a cascade of consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cascade of consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of events or outcomes that occur as a result of a single action or decision. Example: "The new policy led to a cascade of consequences that affected employees across the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Minor traffic offences also led to a "cascade" of consequences that led to detention, he said.

The Guardian

City principals predicted a cascade of consequences, including declining graduation rates.

The New York Times

Every time they take one decision that's contrary to the way things really happened, there's a cascade of consequences, and in the end, the story becomes complete nonsense.

The New Yorker

But in the end, "the victim in this case, really, is American Express," Mr. Vance said, noting that cardholders are typically reimbursed for any fraudulent charges, albeit in a potentially long process with a "cascade of consequences".

The New York Times

The replacement of one genetic constitution with another changes the genotypic fitnesses at other loci, which then change in their allelic frequencies, thereby stimulating additional changes, and so on in a cascade of consequences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the magazine this week, I tell a story of "The God of Gamblers," about a former barber from the rural outskirts of Hong Kong whose visits to Macau triggered a cascade of consequences that are being felt in Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., and in between.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Sacrificing science to a religious ideal of morality was a holy plank of the Bush administration, with the result a cascade of hypocritical consequences and frustration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hayek made the slipperiest of slippery slope arguments: the smallest move toward the expansion of government would lead to a cascade of bad consequences that would result in full-blown authoritarian socialism.

The New York Times - Books

"We have reached a critical moment that could prove to be a turning point for Europe as we know and enjoy it – one that might result in a cascade of problematic consequences and political fall-out," he writes on his website, where the posters are available to download and share.

The Guardian - Arts

"I feel that we have reached a critical moment that could prove to be a turning point for Europe as we know and enjoy it one that might result in a cascade of problematic consequences and political fallout," Tillmans writes on the project's page.

Vice

Like all military interventions, the one in Libya set off a cascade of unexpected consequences.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cascade of consequences" when you want to emphasize that one action or decision has a series of escalating or interconnected effects.

Common error

Avoid using "a cascade of consequences" when a simpler phrase like "several effects" or "various results" would suffice. This phrase is most effective when the consequences are complex and interconnected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cascade of consequences" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a series of events that follow a particular action or decision.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cascade of consequences" is a noun phrase used to describe a series of interconnected events resulting from a single action, often with escalating effects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's particularly effective when highlighting the complex and far-reaching impacts of a decision. Its usage is most frequent in news and media and scientific writing, offering a powerful way to illustrate the interconnected nature of events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chain of events

Focuses on the sequential nature of the occurrences, less emphasis on the impact.

a series of repercussions

Highlights the negative or undesirable aspect of the consequences.

a train of outcomes

Emphasizes the sequential and predictable nature of the results.

a domino effect

Implies that each consequence triggers the next in a predictable manner.

a ripple effect

Suggests that the consequences spread outward from the initial action.

a chain reaction

Highlights the self-sustaining and escalating nature of the consequences.

a sequence of results

A more neutral and less dramatic way of describing the outcomes.

a set of ramifications

Focuses on the broader and often complex implications of an action.

a stream of effects

Suggests a continuous and flowing progression of results.

a succession of events

Emphasizes the chronological order of the occurrences.

FAQs

How can I use "a cascade of consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "a cascade of consequences" to describe a series of events that unfold as a result of a single action, such as: "The company's decision to cut costs led to "a cascade of consequences", including layoffs and decreased product quality."

What phrases are similar to "a cascade of consequences"?

Similar phrases include "a chain of events", "a series of repercussions", or "a domino effect", depending on the context.

Is "a cascade of consequences" formal or informal?

The phrase "a cascade of consequences" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in formal writing and speech due to its descriptive nature.

What is the difference between "a cascade of consequences" and "a series of events"?

"A series of events" simply describes a sequence of happenings, while "a cascade of consequences" implies that each event is directly caused by the previous one, often with escalating effects.