered without permanent damage.

The New York Times

Permanent damage was done to both shoulders.

The New Yorker

Loiasis produces irritation but seldom permanent damage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Western Communist parties suffered permanent damage.

The Guardian - Books

The strike was over, but permanent damage had been done.

The New York Times - Magazine

That suggests possibly permanent damage, Ms. Niskar said.

The New York Times

But a lack of water can cause permanent damage.

The Guardian

By contrast, the Conservative brand suffered permanent damage.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the extent of damage, use "permanent damage" to clearly indicate that the harm is irreversible and will have lasting consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "permanent damage" when the harm is potentially reversible with treatment or intervention. Use terms like "temporary damage" or "significant damage" instead to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "permanent damage" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "permanent" modifies the noun "damage". It specifies the nature and extent of the damage being described. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "permanent damage" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies irreversible harm or injury. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, highlighting its relevance across diverse fields. When using this phrase, it's crucial to accurately assess the extent of the damage and avoid applying it to situations where reversibility is possible. Related phrases such as "irreversible harm" or "irreparable damage" can offer nuanced alternatives to the main term. By understanding these considerations, you can effectively employ "permanent damage" to convey the lasting impact of detrimental events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irreparable damage

Emphasizes the impossibility of repairing or restoring something to its original condition.

irreversible harm

Focuses on the inability to undo the harm caused, emphasizing the lasting impact.

lasting injury

Highlights the enduring nature of the injury, suggesting effects persist over time.

irreversible consequences

Highlights the unchangeable results following a particular event or action.

untreatable harm

Underscores the lack of any available remedy or cure for the damage caused.

enduring impairment

Stresses the persistent reduction or loss of function.

fixed detriment

Emphasizes the stationary and unchangeable nature of the harm.

long-term effects

Shifts the focus to the extended consequences of an action or event.

chronic injury

Focuses on an injury that persists or recurs over a long period.

terminal detriment

Implies an ultimate and irreversible decline or disadvantage.

FAQs

How can "permanent damage" be used in a sentence?

You can use "permanent damage" to describe irreversible harm to a physical object, a person's health, or even abstract concepts like reputation. For instance, "The fire caused "irreparable damage" to the building" or "The scandal inflicted "lasting harm" on his career".

What are some synonyms for "permanent damage"?

Alternatives include "irreversible harm", "lasting injury", or "irreparable damage". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "permanently damaged"?

Yes, "permanently damaged" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It serves as an alternative way to express that something has suffered "permanent damage".

What is the difference between "damage" and "permanent damage"?

"Damage" refers to harm or injury in general, which may or may not be reversible. "Permanent damage", on the other hand, specifically indicates that the harm is irreversible and cannot be repaired or undone.