a certain consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific outcome or result that is somewhat known or expected but not precisely defined. Example: "If we continue on this path, we will face a certain consequence that we must prepare for."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Just as deductive logic consists of the study of a certain consequence relation between propositions or sets of propositions (the relation of valid implication), so defeasible (or nonmonotonic) logic consists of the study of a different kind of consequence relation.

SEP

In comparison, Huineng in the translations by Wong and Cheng is more cautious as he says that there may/would be such an analogy between verbal reciting only and certain things, and the combination of verbal and mental practice would/could lead to a certain consequence.

Functional Linguistics

Self-efficacy expectations are the individuals' beliefs in their capabilities to perform a course of action to attain a desired outcome, whereas outcome expectations are the beliefs that a certain consequence will be produced by personal action.

Clinical interventions in aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In general, risk has a probabilistic component: the hazard variable can be the probability of a hazard or a hazard of a certain intensity occurring, and the consequence can be the probability of a certain outcome (e.g., devastation) occurring given the combination of the hazard and the exposed asset (Douglas, 2007).

Journal of Applied Volcanology

But they said a reconsideration of some bygone building practices would be an almost certain consequence of the new information.

The New York Times - Science

Those who seek to release the plant pathogenic fungus fusarium to eradicate coca in Colombia should expect as an almost certain consequence that the coca producers would resort to application of soil fumigants and fungicides to save their profitable crops.

The New York Times - Science

The show, in its preview stage, included an oversight of a certain physical consequence: there should have been 284 Manhattan phone books to indicate the information storage capacity of an ordinary human cell's nucleus, not the 142 displayed, since ordinary cells contain two copies of the genome, one from each parent.

The New York Times - Arts

… One way of answering this would be to say that there is no way of proving the conclusion, but that the concept of certitude which is present comes as a certain natural consequence, and not as a conclusion.

SEP

The ducking of a decision on the M25 expansion, for instance, will have one certain consequence.

The Economist

"Not when jail time is the certain consequence".

Forbes

Further, we consider a number of certain consequences of the main results.

Advances in Difference Equations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when you want to convey that an outcome is reasonably predictable or likely, but not necessarily guaranteed.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain consequence" when the outcome is merely a possibility. Reserve it for situations where the link between cause and effect is strong and well-supported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain consequence" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to an outcome that is considered likely or predictable, though not necessarily guaranteed. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain consequence" is a noun phrase used to describe a reasonably predictable outcome resulting from a specific action or situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it doesn't denote absolute certainty, it implies a strong likelihood. It is most commonly found in science and news contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. Remember to use this phrase when the outcome is genuinely foreseeable and avoid overstating the certainty. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "a certain consequence" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific result

Replaces "consequence" with "result", emphasizing the outcome is particular and defined.

a predictable outcome

Substitutes "certain" with "predictable", stressing the foreseeability of the consequence.

an expected effect

Changes "consequence" to "effect", highlighting the impact or result of an action.

a definite repercussion

Replaces "consequence" with "repercussion", suggesting a more significant or impactful outcome.

a known aftermath

Substitutes "certain consequence" with "known aftermath", focusing on the events following a specific action.

an inevitable outcome

Changes "certain" to "inevitable", emphasizing the unavoidable nature of the consequence.

a resultant effect

Uses "resultant effect" to convey the consequence as a direct result of something.

a predetermined result

Substitutes "certain consequence" with "predetermined result", suggesting the outcome was decided in advance.

a particular upshot

Replaces "consequence" with the less common "upshot", adding a touch of formality while still denoting the result.

a guaranteed effect

Changes "certain" to "guaranteed", stressing the assuredness of the consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain consequence" in a sentence?

Use "a certain consequence" to describe an outcome that is likely to occur given a specific set of conditions. For example: "If the company fails to innovate, a certain consequence is declining market share."

What are some alternatives to "a certain consequence"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific result", "a predictable outcome", or "an expected effect" depending on the context.

Is "a certain consequence" formal or informal?

"A certain consequence" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone and suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. It might not be the best choice for very informal settings.

What's the difference between "a certain consequence" and "a possible consequence"?

"A certain consequence" suggests a higher degree of likelihood and predictability. "A possible consequence" indicates that the outcome is only one of several potential results and is not guaranteed.