The word "detrimental"

 The word "detrimental" means causing harm or damage; harmful. It's often used to describe something that has a negative effect on a situation, person, or thing.

Here's how to use "detrimental" in sentences, along with explanations:

Common Usage:

• Smoking is highly detrimental to your health. (This is a very common and direct use, showing a clear negative impact.)
• Lack of sleep can be detrimental to academic performance. (Shows how something negative affects an outcome.)
• The company's new policy proved detrimental to employee morale. (Highlights a negative effect on a group's feelings or state.)
• His reckless behavior was detrimental to the team's success. (Points to an individual's actions having a negative impact on a collective goal.)

With Prepositions:

• Detrimental to: This is by far the most common preposition used with "detrimental."
  • "Excessive screen time can be detrimental to a child's development."
  • "The recent scandal was detrimental to the politician's reputation."

In Formal Contexts:

• The judge ruled that the evidence was detrimental to the defense's case. (Used in a legal context to describe unfavorable evidence.)
• Economists warned that the trade war would be detrimental to global commerce. (Used in an economic or geopolitical context.)
• Such practices could have a detrimental effect on the environment. (Highlights a negative impact on the natural world.)

As Part of a Clause/Phrase:

• They identified several factors that could be detrimental to the project's completion. (Describes factors that pose a risk.)
• He avoided anything that he thought would be detrimental to his career. (Describes a proactive avoidance of harmful things.)

Things to remember about "detrimental":

• It's an adjective.
• It almost always implies a negative or harmful effect.
• It's a more formal word than "bad" or "harmful," often used in writing or more serious discussions.
• The phrase "detrimental effect" or "detrimental impact" is very common.

The word "census"

 The word "census" refers to an official count or survey, especially of a population. It's often used in the context of governments gathering demographic data.

Here are several ways to use "census" in sentences, covering different contexts:

Basic Usage:

• The government conducts a national census every ten years. (Most common usage, referring to a population count)
• According to the latest census, the city's population has increased significantly.
• The census data provides valuable insights into demographic changes.
• Participating in the census is important for accurate representation.

Referring to the Act of Conducting a Census:

• They are currently conducting a census of all the trees in the park. (Broader application, not just people)
• The annual census of wildlife helps us monitor endangered species.
• The school plans to take a census of all enrolled students next week.

Referring to the Results/Data:

• The census revealed a surprising shift in voting patterns.
• Urban planners rely heavily on census statistics.
• The census showed a higher percentage of elderly residents than expected.

In Phrases:

• Census bureau: The government agency responsible for conducting the census.
  • "The Census Bureau announced the new population figures today."
• Census data/statistics: The information collected during a census.
  • "Researchers often analyze census data to understand social trends."
• Census taker/enumerator: A person who collects information for the census.
  • "A census taker knocked on our door to ask a few questions."
• Demographic census: Specifically refers to a population census.
  • "The results of the recent demographic census will influence public policy."

More Specific/Figurative Use (less common, but possible):

• Before the party, she did a quick census of the snacks to see if they had enough. (Informal, meaning a quick count)

Key things to remember:

• "Census" is typically a singular noun.
• It's often preceded by an article (a, the) or a possessive (my, their).
• It usually implies an official or systematic count, rather than just a casual tally.