a passive outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passive outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a result or effect that occurs without active involvement or intervention. Example: "The negotiations led to a passive outcome, with neither party taking decisive action."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Urban space organisation appears as a "passive" outcome of these changes, not as being determined by a factor that imposes change.

City, Territory and Architecture

In these cells, mobilization of primary granules to the plasma membrane is not a passive outcome, but rather a finely orchestrated mechanism leading to a fate distinct from phagocytosis and NETosis (Fig. 1).

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

This observation suggests that reactivation of Alu retrotransposition presented in our study is not a passive outcome of aging but reflecting a response from mobile genetic elements to environmental stress in line with the finding that the expression of Alu RNAs is shown to increase in response to cellular stress, viral and translational inhibition [ 8].

BMC Genomics

This gradual rise of the average mutation rate is not a reflection of selection for an optimal mutation rate, as all mutations are deleterious, but a passive outcome of an upward mutational bias toward the production of mutator versus antimutator alleles (f d > 0.5).

Genome Biology and Evolution

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The issue is that climate change is the sort of problem that gets worse all on its own...our collective, passive action doesn't lead to an undisturbed, passive outcome because the status quo makes climate change worse every day.

Huffington Post

Once that is achieved, good cities will follow automatically, becoming a kind of passive outcome of economic development.

The Guardian

These five large trials were all community prevention trials with four using community cluster randomisation and the largest, a vaccine trial, randomized at an individual level but employing passive outcome reporting.

Plosone

We examined the effect of 2D:4D on neural response − assessed by P2a and feedback-related negativity (FRN) event-related potentials (ERPs) − to motivational stimuli (reward or punishment) using two counterbalanced conditions of a passive S1/S2 outcome prediction design.

Biological Psychology

Approval was given for passive outcome follow-up of women attending routine screening, but a pathology review of biopsies was not performed because of concerns about the need to contact women if discrepancies were found.

British Journal of Cancer

This reframing, and what results from it, can be summarised as follows … Lesson 1: good cities may be the source, instead of the passive outcome, of economic development For this inversion of the paradigm to take place, however, you need three things: the right rule of law, the right financial plan and the right design.

The Guardian

But there is precedent for just such a passive-aggressive outcome.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a passive outcome", ensure the context clearly indicates the lack of active intervention or intention leading to the result. For example, clarify what actions did not directly cause the outcome.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a passive outcome" is inherently negative. It simply means the outcome occurred without active control, and can be neutral or even beneficial depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passive outcome" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a result or effect that arises without direct or intentional action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passive outcome" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe results that occur without direct intervention or active control. Ludwig AI indicates that it's usable in written English. While relatively rare, it finds its place in scientific and news-related contexts. Be mindful that "passive" doesn't automatically imply "negative"; it simply denotes a lack of active influence. Consider alternatives like "unintended consequence" or "indirect effect" to fine-tune your meaning. When writing, ensure the context clearly establishes the absence of direct causation. Avoid the common error of assuming passivity equates to negativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unintended consequence

Focuses on the lack of intention behind the result, emphasizing its accidental nature.

an inevitable result

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the outcome, suggesting it was bound to happen regardless of intervention.

an indirect effect

Emphasizes that the outcome was not a direct result of a specific action, but rather a secondary consequence.

a consequential effect

Highlights that the outcome was significant even if not the direct cause of the action.

a spontaneous effect

Highlights that the outcome was obtained without planning or external stimuli.

a resultant effect

Indicates the outcome is what naturally resulted from a preceding event or condition.

an ancillary effect

Suggests the outcome is a supplementary or secondary result.

a secondary consequence

This phrase emphasizes the outcome is a less direct result.

a side effect

The outcome is a supplementary event and has a lower probability if the action happens.

a downstream effect

Implies the outcome occurs later in a chain of events, further removed from the initial action.

FAQs

How can I use "a passive outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "a passive outcome" to describe situations where a result occurs without direct intervention. For instance, "The urban space organisation appears as "a passive outcome" of these changes, not as being determined by a factor that imposes change."

What are some alternatives to "a passive outcome"?

Consider using alternatives such as "an unintended consequence", "an indirect effect", or "an inevitable result" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a passive outcome" in formal writing?

Yes, "a passive outcome" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing, particularly in academic or scientific contexts where objective description is important.

What's the difference between "a passive outcome" and "a negative outcome"?

"A passive outcome" refers to a result that occurred without active intervention, while "a negative outcome" refers to a result that is undesirable. A passive outcome is not always negative; it simply lacks active control.