to inflict harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to inflict harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing actions that cause injury or damage to someone or something. Example: "The new policy was criticized for its potential to inflict harm on vulnerable communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With this treaty, Pogge argues, developed countries have made themselves guilty of imposing a harmful regime on others, thus violating the negative duty not to inflict harm.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Outside the cage, Rousey is genial but unapologetic about her capacity to inflict harm.

The New Yorker

Some of their spells are intended to inflict harm, or death.

The New York Times

"His job is to protect and serve, not to inflict harm and hurt," he said.

The Guardian

And I have no doubt in my mind that he would like to have inflicted harm or paid people to inflict harm or trained people to inflict harm on America because he hated us.

The New York Times

He cherished everything in nature and took great care not to inflict harm on any living thing.

The New York Times

Conservatives are more willing to inflict harm on adversaries and more readily see conflicts in zero-sum terms -- the basic framework of the contemporary debate.

The New York Times

It cannot be this easy for somebody who wants to inflict harm on other people to get his or her hands on a gun.

The New Yorker

"It cannot be this easy for someone who wants to inflict harm on other people to get his or her hands on a gun," he said.

Independent

But Mr. bin Laden's aim in turning away from the dollar appears to be to inflict harm on the American economy.

The New York Times

The bombings, which tend to inflict harm over a wide area, also helped account for a 60 percent rise in injuries, to 7,334.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like policies or laws, use "to inflict harm" to highlight their potential negative consequences. For example: "The new policy was criticized for its potential to inflict harm on vulnerable communities."

Common error

Avoid using "to inflict harm" solely in the context of physical violence. Remember that harm can also be emotional, psychological, or financial. Expand your understanding to encompass the broader range of potential damages.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to inflict harm" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, typically serving as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of causing damage or injury, whether physical, emotional, or abstract. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science & Research

2%

The New York Times - Books

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to inflict harm" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the act of causing damage or injury. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, from formal discussions to news reports. While often associated with physical violence, it is important to remember that harm can also be emotional, psychological, or financial. As demonstrated by Ludwig examples the phrase appears most frequently in the categories News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, consider the scope of the harm being discussed and choose synonyms carefully to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to cause injury

Focuses on the physical damage caused.

to cause suffering

Emphasizes the pain and distress caused to the victim.

to do damage

Emphasizes the negative impact or destruction.

to victimize

Highlights the act of making someone a victim.

to perpetrate violence

Highlights the act of aggression and force.

to maltreat

Focuses on the mistreatment and abuse of someone.

to commit an atrocity

Implies an act of extreme cruelty and wickedness.

to oppress

Suggests the exercise of unjust authority or power.

to wreak havoc

Suggests widespread disorder and devastation.

to do wrong

A general term for acting immorally or unjustly.

FAQs

How to use "to inflict harm" in a sentence?

You can use "to inflict harm" to describe actions that cause damage or injury, either physical or emotional. For example, "The dictator used propaganda to inflict harm on the population's morale".

What can I say instead of "to inflict harm"?

You can use alternatives like "to cause injury", "to do damage", or "to cause suffering" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to inflict harm" or "to cause harm"?

Both "to inflict harm" and "to cause harm" are correct. "To inflict" suggests a deliberate act, while "to cause" is more general.

What's the difference between "to inflict harm" and "to cause pain"?

"To inflict harm" is broader and can include physical, emotional, or financial damage. "To cause pain" specifically refers to physical or emotional suffering.