significant harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe a level of damage or injury that is considerable or serious. Example: "The new policy could lead to significant harm to the environment if not properly regulated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

§ 51.151 Significant harm levels.

Cornell University

And they could potentially do significant harm".

The New York Times

Already it has done significant harm.

Princeton University

But there is evidence of significant harm.

Harvard Business Review

Feds not attending causes significant harm to this process.

The Washington Post

Some argue that furloughed employees are not suffering significant harm.

The Washington Post

The Protest Camp does not have planning permission and causes significant harm to the area".

The Guardian

Also, Miller said that research showed no significant harm to the Miller Lite image.

The New York Times

Senior sources said the devices used were "viable" and could have caused significant harm.

The Guardian

The defendant's illegal conduct caused significant harm to the victim movie studio.

The Guardian - Film

Outside that zone, there is little chance of significant harm, they say.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant harm", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes harm. This adds clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "significant harm" for minor inconveniences or negligible effects. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant harm" functions as a noun phrase modifier, specifying the degree or extent of harm. It typically modifies a noun, such as 'damage', 'injury', or 'impact', to emphasize that the harm is considerable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

21%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant harm" is a versatile and widely used expression to denote considerable damage or injury. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse sources, including news, academic research, and scientific publications. When using "significant harm", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes harm to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "substantial damage" and "serious injury" exist, "significant harm" offers a broader scope encompassing both physical and non-physical consequences. Avoid overusing the phrase for minor inconveniences to maintain its impact and credibility. Its widespread usage underscores its importance in effectively communicating the severity of negative impacts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial damage

Focuses specifically on physical or material damage, whereas "significant harm" can encompass a broader range of negative consequences.

considerable damage

Similar to substantial damage, emphasizing the extent of physical or material damage.

serious injury

Emphasizes physical harm to a person, whereas "significant harm" can also refer to non-physical damage.

severe detriment

Focuses on the negative impact or disadvantage caused, which may not always be physical.

major impairment

Highlights the reduction in function or ability, which may result from harm.

profound impact

Emphasizes the depth and breadth of the effect, whether positive or negative.

grave consequences

Highlights the serious repercussions or outcomes resulting from an action or event.

marked deterioration

Focuses on the decline or worsening of a condition or situation.

notable adverse effect

Highlights a negative consequence that is worth paying attention.

substantial adverse effect

Highlights a negative consequence of significant amount or degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant harm" to describe considerable damage or injury, as in, "The defendant's actions caused "significant harm" to the company's reputation."

What are some alternatives to saying "significant harm"?

Alternatives include "substantial damage", "serious injury", or "severe detriment", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "significant harm" in formal writing?

Yes, "significant harm" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in legal, academic, and professional contexts where precise language is essential.

What kind of events might lead to "significant harm"?

"Significant harm" can result from various events, including negligence, intentional misconduct, or policy decisions that have considerable negative consequences.