which can harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which can harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the potential to cause damage or negative effects. Example: "There are several chemicals in this product which can harm the environment if not disposed of properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

which can harm utility equipment and start fires.

The New York Times

Obese pregnancy is associated with significantly higher rates of infection, which can harm both mother and fetus.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

First, courts anxious to stop cybersquatting reduce or ignore the requirement for use in connection with goods and services, which can harm legitimate trademark uses like gripe sites.

Harvard University

Doctors said she could terminate her pregnancy to undergo aggressive treatment using the drug Herceptin, which can harm a foetus, but she declined, beginning a milder treatment instead.

The Guardian

For decades, few things have absorbed Ms. Bronzaft more than the perils of noise, which can harm a person's physical well-being even beyond potential hearing loss.

The New York Times

It may also contain other elements like boron, which can harm the drilling process, and the reservoirs may be deeper and more expensive to tap.

The New York Times

Each of the old monitors contains up to eight pounds of lead, which can harm the environment if not disposed of correctly.

The New York Times

Children and pregnant women are particularly sensitive to radioactive iodine, which can harm the thyroid, studies after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 have shown.

The New York Times

…extreme and uncontrolled elevation of body temperature (106 to 110 °F [41 to 43 °C], or even higher), which can harm the central nervous system.

Britannica

The practice was begun to protect the bay from dumped sediment, which can harm wildlife if it is contaminated or clouds the water.

Nature

Satellite data offer a particularly valuable perspective on PM2 small particles deriving mostly from burning fossil fuels and biomass, which can harm human health because ground instruments may be unavailable or offer limited information, as is the case in China.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which can harm", ensure the noun it modifies is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "chemicals, which can harm", specify "certain chemicals, which can harm the environment".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "which can harm" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "that hurts" or "that's bad for" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which can harm" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun and indicating its potential to cause damage or negative consequences. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from environmental impacts to health risks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which can harm" functions as a relative clause that indicates the potential for something to cause damage or negative consequences. As Ludwig examples show, it's frequently used across various contexts, from news and media to science and academia. The phrase is grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, and serves the purpose of warning or informing. Although generally neutral in register, it tends towards formal, so consider simpler alternatives in casual conversation. Remembering these tips will help you effectively communicate potential harm in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that may be detrimental

Replaces "can harm" with a more formal and cautious expression, emphasizing potential damage.

that could be damaging

Substitutes "can harm" with "could be damaging", highlighting the potential for causing damage.

that might be injurious

Employs "might be injurious" instead of "can harm", suggesting a possibility of injury or harm, using more formal language.

that may cause injury

Replaces "can harm" with "may cause injury", focusing on physical harm or damage.

that could have adverse effects

Changes "can harm" to "could have adverse effects", emphasizing the possibility of negative consequences.

that might negatively impact

Uses "might negatively impact" instead of "can harm", focusing on the potential for a negative effect or influence.

that may be prejudicial

Replaces "can harm" with "may be prejudicial", suggesting a possibility of causing prejudice or disadvantage.

that could be dangerous

Substitutes "can harm" with "could be dangerous", highlighting the potential for causing danger or risk.

that might pose a threat

Employs "might pose a threat" instead of "can harm", suggesting a possibility of causing a threat or danger.

that may have a detrimental effect

Changes "can harm" to "may have a detrimental effect", emphasizing the possibility of a negative and lasting impact.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "which can harm" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "that may be detrimental", "that could have adverse effects", or "that might negatively impact".

What's a simpler way to say "which can harm" in casual conversation?

In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "that hurts" or "that's bad for" instead of "which can harm".

Is there a difference between "which can harm" and "which may harm"?

The difference is subtle. "Which can harm" suggests a general capability, while "which may harm" implies a possibility or potential in a specific situation.

What alternatives to "which can harm" focus specifically on physical damage?

If you want to emphasize physical damage, consider using phrases like "that may cause injury" or "that could be damaging".