was harmed vs being harmed

Both "was harmed" and "being harmed" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Was harmed" is used to describe a past action where harm was done, while "being harmed" is used to describe an ongoing or continuous action of harm being done.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 760 views

was harmed

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe harm that was done in the past.

Use "was harmed" to describe a situation where harm was done to someone or something in the past.

Examples:

He was harmed in the accident.
The environment was harmed by pollution.
The animal was harmed by neglect.
She was harmed by his words.
The reputation of the company was harmed by the scandal.

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Fortunately, no one was harmed.
Several times in prison, then he was harmed here.
Because of him, many people died and the country was harmed.
US Attorney-General Eric Holder noted that through the diligent and coordinated efforts of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, it was possible to prevent this plot before anyone was harmed.
I will vote for this in the House, but future historians have to know that a people was harmed.
If that officer was harmed on this ship, we'll move heaven and earth to help you.
During that Extraordinary Council, the unity of the European Union was harmed, which is the very least that one can say.
Nevertheless, it is possible to re-focus the existing provisions on measures to re-establish the potential for agricultural and forestry production that was harmed within the existing financial envelopes.
One could point to the French, German or Italian performance by way of an example, for in fact not a hair on anyone's head was harmed as a result, nor did even a single euro have to be paid by way of a deposit.
For some he was a victim of a too much ambitious plan Other says that he was harmed from the absence of Don Ciccio
You think I'd ever hear the end of it if one little hair on everyone's favourite Succulette's head was harmed?
Fortunately, he wasn't harmed.
However, Susan wasn't harmed anyway.
Luckily, I wasn't harmed.
The existing budgetary framework had enough reserve, and interest of the EU-15 Member States was not harmed.
President Omar Hassan was not harmed in the attack, and has since been taken to a secure location.
From what I can see, the fetus was not harmed, but there's very little amniotic fluid left.
It was you that harmed me, Kitty.
No-one was seriously harmed by the attack: medical assistance was necessary only for the child and for two women in a state of shock.
She was not in control of her actions, had not a clue what his intentions were and was psychologically harmed.

Alternatives:

suffered harm
experienced harm
endured harm
was injured
was damaged

being harmed

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe an ongoing or continuous action of harm being done.

Use "being harmed" to describe a situation where harm is currently being done to someone or something.