sustain damage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustain damage" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used when referring to physical entities that have been damaged or broken, such as objects, buildings, or vehicles. For example: "The car sustained considerable damage after the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Nearly all helicopters sustain damage.

The New York Times

Buildings can sustain damage that can be worsened by aftershocks.

The New York Times

But silicon-based, solid-state components could sustain damage without transformers to convert AC to DC.

The New York Times - Tech

The Avalanche has said Moore did not sustain damage to his spinal cord.

The New York Times - Sports

They can spring a leak, or sustain damage in an earthquake.

The New York Times

Most RC buildings sustain damage, in a few damage of grade 1 and flooding is observed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

BAD: it sustained damage.

The Guardian

A veterinary clinic and a mosque also sustained damage.

The New York Times

At least two other buildings sustained damage, the Buildings Department said.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama may be sustaining damage in subtler ways.

The New York Times

There are claims of homes sustaining damage and businesses suffering financial loss.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of natural disasters or accidents, use "sustain damage" to clearly indicate the extent of harm to structures or objects.

Common error

While "sustain damage" is appropriate for describing tangible harm, avoid using it in contexts where the impact is emotional or abstract. Opt for more nuanced vocabulary to convey non-physical harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustain damage" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "sustain" acts as a transitive verb and "damage" as the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sustain damage" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe the act of something undergoing harm or impairment, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news reports detailing the aftermath of natural disasters to scientific papers analyzing structural integrity. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, ensuring clarity and precision when describing the impact of damage on physical entities. While alternatives like "endure harm" or "suffer injury" exist, "sustain damage" maintains its position as a straightforward and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endure harm

Emphasizes the experience of suffering harm, similar to sustaining damage but with a focus on the impact.

suffer injury

Highlights the physical harm or wound received, comparable to sustaining damage but more specific to living beings.

experience impairment

Focuses on the reduction in function or ability due to damage, broadening the context beyond physical harm.

bear the brunt

Indicates receiving the main force of something harmful, aligning with sustaining damage in a more figurative sense.

take a beating

Implies severe damage or wear, often used informally, conveying a greater degree of impact than simply sustaining damage.

receive a blow

Suggests a sudden and impactful event causing damage, similar to sustaining damage from a specific incident.

be affected

A broader term indicating any kind of impact, which can include sustaining damage but also encompasses other forms of influence.

undergo deterioration

Focuses on the process of decline or decay, which can result in the need to sustain damage from wear and tear.

suffer degradation

Emphasizes a decline in quality or condition, akin to sustaining damage in terms of reduced integrity.

encounter wreckage

Highlights the result of severe damage, shifting the focus from the act of sustaining damage to the state of being damaged.

FAQs

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

You can use "sustain damage" to describe harm to physical objects. For example: "The building "sustained damage" during the earthquake" or "The vehicle "sustained damage" in the collision".

What are some alternatives to "sustain damage"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "endure harm", "suffer injury", or "experience impairment".

Is there a difference between "sustain damage" and "receive damage"?

"Sustain damage" implies enduring or withstanding harm, while "receive damage" simply means to be affected by it. "Sustain damage" often suggests a more lasting impact.

Which is correct, "sustain damage" or "sustained damages"?

"Sustain damage" is generally used for physical harm to objects. "Sustained damages" refers to financial losses or legal compensation.