Understanding Harm in English: A Complete Guide for Language Learners

Harm in English is commonly known to mean "to hurt someone or damage something". However, in today's article, we will delve into the usage, collocations, idioms of harm in English and answer the question "Which preposition does Harm in English go with?" as well as the differences between Harm, Injure, and Damage.

I. What is Harm in English?

Before we find out the answer of the question "Which preposition does Harm in English go with?", we should explore the definition, collocations, idioms, and synonyms of Harm in English below!

1. Definition

What does harm mean in English? Harm in English is pronounced /hɑːrm/ and functions as both a noun and a verb.

• Harm in English acts as a verb, meaning: to hurt someone or damage something. For example: Thankfully no one was harmed in the accident.

• Harm in English acts as a noun, meaning: physical or other injury or damage. For example: A mistake like that will do harm to his credibility significantly. 

2. Collocations with Harm in English

Refer to more collocations with Harm in English on the Cambridge Dictionary here!

3. Idioms with Harm in English

4. Synonym of Harm in English

II. Which preposition does Harm in English go with? Usage and structure of Harm in English

Now we should explore the prepositions used with Harm in English, the usage and structure of Harm in English in the table below!

Note:

• In English, people often use "Be bad for" instead of "Harm". For example: Chemicals are bad for the environment.

• In English, "Give harm" or "Make harm" are NOT USED, but "Do harm to/Cause/Pose harm" is used.

  • Missing a meal once in a while won’t make you any harm. (❌)

  • Missing a meal once in a while won’t do you any harm. (✅)

➞ From the above structure of Harm in English, we can easily see that Harm goes with the prepositions: by, to, in.

III. Differentiating Harm, Injure, and Damage

Please join PREP to learn how to differentiate harm in English from similar words and use them correctly below!

IV. FAQs: Quick Answers About 'Harm'

1. Is 'harm' formal or informal?

"Harm in English" maintains neutrality regarding formality, making it appropriate for both casual conversations and professional communications. You can use it confidently in academic papers, business emails, casual chats, and news reports without worrying about register appropriateness.

2. Can I say "cause harm to someone"?

Absolutely. "Cause harm in English to someone" represents a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It clearly establishes the relationship between an action and its negative consequences, making it valuable for explaining cause-and-effect relationships.

3. What words are the opposite of "harm"?

Several words convey opposite meanings to harm in English: benefit, help, protect, safeguard, assist, and heal. These antonyms help you express positive actions and outcomes when discussing solutions, preventive measures, or helpful interventions.

4. How would you group harm, hurt, injure, and damage?

These words all describe negative outcomes but apply to different situations. Think of them as a spectrum: "hurt" for immediate pain, "injure" for physical body damage, "damage" for objects and property, and "harm in English" as the broadest term covering all types of negative consequences.

5. Is harm or hurt worse?

The severity depends on context rather than the words themselves. "Hurt" often involves more immediate, intense pain but may be temporary. "Harm in English" might seem less dramatic initially but often indicates longer-lasting or more serious consequences. Consider both immediate impact and long-term effects when choosing between them.

V. Exercises on Harm in English

We should practice the exercises below to understand more about the prepositions used with Harm in English.

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Find and correct mistakes in the sentences below

1. The cat was harm to the dog during their fight.

2. Pollution makes a serious harm to the environment.

3. The children were harmed by the car accident last night.

4. The crops were harmed in the severe drought in the region.

5. Lack of sleep can give harm to your overall health.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

1. Smoking can ______ your health over time if you don't quit.

   1. Harm

   2. Injure

   3. Damage

2. John ______ his ankle while playing soccer and had to sit out the rest of the game.

   1. Harmed

   2. Injured

   3. Damaged

3. The storm ______ several houses in the neighborhood, causing extensive property loss.

   1. Harmed

   2. Injured

   3. Damaged

4. Excessive exposure to sunlight can ______ your skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.

   1. Harm

   2. Injure

   3. Damage

5. Annie slipped on the wet floor and ______ her wrist, requiring a visit to the emergency room.

   1. Harmed

   2. Injured

   3. Damaged

2. Answer

PREP hopes that after reading this article, you will have a good grasp of the prepositions used with Harm in English. Follow PREP for more valuable knowledge about harm in English and other essential English concepts! Good luck with mastering English!