assume the consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

"assume the consequences" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to accept the outcomes or results of one's actions or choices. You can use this phrase in situations where someone needs to take responsibility for their actions or decisions. Here are a few examples: 1. "You made a mistake and now you must assume the consequences. You cannot blame anyone else for it." 2. "I warned you about the risks involved, but you chose to ignore me. Now you have to assume the consequences of your decision." 3. "The company's reckless actions have caused a major financial loss. It's time for them to assume the consequences and make things right." 4. "If you cheat on the exam, you must be prepared to assume the consequences if you get caught." 5. "As a leader, you must be willing to assume the consequences of your team's actions, whether they are good or bad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"You must assume the consequences.

The New York Times

The I.O.C. determined that "Russian athletes in any of the 28 Olympic summer sports have to assume the consequences of what amounts to a collective responsibility".

The New Yorker

That's why every member of a Formula One team is ready to assume the consequences — aside from human injury — of an accident.

The New York Times - Sports

What's going on here is what Slavoj Žižek calls fetishistic disavowal, which he defined thus: "I know it, but I refuse to fully assume the consequences of this knowledge, so that I can continue acting as if I don't know it".

The Guardian - Sport

"Phillips had to assume the consequences for the mistake I made.

BBC

We assume the consequences are laughable because we assume the victims of this hack are deserving of the exposure.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It's a war, and it means assuming the consequences".

The New York Times

The Colombian soccer federation said in a statement that Gomez "assumed the consequences of his acts".

The New York Times - Sports

His numbers suggested that, even if house prices were to fall by 20% in real terms over the next two years, and even if the links between house prices and spending proved to be stronger than the central bank ordinarily assumes, the consequences would be manageable.

The Economist

However, because detailed balance is assumed, the consequences of being away from equilibrium remain hidden, as we will see subsequently.

BMC Biology

Voting fun Mourning, and questioning, in Bahrain On and on, they fight Libya and the bombed airliners Zambia's mystery bombs Trench warfare ReprintsThe French lamely say that they "expect" Mr Qaddafi, who has always denied any Libyan government involvement, to assume the full consequences of the ruling in accordance with his earlier undertakings.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assume the consequences" when emphasizing the importance of accountability and responsibility for one's choices. This phrase is particularly effective when discussing decisions with potential negative outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "assume the consequences" when you intend to shift blame. This phrase is about acknowledging the results of one's own actions, not deflecting responsibility onto someone else. Use it when the individual or entity is the clear originator of the actions leading to the consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume the consequences" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the acceptance of the results of an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms this, noting that it signifies taking responsibility for outcomes. Its use demonstrates an understanding of cause and effect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

7%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assume the consequences" is a grammatically sound phrase that conveys the acceptance of outcomes resulting from actions or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While its usage is not extremely common, it finds application across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. Related phrases such as "face the music" or "take responsibility" offer alternative ways to express this concept. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intent of emphasizing accountability and responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face the music

Idiomatic expression implying acceptance of punishment or negative repercussions.

bear the responsibility

Focuses on the obligation to accept accountability.

take responsibility

Emphasizes the act of acknowledging and accepting accountability.

accept the blame

Highlights the willingness to be held accountable for wrongdoing.

suffer the repercussions

Draws attention to the negative effects experienced as a result.

endure the fallout

Highlights the challenging or unpleasant aftermath of an event.

be held accountable

Emphasizes external imposition of responsibility.

own the outcome

Focuses on acknowledging and accepting the results of actions.

take the heat

Idiomatic expression suggesting acceptance of criticism or pressure.

pay the price

Implies that there is a cost for your actions that you must endure.

FAQs

How can I use "assume the consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "assume the consequences" to indicate accepting the results of an action, such as: "If you break the rules, you must "assume the consequences"." It emphasizes taking responsibility.

What is a more formal way to say "assume the consequences"?

A more formal alternative to "assume the consequences" would be "bear the responsibility" or "be held accountable". These phrases carry a similar meaning while maintaining a higher level of formality.

Is it better to say "accept the consequences" or "assume the consequences"?

"Accept the consequences" and "assume the consequences" are often interchangeable, but "assume" implies a proactive acknowledgment before the consequences fully unfold, whereas "accept" implies a reaction to consequences already present.

What does it mean to "face the music" instead of "assume the consequences"?

"Face the music" is an idiom that means to accept the unpleasant results of one's actions, particularly when it involves criticism or punishment. While similar to "assume the consequences", "face the music" specifically highlights the negative or difficult aspects of accepting responsibility.