a flow on effect

USAGE SUMMARY

'a flow on effect' is correct and usable in written English, and can be used to refer to a consequence of an action that has been taken, usually one that expands in scope or intensity over time.
For example: "The closure of the factory caused a flow on effect in the local economy, with businesses experiencing a decline in revenue and an increase in unemployment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's like it has a flow on effect all the way out and then all the way back into the centre of the family where the loss has occurred.

BMC Medical Education

It can also be hoped that the considerable work over the last few years across Australia emphasising the importance of ascertainment of Indigenous status in information systems and using data to measure progress will also have a flow on effect in influencing further improvement in systems within CCs [ 23].

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This provides 'checks and balances' between researchers and clinicians to inform each other in the provision of efficient and effective health care with a flow-on effect into medical and health training institutions.

BMC Medical Education

Their powerful presence seems to have a flow-on effect on the rest of the cast, who are uniformly superb.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Studies in 2011 and 2013 found that perception of scientific consensus is a gateway belief that has a flow-on effect to a number of other beliefs and attitudes.

The Guardian

Given the number of hours spent at work during a lifetime feeling good at work matters, and, it also has a flow-on effect to other areas of your life.

Forbes

This might have a flow-on effect on the development and provision of clinical practice guidelines and clinical teaching for the management of hospitalised falls patients.

BMC Geriatrics

Thus, the shade covering had a considerable impact on incident PFDs within the canopy and a flow-on effect on rates of photosynthesis, consistent with the photosynthetic light response of the shaded leaves.

AoB PLANTS

NT Health Department policies at the time of interviews were noted as an opportunity to increase capacity of Indigenous employees through "good policies to try and encourage growth in the Indigenous component of the workforce with a flow-on effect, for example the cross-fertilization of ideas and knowledge" (NFLSPNI).

Health Research Policy and Systems

The European Working Time Directive was one initiative which had a major flow-on effect to numerical flexibility across the health workforce [ 18 ].

Human Resources for Health

The removal of big predatory fish by commercial and recreational fishers has a massive flow-on effect for the reef ecosystem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a flow on effect", ensure the context clearly establishes the initial action or event that initiates the subsequent consequences. Clarity in cause and effect is crucial.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "a flow on effect" is always negative. While it often implies unintended or adverse consequences, it can also refer to positive or beneficial ripple effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flow on effect" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a consequence or series of consequences resulting from an initial action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flow on effect" is a noun phrase used to describe the consequences resulting from an initial action or event. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts. It appears most frequently in scientific, news, and formal business writing. While similar to phrases like ""a ripple effect"" or "a knock-on effect", it's essential to consider the specific nuance needed. To use this phrase effectively, ensure clear communication of the cause-and-effect relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a ripple effect

Implies a spreading and escalating effect, similar to ripples expanding on water.

a knock-on effect

Suggests a chain reaction, where one event directly causes another.

a cascading effect

Emphasizes a series of events, each triggered by the preceding one, like a waterfall.

a domino effect

Highlights the inevitability of subsequent events following an initial trigger.

a chain reaction

Focuses on the sequential nature of events, where one action leads to another.

subsequent consequence

Highlights that something is happening after and as a result of something else

ensuing result

Indicates that something occurs immediately after a specific event.

downstream effect

Signifies a consequence that arises later in a process or system.

secondary consequence

Highlights an indirect result related to an original action or situation.

consequential impact

Emphasizes the significant effect of something due to previous events.

FAQs

What does "a flow on effect" mean?

The phrase "a flow on effect" refers to a series of consequences or impacts that result from an initial action or event. It suggests that the initial action sets off a chain of events, each affecting the next.

How can I use "a flow on effect" in a sentence?

You can use "a flow on effect" to describe how an initial action impacts other things, as in, "The new policy had "a ripple effect" across the entire organization."

What are some alternatives to "a flow on effect"?

Alternatives to "a flow on effect" include phrases like ""a ripple effect"", "a knock-on effect", or "a chain reaction", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a flow on effect" the same as "a domino effect"?

While similar, "a flow on effect" is a broader term. "A domino effect" specifically implies that one event inevitably triggers a series of subsequent events, whereas "a flow on effect" simply refers to a range of consequences without necessarily implying inevitability.