Damage vs Damages

Transcript:

Hello! Today we look at damage vs damages.

These are two totally different concepts and, first of all, you need to know that damages is not the plural of damage.

Secondly, damage (danno/danni) is used mainly in General English to mean destruction or harm or loss in value of something.

Thirdly, damage is uncountable. We cannot say “one damage, two damages, three damages”. This means that we say “much damage”, or “damage is”, or “damage was”.

So, for example, we can say:
– There was a lot of damage (molti danni) to the structure.
– The damage (i danni) that the hail (grandine) caused is severe.

Moving on the damages, we need to note first of all that damages is a plural word, with no singular form, and takes the plural verb.

Secondly, damages is used in Legal English and not in General English to mean the money compensation for loss or injury caused by the wrongful act of another. Or, more simply, damages (il risarcimento del danno) refers to the money that we have to pay to someone for doing something wrong.

This means that when we cause damage (danni) to someone, we have to pay damages (il risarcimento del danno).

So, for example, we can say:
– Damages were awarded by the court to the claimant (attore).
– Damages are to be paid to the company for the harm caused to its reputation.

Thank you very much and see you next time for more Peter’s Pills to improve your Legal English!

See what types of damages can be awarded by a court in a common law country here: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/masterybusinesslaw/chapter/legal-remediesdamages/

Legal English – Sommario delle Lezioni

• Legal English: Peter’s Pills – Lesson 7
• Legal English: Peter’s Pills – Lesson 6
• Legal English: Peter’s Pills – Lesson 5
• Legal English: Peter’s Pills – Lesson 4
• Legal English: Peter’s Pills – Lesson 3
• Legal English: Peter’s Pills – Lesson 2
• Legal English: Peter’s Pills – Lesson 1

Sign legibly

Transcript:

Hello!

There are many ways for Italians to confuse English speaking people if they want to. For example, tell me that Giovanni didn’t come to your meeting last night and that he “threw a package at you” (ti ha tirato il pacco). I’ll be very concerned about your health, but probably not so concerned about the fact that Giovanni didn’t come to the meeting. Or, continue by saying that it was a good thing that Giovanni didn’t come to your meeting because there were only “two cats” (due gatti) at your meeting. Now I’d be (sarei) very, very worried about the types of meetings that you’re having in your office. Continua a leggere →