prove harmful to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prove harmful to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential negative effects or consequences of something on a person, group, or situation. Example: "The new policy may prove harmful to the environment if not implemented carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Mr. Miville-Deschenes acknowledged, however, that sealed court files contains information that could prove harmful to some of the corporations that it names.

The New York Times

Last April, the F.D.A. refused four shipments of roasted eel from a nearby Xulong factory because they contained residues of banned antibiotics that could prove harmful to consumers.

The New York Times

Implementing those measures is expected to be difficult and could hurt many industries and prove harmful to the economy, analysts say.

The New York Times

What's going to happen when a recession comes?" And while Mr. Clinton has celebrated the welfare law as a success, he signed it over the objection of advisers who believe it will still prove harmful to the poor.

The New York Times

While the party has in the past stirred the nationalist caldron during times of uncertainty, some analysts said they thought that following that script today could prove harmful to China when it is trying to burnish its soft power.

The New York Times

Jon Day, who was until recently a senior director at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, said the decision to dredge and dump 5m tonnes of seabed to expand the Abbot Point port in Queensland would prove harmful to the reef.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He also ruled out playing if it proved harmful to his team.

The New York Times - Sports

It has "proven harmful to the very institutions that it is seeking to benefit," she says.

The New York Times

And that precedent could embolden other groups campaigning to rid movies of portrayals of gun use, transfat consumption or other behavior that can be proved harmful to the public.

The New York Times

Breathing in a combination of moisture and stone dust over the course of a 10-hour day proved harmful to workers at the company, and many died of tuberculosis, Dr. Carlton said.

The New York Times

We are pleased that the conditions we set are being met, that YouView is delivering for audiences on important issues like accessibility and parental controls, and that the BBC's involvement is not proving harmful to the wider market".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prove harmful to", ensure that the context clearly indicates the potential victims or entities affected. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "prove harmful to" in vague or general statements. Instead, specify the potential consequences and the affected parties to enhance the credibility and persuasiveness of your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prove harmful to" functions as a verb phrase that attributes a characteristic of causing harm or damage to a subject. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in various contexts, indicating a discovered or realized negative impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prove harmful to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that is becoming evidently damaging or detrimental. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "be detrimental to" or "be damaging to" exist, "prove harmful to" specifically suggests a realization of harm over time. When using this phrase, clarity and context are essential to specify what or whom is being affected. Furthermore, usage patterns indicate that it appears more frequently in news and scientific sources, suggesting a formal yet accessible tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be damaging to

Indicates harm that reduces value or effectiveness.

be detrimental to

Emphasizes damage or injury, often in a formal context.

be destructive to

Focuses on the act of destroying or ruining something.

be injurious to

Focuses on causing physical harm or damage.

have negative impacts on

A more general phrase for causing negative effects.

pose a threat to

Highlights the potential danger or risk involved.

be adverse to

Suggests an opposing or unfavorable effect.

endanger

Directly states the act of putting someone or something at risk.

be counterproductive to

Implies hindering progress or achieving the opposite of the intended result.

be prejudicial to

Highlights biased harm or unfair disadvantage.

FAQs

How can I use "prove harmful to" in a sentence?

You can use "prove harmful to" to describe something that has the potential to cause damage or negative effects. For example, "The new policy may "be detrimental to" the environment if not implemented carefully".

What are some alternatives to saying "prove harmful to"?

Alternatives include "be damaging to", "be injurious to", or "pose a threat to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "prove harmful to" or "be harmful to"?

"Prove harmful to" suggests a situation where the harm is becoming evident over time, while "be harmful to" simply states that something is inherently damaging. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the unfolding realization of harm.

What's the difference between "prove harmful to" and "potentially harmful to"?

"Prove harmful to" indicates that negative effects have already begun to surface or are becoming apparent. "Potentially harmful to" suggests that there's a risk of harm, but it hasn't necessarily occurred yet.