real damage

USAGE SUMMARY

"real damage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when discussing actual or tangible harm or injury caused by something or someone. Example: The storm caused real damage to the town, with numerous homes and businesses destroyed by the strong winds. Another example: The faulty wiring in the building caused a fire, resulting in real damage to several apartments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is doing real damage.

The Guardian - Opinion

These cuts have done real damage.

The New York Times

But real damage has been done.

The Economist

These sorties have done real damage.

The New York Times

That has been the real damage.

The Guardian

It's life that does the real damage.

The New York Times

They are out to do some real damage.

The Guardian

And that is where the real damage is done.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this has obscured where the real damage is happening.

The Guardian

Please let us stop this before real damage is done".

The Guardian - Sport

I thought they were going to do real damage".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "real damage", consider the specific context to ensure the adjective accurately conveys the severity and type of harm. For example, specify if it's "real economic damage" or "real environmental damage" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "real damage" when the harm is already implied or obvious from the context. Instead, focus on quantifying or describing the damage in more detail to avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real damage" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "real" modifies the noun "damage". This signifies actual, tangible harm, injury, or impairment, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "real damage" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote actual and significant harm. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the phrase sees frequent usage across various reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, primarily within News & Media. While alternatives like "significant harm" and "serious detriment" exist, "real damage" effectively conveys the tangible and substantial nature of the harm inflicted. It is important to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding redundancy and ensuring it accurately reflects the severity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant harm

Emphasizes the importance and extent of the harm caused.

serious detriment

Focuses on the adverse effects and consequences of the damage.

substantial impairment

Highlights the reduction in functionality or capability due to the damage.

grave consequences

Stresses the severe outcomes resulting from the damage.

severe repercussions

Highlights the far-reaching and negative effects of the damage.

profound impact

Emphasizes the depth and lasting effect of the damage.

considerable loss

Focuses on what has been lost or diminished due to the damage.

major setback

Highlights the impediment or delay caused by the damage.

critical blow

Stresses the severity and potentially devastating nature of the damage.

palpable destruction

Highlights the visible and evident ruin caused.

FAQs

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

You can use "real damage" to describe situations where actual harm or injury has occurred, such as "The hurricane caused "real damage" to coastal communities" or "The company's actions resulted in "real damage" to its reputation".

What are some alternatives to "real damage"?

Some alternatives include "significant harm", "serious detriment", or "substantial impairment" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "actual real damage"?

Yes, saying "actual "real damage"" is generally redundant because "real" already implies that the damage is not hypothetical or superficial. It's best to stick with just "real damage".

What's the difference between "real damage" and "potential damage"?

"Real damage" refers to harm that has already occurred and can be observed or measured, while "potential damage" refers to harm that may occur in the future if certain conditions are met. "Real damage" is factual, while "potential damage" is speculative.