student asking question

I suppose that the word "harm" and "damage" has quite similar meanings. Then, can I say "damage" for humans as well?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

The words are similar in meaning but are used differently. "Damage" does not really work for humans. We use "damage" when discussing items or goods. "Harm" is used for living beings like humans or animals. "Harm" means to be physically injured, especially by somebody else. "Damage" means loss or harm resulting from injury to person, property, or reputation. Ex: The storm caused significant damage to the house. Ex: No animals were harmed in the making of this video. Ex: The car was damaged in the accident. Ex: He tried harming her.

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