any damage vs. any damages

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

bit.ly/dwqYWA
When you move out, the landlord should conduct a similar walk-through, called a move-out inspection to see if [color=red]there are any damages to the apartment that you will be charged for.

Isn’t “there is any damage” correct?

oxfordadvancedlearnersdictio … ary/damage
damage
[[color=green]uncountable] damage (to something)
physical harm caused to something which makes it less attractive, useful or valuable

2

Hi Tofu,

The word ‘damage’ is also used with a plural form – quite often, in fact.

In this case, the use of ‘damages’ conveys the idea that there will be a formal list compiled of individual things that have been damaged that the renters are legally/contractually responsible for. It is also typical to use ‘damages’ in a legal sort of sense:
dictionary.cambridge.org/diction … amage_2__3
[color=darkblue]_______________________________________________
[size=75]“A thick head can do as much damage as a hard heart.” ~ Harold W. Dodds[/size]

3

Thank you, EE.

Do you mean that [color=red]there are any damages is fine as it is, and that “there is any damage” is wrong?

4

No, the uncountable version would still work here, too.

5

Is either good?

6

Yes, Tofu. In general, the countable version is heard in legal references. It is an everyday word, probably because lawsuits are a part of everyday life and the media.

7

Thank you, Mordant.

  • damages to property
  • These chemicals have been found to cause serious environmental damages.
  • The earthquake caused extensive structural damages.
  • His eyesight suffered irreparable damages.
  • The ship sustained only minor damages.
  • The insurance covers accidental damages to the vehicle.
  • There may be permanent brain damages.
  • the need to reduce flood damages

Are these all acceptable?

8

The only uses that strike me as awkward are the eyesight and brain uses.

9

Thank you, Mordant.

10

‘‘When you move out, the landlord should conduct a similar walk-through, called a move-out inspection to see if there are any damages to the apartment that you will be charged for.’’

Is it just me, or does this actually sound as if the renter will be charged for the (whole) apartment ? I mean, this is what the phrase should read in order to be accurate, in my opinion:

When you move out, the landlord should conduct a similar walk-through, called a move-out inspection to see if there are any damages to the apartment, damages that you will be charged for.

:slight_smile:

11

Christina, both are possible interpretations, but as Mister Micawber pointed out recently, language contains much ambiguity. :slight_smile: I don’t think there is a strong risk of misinterpretation here. Generally, you’ve already been charged in full for the apartment by the time of your departure.

12

Thank you, Mordant.
I don’t think there is a high risk of misinterpretation either. I believe my observation is justified, though.
There are some members who often enough pick on just a comma or a hyphen, so…

Sorry for the extra work.

:slight_smile:

13

No problem. :slight_smile: It is a very valid observation. Now that you mention it, the thing that bothers me about that sentence is the comma before “called.” :slight_smile: