Face the consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Face the consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone must deal with the results of their actions or decisions, often implying that those results may be negative. Example: "If you choose to break the rules, you will have to face the consequences of your actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Face the consequences of abandoning your diet.

Huffington Post

Now face the consequences.

The New York Times

"I'll face the consequences".

The New York Times - Sports

Accept it or face the consequences.

The New York Times

"Otherwise I have to face the consequences".

The New York Times

You face the consequences when you speed".

The New York Times - Sports

"Children alive today will face the consequences.

The Guardian - Tech

Scientists must now face the consequences.

The New York Times

I'd have to face the consequences.

The Guardian - Sport

Will they confess and face the consequences?

The Guardian - Film

Britain needs to face the consequences of its past choices.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face the consequences" when you want to emphasize the inevitability of dealing with the results of one's actions, especially when those results are likely to be negative or challenging.

Common error

Avoid using "face the consequences" when merely describing an outcome. This phrase implies a conscious choice to confront the results, not just passively experiencing them. Ensure the context suggests an active acceptance or confrontation of the aftermath.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "face the consequences" is as a verb phrase. It typically serves as the predicate of a sentence, indicating an action that someone must undertake. Ludwig AI confirms its usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face the consequences" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to emphasize the need to accept responsibility for one's actions. Ludwig AI confirms that it's applicable across various contexts, notably in News & Media. While seemingly negative, the expression carries a neutral tone. Related phrases include "accept the repercussions" and "pay the price". A key writing tip is to use it when someone must actively confront the results, not just passively experience them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accept the repercussions

Replaces "consequences" with "repercussions", emphasizing the after-effects or results of an action.

Suffer the effects

Stresses the experience of enduring the negative results of something.

Pay the price

Implies that there is a cost or penalty associated with the consequences.

Be held accountable

Focuses on being responsible and answering for one's actions and the resulting consequences.

Take responsibility

Emphasizes the act of acknowledging and accepting accountability for the consequences.

Live with the fallout

Focuses on the disruptive or damaging consequences that follow an event or action.

Reap what you sow

An idiomatic expression suggesting that one will experience the natural consequences of their actions.

Endure the outcome

Highlights the act of persevering through a difficult or undesirable result.

Answer for your actions

Highlights the need to explain or justify one's behavior and its results.

Bear the burden

Focuses on enduring the negative or difficult aspects of the consequences.

FAQs

What does "face the consequences" mean?

To "face the consequences" means to accept and deal with the results of one's actions, often implying that those results are negative or challenging.

How can I use "face the consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "face the consequences" to indicate that someone must accept the results of their actions. For example: "If you break the law, you must "face the consequences"."

What can I say instead of "face the consequences"?

You can use alternatives like "accept the repercussions", "pay the price", or "take responsibility" depending on the context.

Is "facing the consequences" grammatically correct?

Yes, "facing the consequences" is grammatically correct. It is the present participle form of the verb phrase "face the consequences", often used in continuous tenses or as a gerund.