assess the damage
/əˈsɛs ðə ˈdæmɪdʒ/
Meaning
This phrase means to evaluate, estimate, or determine the extent, value, or impact of destruction, loss, or harm caused by an event. While it often refers to physical destruction (like after a storm or accident), it can also be used metaphorically for financial loss, relationship issues, or career setbacks. It has a serious, analytical, and objective tone.
Examples
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After the storm passed, the homeowners went outside to assess the damage.
After the storm passed, the homeowners went outside to assess the damage.
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The insurance adjuster arrived early this morning to assess the damage to the car.
The insurance adjuster arrived early this morning to assess the damage to the car.
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We need to hold an emergency meeting to assess the damage to our brand's reputation.
We need to hold an emergency meeting to assess the damage to our brand's reputation.
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It will take several days for the city council to fully assess the damage caused by the flood.
It will take several days for the city council to fully assess the damage caused by the flood.
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Before reacting angrily, take a moment to assess the damage to your relationship.
Before reacting angrily, take a moment to assess the damage to your relationship.
Common Mistakes
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✗ We need to access the damage.
✓ We need to assess the damage.
'Access' (to enter or obtain) and 'assess' (to evaluate) are homophones that sound very similar but have completely different meanings and spellings.
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✗ They arrived to assess about the damage.
✓ They arrived to assess the damage.
'Assess' is a transitive verb. It takes a direct object immediately without the preposition 'about'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The insurance company sent an agent to ___ after the car accident.
💡 evaluate the physical destruction and estimate repair costs
Show answer
assess the damage
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It is too early to ___ of the economic recession on small businesses.
💡 determine the negative impact or loss
Show answer
assess the damage