pollute the environment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pollute the environment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to express the idea of damaging or spoiling the environment. For example, "Industrial factories have been found to be some of the biggest sources of pollution that pollute the environment".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are reviled by much of the world and continue to pollute the environment.

The New York Times

But these plans rack up air miles, pollute the environment and achieve little.

Independent

So you can whip up your Gnocchi Dippers with Velveeta and blithely pollute the environment.

The New York Times - Food

We want it gone, along with the trucks that pollute the environment".

The New York Times

I don't want to pollute the environment anymore and dump lead into rivers and off buildings.

The New Yorker

Hydrogen holds out great promise as an energy source whose use does not pollute the environment.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Traditional biomass stoves operate at low efficiency and cause severe health problems and pollute the environment.

Energy

These fuels pollute the environment when they are extracted and our air when they are processed and burned.

The New York Times

If New York City sprays, it will pollute the environment and risk harming those it seeks to protect.

The New York Times

Heavy metals such as chromium, vanadium and nickel in the slag could potentially leach and pollute the environment.

Construction and Building Materials

Unlike various conventional energy sources, solar energy does not become depleted by use and does not pollute the environment.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing specific pollutants, be precise. Instead of saying "factories pollute the environment", specify which pollutants are released (e.g., "factories release greenhouse gasses, which pollute the environment").

Common error

Avoid using the phrase too broadly. Not all human activities inherently "pollute the environment". Be specific about the activities and their environmental impact to maintain clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pollute the environment" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. It typically describes actions or processes that introduce harmful substances or conditions into the natural world. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pollute the environment" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe the degradation of the natural world through harmful substances or actions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely applicable. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, reflecting the ongoing discussions about environmental issues. While often used in neutral registers, it carries a negative connotation, prompting discussions on prevention and mitigation. To enhance your writing, be specific about the pollutants and impacts, avoiding broad generalizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contaminate the environment

Replaces "pollute" with "contaminate", emphasizing the introduction of harmful substances.

degrade the environment

Uses "degrade" to highlight the reduction in the quality of the environment.

damage the environment

Employs "damage" for a more general term indicating harm to the environment.

harm the environment

Substitutes "pollute" with "harm", suggesting a broad spectrum of negative impacts.

poison the environment

Uses "poison" to emphasize the toxic effects on the environment.

foul the environment

Replaces "pollute" with "foul", highlighting the act of making the environment dirty or offensive.

defile the environment

Employs "defile" to stress the desecration or corruption of the environment.

debase the environment

Uses "debase" to indicate a lowering of the environment's moral or aesthetic value.

impair the environment

Substitutes "pollute" with "impair", suggesting a weakening or damaging effect on the environment.

compromise the environment

Uses "compromise" to indicate that the environment's health or integrity is at risk.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "pollute the environment"?

Alternatives include "contaminate the environment", "damage the environment", or "harm the environment", each carrying slightly different connotations.

How can I use "pollute the environment" in a sentence?

You might say, "Industrial waste can severely "pollute the environment" if not properly managed" or "Burning fossil fuels continues to "pollute the environment" and contribute to climate change."

What's the difference between "pollute the environment" and "affect the environment"?

"Pollute the environment" specifically refers to the introduction of contaminants that cause harm, whereas "affect the environment" is a broader term that can encompass both positive and negative impacts.

Is it better to use "pollute the environment" or "contaminate the environment"?

Both phrases are valid, but ""contaminate the environment"" often implies the introduction of unwanted or harmful substances, while ""pollute the environment"" can encompass a wider range of damaging actions.