sustained damage

USAGE SUMMARY

"sustained damage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to lasting or permanent damage that was done to something. Example sentence: The storm caused sustained damage to the city's infrastructure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BAD: it sustained damage.

The Guardian

A veterinary clinic and a mosque also sustained damage.

The New York Times

Stewart's No. 20 Chevrolet sustained damage on the right front and he dropped back to 28th.

The New York Times - Sports

Thabet said 26 Gaza schools were destroyed during the war, and another 232 sustained damage.

The Guardian

Many of the most seriously wounded had sustained damage to their lower limbs, he said.

The Guardian

Nepal has one international airport for the entire country, which has itself sustained damage.

The Guardian - Opinion

At least five people needed medical attention, and about 19 businesses sustained damage.

The New York Times

The city sustained damage during World War II, but most of its monuments have been restored.

Britannica

Palu's airport also sustained damage to its control tower and runway.

The Guardian

The enduring symbol of freedom remained intact, but the islands' infrastructure sustained damage.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the extent of damage, use specific adjectives before "sustained damage" such as "severe", "minor", or "irreparable" to provide a clearer picture of the situation.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "sustained damage", which means to have received damage, with "caused damage", which means to have inflicted it. For example, a building "sustained damage" in a fire, while the fire "caused damage" to the building.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained damage" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of something receiving or experiencing harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe damage to buildings, vehicles, and even ecosystems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustained damage" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of receiving harm or impairment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English. The phrase is frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias, and general writing and it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When using "sustained damage", remember to specify the extent and source of the damage for clarity. Avoid confusing it with "caused damage", which describes inflicting damage rather than receiving it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incurred damage

Focuses on the act of acquiring or experiencing damage, differing slightly from the ongoing state implied by "sustained damage".

suffered damage

Highlights the negative experience of undergoing damage, adding an element of adversity absent in "sustained damage".

experienced damage

Emphasizes the encounter or undergoing of damage, focusing less on the lasting impact compared to "sustained damage".

received damage

Similar to "incurred damage", it emphasizes the act of being given damage, rather than the damage itself.

took damage

Suggests an active acceptance or absorption of damage, adding a sense of agency not present in "sustained damage".

endured damage

Highlights the act of withstanding damage over time, emphasizing resilience more than the state of being damaged.

underwent damage

Focuses on the process of being subjected to damage, emphasizing the transformation or alteration resulting from the event.

was damaged

A passive construction that describes the state of being affected by damage.

bore the brunt of damage

Indicates the experience of receiving the worst part of the damage, highlighting the severity of the impact.

was impaired

Focuses on the reduced functionality or effectiveness as a result of damage, shifting the emphasis from the damage itself to its consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "sustained damage" to describe something that has received harm or impairment. For example, "The car "sustained damage" in the accident" or "The crops "sustained damage" due to the drought".

What's the difference between "sustained damage" and "caused damage"?

"Sustained damage" refers to receiving damage, while "caused damage" refers to inflicting damage. A building "sustained damage", but the storm "caused damage".

What are some synonyms for "sustained damage"?

Alternatives include "incurred damage", "suffered damage", or "experienced damage", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "sustained damages" instead of "sustained damage"?

While "sustained damage" refers to physical harm or impairment, "sustained damages" typically refers to monetary compensation awarded in a legal context. Therefore, "sustained damage" is generally preferred when discussing physical harm.