physical harm

USAGE SUMMARY

"physical harm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing any instance in which a person or persons experience physical trauma, such as violence, abuse, or injury. For example: "The victim of the attack suffered physical harm resulting in a broken arm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No physical harm was done.

The New Yorker

A cheerleader is impervious to physical harm.

The New Yorker

And they worry about physical harm.

The New York Times

Zero physical harm has been achieved.

The Guardian - Business

They threatened our nurses with physical harm".

The New York Times

Abuse doesn't necessarily involve physical harm.

Harvard University

Not direct threats to commit physical harm, but bad wishes.

The Guardian

"There was no actual physical harm, nor actual economic harm.

The Guardian - Opinion

No physical harm was ever done to him".

The New Yorker

These included armed abduction, threats and physical harm.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ready to commit physical harm to my body".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about potential consequences, use "physical harm" to specifically denote tangible bodily injury, distinguishing it from emotional or financial repercussions. For example: "The new safety regulations aim to prevent any "physical harm" to workers."

Common error

Avoid using "physical harm" when referring to emotional or psychological distress. "Physical harm" specifically refers to bodily injury. Use terms like "emotional distress" or "psychological trauma" when describing non-physical harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical harm" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the state of being physically injured or damaged. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "physical harm" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound term that specifically refers to bodily injury or damage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for general use and frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to distinguish it from emotional or financial harm, using more specific terms when appropriate. Related phrases like "bodily injury" or "physical violence" can offer more nuanced meanings depending on the context. Remember to reserve its use for cases involving tangible bodily injuries and avoid misapplication in place of emotional or psychological distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bodily injury

Focuses specifically on injuries to the body, often used in legal or medical contexts.

physical injury

Similar to bodily injury, but can also include harm caused by external factors like accidents.

bodily harm

Highlights the damage inflicted on the body, often in the context of assault or violence.

physical violence

Emphasizes the act of violence that leads to physical harm, rather than the harm itself.

infliction of pain

Focuses on the experience of pain as a result of physical harm.

personal injury

Often used in legal contexts related to accidents or negligence.

physical abuse

Specifically refers to harm caused by repeated acts of violence or mistreatment.

causing bodily damage

Emphasizes the destructive aspect and the resultant damage to the physical body.

use of force

Highlights the application of force, which can lead to physical harm.

inflicting physical trauma

Focuses on the traumatic impact of the harm on the body.

FAQs

What is the difference between "physical harm" and "bodily harm"?

While both phrases refer to injuries to the body, "physical harm" is a more general term, while "bodily harm" often implies intentional or violent acts causing injury.

What are some alternatives to "physical harm"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "bodily injury", "personal injury", or "physical violence".

Is it appropriate to use "physical harm" in formal writing?

Yes, "physical harm" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and direct term used in legal, medical, and academic contexts.

Can "physical harm" be used to describe damage to property?

No, "physical harm" specifically refers to injuries to living beings. Damage to property is generally described as "property damage" or "material damage".