significant damage

USAGE SUMMARY

"significant damage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe harm, destruction, or injury that is notable or substantial. Example: The hurricane caused significant damage to the coastal town, destroying homes and businesses and leaving many people homeless.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But few expected significant damage.

The New York Times

No injuries or significant damage was reported.

The New York Times

In all, 31 neighborhoods suffered significant damage.

The New York Times

Numerous homes also suffered significant damage.

The New York Times

This had destabilised the relationship and caused significant damage".

The Guardian

Another said there was "significant damage" to downtown.

The Guardian

"There was significant damage to the hull," she said.

The New York Times

The district also suffered significant damage on Tuesday.

The Guardian

At least one structure suffered significant damage from NATO bombs.

The New York Times

No significant damage has been identified so far.

The New York Times

The city suffered significant damage during World War II.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant damage", be specific about what was damaged and the extent of the damage. Providing context helps the reader understand the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "significant damage" if the harm is minor or superficial. Choose a more appropriate descriptor to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant damage" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "significant" modifies the noun "damage". It describes a situation where the extent of the damage is noteworthy. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that it's correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant damage" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a noteworthy level of harm or destruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as encyclopedic entries. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide context regarding what was damaged and the extent of the damage to ensure clarity. While "significant damage" is versatile, avoid using it for minor harm to maintain accuracy and credibility. Alternatives like "substantial harm" or "considerable destruction" may be more suitable depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial harm

Emphasizes the degree of injury or negative effect.

considerable destruction

Focuses on the extent of demolition or ruin.

extensive impairment

Highlights a reduction in function or ability.

serious devastation

Conveys a sense of widespread and severe ruin.

major wreckage

Describes the state of something severely damaged or destroyed.

appreciable loss

Indicates a noteworthy amount of something that is gone or diminished.

notable degradation

Focuses on a decline in quality or condition that is worth mentioning.

marked deterioration

Highlights a distinct worsening over time.

severe impairment

Emphasizes a critical reduction in ability or functionality.

profound impact

Indicates a deep or far-reaching effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant damage" to describe the aftermath of an event, for example: "The earthquake caused "significant damage" to infrastructure." Or: "The company suffered "significant damage" to its reputation."

What are some alternatives to "significant damage"?

Alternatives include "substantial harm", "considerable destruction", or "extensive impairment", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "significant damage" or "major damage"?

Both are acceptable, but ""significant damage"" often implies a noticeable and impactful level of harm, while "major damage" suggests more extensive or critical destruction. Choose the phrase that best reflects the scale of the damage.

Can "significant damage" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, ""significant damage"" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its meaning is clear and widely understood, making it a versatile phrase.