a secondary effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secondary effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an additional or indirect outcome resulting from a primary action or event. Example: "The medication is effective for treating the condition, but it may also cause a secondary effect of drowsiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a secondary effect of what has happened.

The Guardian

When the protagonist diffuses this with his move called 'gale'; this causes a secondary effect.

The Guardian - Tech

It generates a beam of ultrasound that acts like a long, thin loudspeaker and releases audible sound -- a secondary effect.

The New York Times - Science

Let him do it, not say it.' Such plain talking had a secondary effect.

Independent

The damping and post-yield stiffness only have a secondary effect in the short period range.

Engineering Structures

As a secondary effect, the importance of participants' gender is examined.

Speech Communication

Our research question was whether hypoalbuminemia in immune hydrops is causative or a secondary effect.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

A secondary effect of the tornado flow pattern was identified during these tests.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Gf dominated the drag variations, with Gr only causing a secondary effect.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Similarly, he noted, the Laron dwarfs have slightly depressed thyroid hormone levels as a secondary effect of being unresponsive to growth hormone.

The New York Times - Science

However, a secondary effect showed that "a previous win in the markets leads to increased, and eventually, irrational, risk-taking in the next round of trading".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a secondary effect", ensure the primary cause is clearly identified to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid attributing an outcome solely to "a secondary effect" without acknowledging the primary cause. This can lead to misinterpretations and inaccurate conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a secondary effect" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a consequence or outcome that is not the primary or intended result of an action or event. Ludwig's examples show its common usage across different fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

38%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a secondary effect" is a common noun phrase used to describe an indirect consequence of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the primary cause is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""a side effect"" or "an indirect consequence" depending on the specific context. Avoid attributing outcomes solely to the secondary effect without acknowledging the primary cause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a side effect

Focuses on the unintended consequences, often used in medical or technical contexts.

an indirect consequence

Emphasizes the lack of a direct causal link between the initial action and the outcome.

a knock-on effect

Highlights a chain reaction of consequences stemming from an initial event.

a ripple effect

Suggests a spreading, less contained series of effects, like ripples in water.

an unintended outcome

Stresses the lack of intention or planning behind the resulting effect.

a derivative result

Implies the effect is derived or obtained from another source or cause.

a resulting impact

Focuses on the influence or force the effect has.

an ancillary result

Emphasizes the supporting or subordinate nature of the effect.

a tertiary effect

Describes an effect that is even further removed from the primary cause.

a downstream effect

Indicates an effect that occurs later in a process or system.

FAQs

How can I use "a secondary effect" in a sentence?

Use "a secondary effect" to describe a consequence that is not the main or initially intended outcome. For example: "The treatment primarily aims to reduce inflammation, but "a secondary effect" is improved mobility."

What's the difference between "a secondary effect" and "a side effect"?

While similar, "a secondary effect" is broader, encompassing any unintended consequence. "A side effect" often implies an undesirable or unexpected outcome, particularly in medicine.

Which is correct, "a secondary effect" or "a second effect"?

"A secondary effect" is more common and idiomatic. While "a second effect" is grammatically correct, it doesn't carry the same connotation of an indirect or less important consequence.

What can I say instead of "a secondary effect"?

You can use alternatives like "an indirect consequence", "a knock-on effect", or "an unintended outcome" depending on the specific context.