substantially damaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially damaged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or property that has suffered significant harm or destruction. Example: "The storm left the building substantially damaged, requiring extensive repairs before it could be reopened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The apartment was destroyed in the fire, and the one above it was substantially damaged, the Fire Department said.

The New York Times

The houses would not be rebuilt if substantially damaged by weather, said Linda Canzanelli, superintendent of Biscayne National Park.

The New York Times

The largest increases in pressure occurred in Asian NWHS, many of which were substantially damaged such as ManasWildlifeSanctuary.

Biological Conservation

"These actions have substantially damaged Russia's standing in the world, and these actions jeopardize relations with the United States and Europe".

The New York Times

According to the WHO, local production of medicines has collapsed by up to 70% since many pharmaceutical plants have been substantially damaged.

The Guardian

Getting Help After a Disaster NEW YORK CITY'S Department of Housing Preservation and Development helps meet the needs of tenants displaced from substantially damaged buildings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It is clear that H.R. 9 needs substantial work to prevent it from substantially damaging the innovation ecosystem," the group said in a statement.

Forbes

Damming a river can substantially damage the surrounding ecosystem by changing the physical, chemical, and biological state of the river.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The removal of a President, thanks to such a neglective judgment, could substantially damage our democratic system.

The New York Times

Even if the Chinese government did not try to prevent a takeover by Microsoft, a prolonged review could substantially damage the value of the business, a number of Internet industry executives said.

The New York Times

A downgrade of a credit rating does not necessarily substantially damage the ability to borrow.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing damage to property, use "substantially damaged" to indicate that repairs will cost at least 50% of the property's pre-damage value, as defined in some contexts, such as flood insurance regulations.

Common error

Avoid using "substantially damaged" when referring to minor or superficial damage. The phrase implies significant impairment that affects the overall usability or value of the object or property.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially damaged" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes the extent or degree of damage inflicted upon something. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantially damaged" is a common phrase used to describe something that has sustained significant harm or destruction. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. The phrase sees frequent use in news reports, scientific articles, and general discussions. To ensure accurate and impactful writing, remember that "substantially damaged" signifies a considerable degree of impairment, making it unsuitable for minor or superficial harm. Consider using alternative phrases like "severely harmed" or "extensively impaired" for varying levels of damage, and always adhere to any legal definitions relevant to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severely harmed

Focuses on the intensity of the harm inflicted, suggesting a high degree of damage.

extensively impaired

Highlights the impact on functionality or ability to operate effectively.

seriously compromised

Emphasizes the weakening or undermining of a structure or system.

badly affected

A more general term indicating a negative impact without specifying the exact extent of the damage.

significantly weakened

Implies a reduction in strength or resilience as a result of the damage.

considerably impaired

Indicates a notable decline in condition or effectiveness.

majorly impacted

Focuses on the scale of influence rather than the specific type of damage.

critically wounded

Emphasizes the life-threatening aspect of damage.

heavily impacted

Focuses on the weight of influence and affect the structure or element suffered.

extremely deteriorated

Highlights the decay or decline in quality due to the damage.

FAQs

How is "substantially damaged" defined in the context of flood insurance?

In the context of flood insurance, "substantially damaged" often refers to a building where the cost to repair the damage would equal or exceed 50% of the building's market value before the damage occurred. This threshold triggers specific requirements for bringing the building into compliance with current flood management regulations.

What are some alternatives to saying "substantially damaged"?

You can use alternatives like "severely harmed", "extensively impaired", or "seriously compromised" depending on the specific context and the degree of damage.

Is there a legal definition of "substantially damaged"?

Yes, the term "substantially damaged" is often legally defined, particularly in the context of building codes, disaster relief, and insurance policies. The precise definition can vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific regulations, so it's important to consult the relevant legal documents for clarification.

What are the implications if my home is considered "substantially damaged" after a disaster?

If your home is deemed "substantially damaged", you may be required to elevate it to meet current flood safety standards, or you might be eligible for a buyout program where you receive the pre-storm market value of your house. Government loan programs and grants may also be available to help with the costs.