"detrimental to" vs "detrimental for"

Question

"detrimental to" vs "detrimental for"

Both 'detrimental for' and 'detrimental to' are commonly used in English, but 'detrimental to' is more widely accepted and preferred. 'Detrimental to' is the more standard and idiomatic choice when discussing harm or damage caused by something.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

'Detrimental to' is the preferred phrase when talking about something causing harm, damage, or negative effects. It is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Examples:

The new policy was detrimental to the company's growth.
His behavior was detrimental to the team's morale.
The lack of exercise was detrimental to his health.
The delay was detrimental to the project's timeline.
The noise was detrimental to her concentration.

Alternatives:

detrimental for

While 'detrimental for' is less common, it can still be used when discussing negative effects or harm caused by something. It is not as widely accepted as 'detrimental to' but can be used in informal or creative writing.

Examples:

The new policy was detrimental for the company's growth.
His behavior was detrimental for the team's morale.
The lack of exercise was detrimental for his health.
The delay was detrimental for the project's timeline.
The noise was detrimental for her concentration.

Alternatives:

detrimental to

Answer 1

detrimental to

This phrase is the more standard and widely accepted choice when discussing harm or damage caused by something.

Answer 2

detrimental for

This phrase is less common and less idiomatic than 'detrimental to', but it can still be used in certain contexts.

"detrimental to" vs "detrimental for"

detrimental to

detrimental for

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