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 • 904 views

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

"was harmed"

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

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

"being harmed"

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

Examples:

The child is being harmed by the toxic environment.
The animals are being harmed by deforestation.
The company is being harmed by the negative publicity.
The patient is being harmed by the incorrect medication.
The environment is being harmed by the oil spill.

Show examples from the web [+]

The regulation is an essential part of the Commission's strategy to deter cross-border unfair practices and prevent consumers being harmed.
whereas network operators should construct their networks in a way that does not oblige manufacturers of terminal equipment to take disproportionate measures to prevent networks from being harmed;
whereas there has been a failure adequately to involve representation of all sectors in planning and implementing measures to address the problems of coastal zones and, as a result, the interests of some sectors are being harmed,
G. whereas there has been a failure adequately to involve representation of all sectors in planning and implementing measures to address the problems of coastal zones and, as a result, the interests of some sectors are being harmed,
However, it is appropriate that the competent authorities adopt provisional measures where a rapid intervention is required to avoid the safety and health of users being harmed.
the need for the competent authorities of the Member States to ensure the observance of the hygiene rules with the aim of preventing the final consumer from being harmed by foodstuffs unfit for human consumption,
For simply for stepping in where children are being harmed.
They should prevent her from being harmed.
They should prevent her from being harmed.
The chances of her being harmed are minimal.
The particular nature of the fishing industry in these regions justifies this aid being granted beyond 2009, without the marine environment being harmed in any way.
It is the process by which animals de-animate, appear dead and then can wake up again without being harmed.
Where such practices can be proved and European businesses are being harmed, effective measures must be taken at short notice to avoid distortion of the market.
Therefore it is not yet clear to me as to what Community interest in that segment of the sector is being harmed.
They were using those files as a threat to keep Montgomery's family from every being harmed.
But next time you think somebody's being harmed in the parking lot pick up the phone and call the police.
Raina claims that she can touch the Obelisk without being harmed. That's ridiculous.
You give me Derek Yates, and I give you the opportunity to walk out of here without being harmed.
If there is another incident of your son potentially being harmed or harming someone else, you will be held responsible.
Such 'circumstances', however, should be specifically limited to meteorological or safety problems, so as to prevent passengers' interests being harmed for purely economic or commercial reasons.

Alternatives:

is suffering harm
is experiencing harm
is enduring harm
is being injured
is being damaged

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was harmed vs being harmed

"was harmed"

"being harmed"

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