NewsBlues mrsbgrammar Page 71
Chapter 2 Word Choice
61
damage/damages
Mrs. B wants to be sure you're using the nouns "damage" and
"damages" correctly.
A letter from an investigative reporter in Houston inspired today's
lesson:
"I hear it in every size market and sometimes on the network.
Could you please remind people that `damageS' is a legal term
and `damage' is when something is broken? I hate hearing those
terms mixed up, but it happens so much."
Stephen Dean
KPRC-TV
"Damage" can be when something is broken or destroyed.
v
Insurance inspectors estimate DAMAGE from the storm will
total close to a million dollars.
"Damage" also can be loss or injury to a person.
v
The DAMAGE to the young boy's mental capabilities is
extensive.
"Damages," on the other hand, are awarded by a court as monetary
compensation for such a loss or injury.
v
The parents got 75-thousand dollars in DAMAGES.
Mrs. B hopes you do nothing today to cause DAMAGE to yourself
or your property or to anyone else or his or her property.
She doesn't want you to be stuck with paying FOR DAMAGE or
having to PAY DAMAGES.
