adverse effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adverse effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts discussing negative consequences or impacts, particularly in health, environmental, or economic discussions. Example: "The medication may cause an adverse effect on your digestive system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

§ 1017.10 Adverse effect test.

Cornell University

No adverse effect is observed.

Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies

They found no adverse effect from prenatal mercury exposure.

The New York Times - Health

It has to be upbeat; silence has an adverse effect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Falling prices would have a further adverse effect.

The Guardian - Business

He could have an adverse effect in the team room.

The Guardian - Sport

"The twin loss will have an adverse effect," he said.

The Washington Post

been no adverse effect on sale of the original work.

Stanford University

This has had an increasingly adverse effect on music's willingness to engage with issues.

The Guardian - Music

"Anything short of full public access could be construed as an adverse effect".

The New York Times

As entertaining as it was, it certainly had an adverse effect on his management career.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential consequences, be specific about the nature of the "adverse effect". Instead of stating a general "adverse effect", detail what specific negative outcomes could arise.

Common error

Avoid using "adverse effect" as a vague term. Instead of saying something has an "adverse effect", quantify or qualify the effect to provide more meaningful information to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adverse effect" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adverse effect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe negative consequences or impacts. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is best suited for use when specifying a negative outcome in contexts such as science, medicine, economics, or general reporting. To enhance clarity and precision, it is recommended to avoid vague statements and instead quantify or qualify the specific nature of the "adverse effect" being discussed. Related phrases such as "harmful effect" or "negative impact" can be used as alternatives depending on the nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful effect

Synonymous; directly replaces "adverse" with "harmful", emphasizing the damaging nature.

negative impact

Replaces "effect" with "impact", indicating a strong influence.

detrimental consequence

Substitutes both words to imply a serious negative outcome.

undesirable outcome

Focuses on the unwanted result or end.

deleterious result

Uses a more formal synonym for "harmful" to describe the outcome.

injurious consequence

Emphasizes the harm or injury caused by the effect.

unfavorable reaction

Commonly used in medical contexts to describe a negative response.

negative side effect

Typically used in medical or pharmaceutical contexts to describe unintended negative consequences.

damaging repercussion

Highlights the long-term and often severe consequences.

ill effect

A shorter, more direct way of expressing a negative result.

FAQs

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

You can use "adverse effect" to describe a negative or harmful consequence resulting from a particular action or situation. For example: "The medication may have an adverse effect on your sleep."

What are some synonyms for "adverse effect"?

Alternatives to "adverse effect" include "harmful effect", "negative impact", or "detrimental consequence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "adverse effect" formal or informal language?

"Adverse effect" is considered relatively formal and neutral. It is appropriate for use in academic, scientific, and professional contexts, as well as in news and media reporting.

What is the difference between "adverse effect" and "side effect"?

"Side effect" typically refers to unintended consequences of a medical treatment, which can be positive or negative. "Adverse effect" specifically indicates a negative and undesirable outcome, often in a medical or general context.