a knock-on effect

USAGE SUMMARY

"a knock-on effect" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation or consequence that is a result of another. Example: Increased unemployment due to the pandemic had a knock-on effect on consumer spending.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This has a knock-on effect across several different sectors, one of which is architecture.

Forbes

Did it have a knock-on effect?

The Guardian - Sport

This will have a knock-on effect.

The Guardian

That has a knock-on effect.

The Guardian

This has had a knock-on effect.

The Guardian - Sport

"Which has a knock-on effect.

The Guardian

The closure even had a knock-on effect for childminders.

The Guardian - Business

(Robots don't have cuffs; there's a knock-on effect).

The Guardian

"It has a knock-on effect for us.

The Guardian

This has a knock-on effect on his audience.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Regrettably this has a knock-on effect for planned operations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a knock-on effect", ensure the initial action or event is clearly identified to provide context for the subsequent consequences.

Common error

Avoid assuming a direct cause-and-effect relationship without sufficient evidence. "A knock-on effect" implies a chain of events, so ensure the links are logical and supported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a knock-on effect" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its use to denote a secondary or indirect consequence resulting from an initial action or event, as shown in many of the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a knock-on effect" is a versatile phrase used to describe the indirect consequences of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide applicability. It's commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts, denoting a chain reaction or ripple effect. When using this phrase, ensure the initial event and subsequent consequences are clearly linked. Alternatives like "ripple effect" or "domino effect" can provide similar meanings, but it's important to consider the specific nuance you want to convey. The frequency of examples confirms that "a knock-on effect" is a very common phrase, making it an important addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flow-on effect

Similar to "knock-on effect", commonly used in Australian and New Zealand English.

ripple effect

This alternative emphasizes the spreading and widening impact of an initial event.

domino effect

Suggests a series of inevitable consequences, one triggering the next.

chain reaction

Implies a sequence of events, each caused by the preceding one, often in a scientific or technical context.

secondary consequence

Focuses on the indirect or less obvious results of an action.

unintended consequence

Highlights that the outcome was not originally planned or foreseen.

indirect result

A more general term for an outcome that is not directly caused.

downstream impact

Emphasizes the effect on later stages or related processes.

ensuing effect

Highlights that the effect happens as a consequence of the previous action.

subsequent effect

Emphasizes the chronological order of the effect.

FAQs

How can I use "a knock-on effect" in a sentence?

Use "a knock-on effect" to describe how an initial event or decision leads to a series of subsequent consequences. For example, "The factory closure had "a knock-on effect" on local businesses."

What's a simple way to describe "a knock-on effect"?

A simple way to describe "a knock-on effect" is to say that one thing leads to another, creating a chain of consequences. It's similar to the "ripple effect".

What are some alternatives to "a knock-on effect"?

Some alternatives to "a knock-on effect" include "ripple effect", "domino effect", or "chain reaction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "knock-on effect" formal or informal?

"Knock-on effect" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it's frequently used in news and media, it's also appropriate for business and academic writing.