serious harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing significant damage or injury, whether physical, emotional, or reputational. Example: "The company's negligence could lead to serious harm to the environment and public health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That "normal" dogs didn't do serious harm.

The New York Times - Magazine

No serious harm comes of his meddling.

The New York Times - Arts

"But even a middling capability can cause serious harm".

The New York Times

But in the wrong places, they can do serious harm.

The Guardian

No law is broken, and no serious harm is done.

The Guardian - Opinion

And a new "serious harm" test should end trivial prosecutions.

The Guardian - Opinion

She added: "Each took part in an enterprise to cause Kuldip Brar serious harm".

Independent

He can and is doing serious harm to Russia, by putting loyalty to him before competence.

The New York Times

In another time, another place, Sai Ram might have escaped serious harm.

The Guardian

These are cases in which prejudice twists into ugly and serious harm.

The New York Times

Powerful organizations cause serious harm and are sued in class-action suits.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or ethical implications, use "serious harm" to clearly convey a level of damage that surpasses minor or inconsequential issues. This emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the need for appropriate action.

Common error

Avoid using "serious harm" in situations where the damage is relatively minor. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic. Instead, opt for more appropriate descriptors like "slight inconvenience" or "minor damage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious harm" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "harm". This phrase is typically used to describe a situation or condition involving significant damage or injury, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious harm" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe significant damage or injury. As Ludwig confirms, it serves to highlight the severity of a situation across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While "serious harm" is suitable for professional and informative contexts, it's crucial to avoid overuse in casual situations, as it can diminish its impact. Semantically related phrases include "grave danger" and "severe damage", offering alternative ways to convey the extent of negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe damage

Emphasizes the extent and intensity of the damage caused, offering a more direct synonym.

significant detriment

Highlights the negative impact or disadvantage resulting from the harm, focusing on the consequences.

grievous injury

Specifically refers to physical harm that is extremely serious or life-threatening, limiting the scope to bodily harm.

substantial loss

Emphasizes the degree of loss incurred as a result of the harm, applicable to financial, emotional, or physical contexts.

dire consequences

Emphasizes the extremely negative and often irreversible outcomes of the harm, suggesting a severe situation.

grave danger

Focuses on the potential for severe negative outcomes or peril, shifting the emphasis from the harm itself to the risk.

profound impact

Highlights the depth and far-reaching effects of the harm, suggesting long-term consequences.

considerable repercussions

Highlights the widespread and significant effects following the initial harm, expanding the focus to its broader impact.

major setback

Indicates a significant obstacle or reversal caused by the harm, often used in business or project contexts.

critical impairment

Focuses on the reduction or loss of functionality or ability due to the harm, often used in medical or technical contexts.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "serious harm"?

Alternatives include "grave danger", "severe damage", or "grievous injury", depending on the specific context you're describing.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "serious harm"?

Use "serious harm" when describing situations where significant damage, injury, or negative consequences have occurred or are likely to occur. It's suitable for formal contexts like legal documents, news reports, and academic papers.

What kind of harm qualifies as "serious harm"?

"Serious harm" generally refers to harm that has substantial and lasting negative effects, whether physical, emotional, or financial. It implies a higher degree of severity than mere inconvenience or minor damage.

Is "serious harm" a legal term?

Yes, "serious harm" is often used in legal contexts to define the threshold for certain offenses or liabilities. The specific definition may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of law involved, but it generally indicates a significant level of injury or damage.