a far-reaching consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a far-reaching consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an outcome or effect that has significant and extensive implications or impacts. Example: "The new policy implemented by the government had a far-reaching consequence on the economy, affecting various sectors and communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This particular snip has a far-reaching consequence.

The New York Times - Science

A far-reaching consequence of the stock market crash of 1873 was the permeation of anti-Semitism into Austrian politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A far-reaching consequence after 50 years is that India's literacy rate is a pathetic 52%, lower even than in Kenya (78%) or Tanzania (68%).East Asian countries sometimes used state intervention to help support competitive private-sector giants.

The Economist

One might question whether such a far-reaching consequence would be justified considering the limited amount of available information.

Drug Safety

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The massive social upheavals of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods provoked a reaction of more immediate and far-reaching consequence than the writings of conservative theorists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That flight had raised questions of far-reaching consequence.

The New York Times

So it's a shock — with far-reaching consequences — when he throws her over for Louella (Amy French), a folksy Southerner who likes bright colors and waistbands with a little give.

Los Angeles Times

In 1985 my family made a terrible mistake – a mistake that would have far-reaching consequences; a mistake that would blight my life for several painful years.

The Guardian - Tech

A decision with far-reaching consequences".

The Guardian

The revoking of LMU's licence for international students will have a number of far-reaching consequences, not least financial.

The Guardian

"It is a decision of far-reaching consequences, indeed -- because it is irreversible -- one of the most momentous economic decision our country has to take".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing long-term effects, use "a far-reaching consequence" to emphasize the breadth and duration of the impact. For example, "The environmental policy had a far-reaching consequence on the local ecosystem."

Common error

Avoid using "a far-reaching consequence" for minor or easily reversible effects. Opt for simpler terms like "result" or "effect" when the impact isn't substantial. For example, instead of "The delay had a far-reaching consequence on the meeting schedule", say "The delay slightly affected the meeting schedule".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a far-reaching consequence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct, describing an outcome with significant and extensive implications.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a far-reaching consequence" is a grammatically sound expression used to denote outcomes with significant and widespread impact. While Ludwig AI validates its correctness, the phrase appears with relative infrequency, and mainly in the context of news, science and encyclopedias. To achieve a more informal tone, alternatives include terms like "significant impact" or "profound effect". When employing "a far-reaching consequence", be mindful of its formal tone and reserve it for scenarios where the implications are truly extensive and long-lasting. Overusing it in simple situations would be an error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant repercussion

Replaces "consequence" with "repercussion", emphasizing the indirect or unexpected nature of the result; "significant" maintains the degree of impact.

a profound effect

Uses "effect" instead of "consequence", denoting a direct result or change; "profound" conveys the depth and significance of the impact.

a substantial impact

Substitutes "consequence" with "impact", indicating a noticeable effect; "substantial" suggests a considerable influence or magnitude.

a major ramification

Replaces "consequence" with "ramification", highlighting the complex and branching nature of the outcome; "major" underscores its importance.

a considerable outcome

Uses "outcome" instead of "consequence", focusing on the result of an action or situation; "considerable" implies a noteworthy extent or degree.

a sweeping implication

Substitutes "consequence" with "implication", suggesting a broader, often indirect, effect; "sweeping" emphasizes the wide-ranging nature of the impact.

an extensive fallout

Replaces "consequence" with "fallout", often referring to the repercussions of a negative event; "extensive" highlights the broad reach of the effects.

a widespread effect

Uses "effect" instead of "consequence", indicating a direct result; "widespread" emphasizes the broad geographical or societal impact.

a transformative result

Substitutes "consequence" with "result", focusing on the outcome; "transformative" suggests a significant and lasting change.

a momentous development

Replaces "consequence" with "development", highlighting the evolution or unfolding of events; "momentous" suggests a crucial or significant turning point.

FAQs

How can I use "a far-reaching consequence" in a sentence?

Use "a far-reaching consequence" to describe an outcome with significant and widespread effects. For instance, "The new law had "a far-reaching consequence" on the economy" indicates the law's impact was extensive.

What are some alternatives to "a far-reaching consequence"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant impact", "a profound effect", or "a substantial impact" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a far-reaching consequence" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a far-reaching consequence" is more suited for formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, simpler phrases like "big effect" or "major result" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "a far-reaching consequence" from "a simple result"?

"A far-reaching consequence" implies a broad and long-lasting impact, affecting many areas or people. "A simple result" refers to a more immediate and limited outcome.