suffer damage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suffer damage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been physically or emotionally harmed due to an external event. For example: "The storm caused severe damage to the town, and many buildings suffered irreparable damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If expansion occurs, Virginia Tech will suffer damage in many millions of dollars".

The New York Times - Sports

Abundant Life was not the only church here to suffer damage.

The New York Times

In that time even the most solidly constructed buildings may begin to suffer damage.

Britannica

As a result, boats are likelier than ever to suffer damage.

The Economist

A tunnel passing through a displaced fault zone will definitely suffer damage.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

Many dry herbaceous ecosystems suffer damage and are characterized by low resilience after disturbance.

Acta Oecologica

However, geotextiles often suffer damage during installation due to high dynamic bulk loading of rock placement.

Geotextiles and Geomembranes

TTRs may suffer damage due to excessive stress or significant fatigue because of parametric resonance.

Ocean Engineering

Current material models commonly assume concrete does not suffer damage under hydrostatic pressure.

Construction and Building Materials

June-bearing strawberries may escape injury, but late summer fruit or day-neutral varieties may suffer damage.

Cornell University

He remarked that all those involved in a coalition usually suffer damage when there is an "acrimonious break-up".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the extent of damage, use specific and quantifiable terms (e.g., "suffer minor damage", "suffer extensive damage").

Common error

Avoid using "suffer damage" to describe emotional distress unless it's a deliberate metaphor. Opt for more precise terms like "experience trauma" or "undergo hardship" for emotional suffering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffer damage" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject experiences harm or negative consequences. It describes the state of being negatively affected by an external force or event. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suffer damage" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase to describe the experience of harm, loss, or negative impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's most frequently encountered in "News & Media" and "Science", and "Academia", indicating its suitability for both formal and neutral contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is clearly identified as the recipient of the damage, and consider using specific and quantifiable terms to describe the extent of the damage. While it's a valid expression, avoid overuse in emotional contexts where more precise language might be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incur damage

Focuses on the act of bringing damage upon oneself or something else.

be harmed

A more general term indicating that something has been negatively affected.

sustain injuries

Implies physical harm specifically to living beings.

endure harm

Highlights the act of bearing or tolerating damage.

experience loss

Emphasizes the negative outcome or deprivation resulting from damage.

be impaired

Focuses on the reduction in function or ability due to damage.

feel the effects

Focuses on experiencing the consequences of a damaging event.

undergo deterioration

Refers to a process of decline or decay.

take a hit

An idiomatic expression suggesting a negative impact or setback.

bear the brunt

Implies being the primary recipient of the damage.

FAQs

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

Use "suffer damage" to describe a state where something or someone has been harmed physically, emotionally, or structurally. For example, "The building "suffered damage" during the earthquake".

What is a synonym for "suffer damage"?

Alternatives to "suffer damage" include "incur damage", "sustain injuries", or "experience loss", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "undergo damage" instead of "suffer damage"?

While "undergo damage" is grammatically correct, it's less common and can sound awkward. "Suffer damage" is generally a more natural and widely accepted phrasing. Consider using alternatives such as "sustain damage" too.

What's the difference between "suffer damage" and "cause damage"?

"Suffer damage" indicates that something or someone is the recipient of harm, while "cause damage" means that something or someone is the source of the harm. The first indicates to be the victim and the latter implies being the source of harm, for example: "The storm "caused damage", and the building "suffered damage"".