Suffer the consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Suffer the consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone will face negative outcomes as a result of their actions or decisions. Example: "If you continue to ignore the rules, you will suffer the consequences of your actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now we suffer the consequences".

The New York Times - Sports

Financially, they suffer the consequences.

The New York Times - Health

Sometimes you have to suffer the consequences.

The New York Times

Pay the man or suffer the consequences.

The New York Times - Sports

If you stop you suffer the consequences".

Independent

"Strike a pose or suffer the consequences".

The New York Times

I would suffer the consequences!

The New York Times - Magazine

We all suffer the consequences.

The Guardian - Opinion

They suffer the consequences of their mistakes.

The New York Times

"They will suffer the consequences of untreated obesity".

The New York Times

But too often, police say, the neighbors suffer the consequences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suffer the consequences" to clearly indicate that negative outcomes are a direct result of specific actions or decisions. This provides clarity and emphasizes accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "suffer the consequences" when the negative outcome is not a direct and logical result of the action in question. Ensure the connection is clear and justifiable to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffer the consequences" functions as a verb phrase indicating that an individual or entity will experience negative outcomes as a direct result of their actions. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various sources demonstrating its usage in expressing accountability and inevitability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suffer the consequences" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone will experience negative outcomes due to their actions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used in News & Media, Formal & Business, and other contexts to highlight accountability and warn against undesirable behavior. When using this phrase, ensure that the connection between action and outcome is clear. Consider alternatives like "face the music" or "pay the price" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay the price

Emphasizes the cost or penalty associated with a particular choice or action.

meet the consequences

Suggests confronting or dealing directly with the outcomes of actions.

endure the repercussions

Highlights the act of withstanding the effects of an action.

face the music

Implies accepting punishment or dealing with the negative results of one's actions.

undergo the effects

Focuses on experiencing the results, especially negative ones, of a cause.

bear the burden

Focuses on enduring a hardship or responsibility resulting from a specific cause.

reap what you sow

Highlights the concept of receiving the natural outcomes of one's actions, whether good or bad.

shoulder the blame

Focuses on accepting responsibility, often with negative outcomes.

take the heat

Implies facing criticism or pressure as a result of something.

feel the pinch

Suggests experiencing hardship or difficulty due to certain circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "suffer the consequences" to indicate that someone will experience negative outcomes as a result of their actions, such as, "If you don't study for the test, you will "suffer the consequences" and fail".

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

Alternatives include "face the music", "pay the price", or "bear the burden", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "suffer the consequences" or "face the consequences"?

"Suffer the consequences" and "face the consequences" are both grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning, but "suffer" emphasizes the experience of enduring something negative. The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "suffer the consequences" and "accept the consequences"?

"Suffer the consequences" implies experiencing negative outcomes, while "accept the consequences" suggests acknowledging and taking responsibility for those outcomes. The former focuses on the experience, the latter on the acknowledgement.