bad consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

'bad consequences' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event that will have negative outcomes, such as accidents, losses, or health problems. For example: The youth was warned of the potential bad consequences if he continued to engage in risky behavior.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bad style had bad consequences.

The New York Times - Books

That would have good and bad consequences.

The Economist

This has both good and bad consequences.

Stanford University

A demonstration might provoke bad consequences.

The Guardian

Because it leads to bad consequences.

The Guardian

This has had both good and bad consequences.

The New York Times - Health

-- unless they have immediate and literal bad consequences.

The New York Times

After all, we live in a world in which no single act typically has only good consequences, or no single act has bad consequences and only bad consequences.

Yale University

It's not enough if natural forces somehow bring about the bad consequences.

Yale University

Relying on individual doctors' judgments regarding whom to screen has already had bad consequences.

The New York Times - Health

Others warn of bad consequences if the Chinese stop buying United States bonds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks or actions, clearly articulate the "bad consequences" to emphasize the importance of careful consideration and planning.

Common error

While "bad consequences" is clear, overuse can make writing sound simplistic. Vary your vocabulary by using more precise alternatives like "adverse effects" or "detrimental outcomes" to enhance the sophistication of your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad consequences" functions as a noun phrase, where "bad" modifies the noun "consequences." It describes negative or undesirable outcomes that result from a particular action, event, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad consequences" effectively conveys negative outcomes across diverse contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig's extensive collection of examples. While grammatically sound and commonly used, varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "adverse effects" or "detrimental outcomes" can enhance your writing style. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is both correct and usable, serving as a clear and direct way to express concern about potential negative results. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, "bad consequences" maintains a neutral register suitable for most situations, while authoritative sources frequently employ it to communicate potential risks and challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative repercussions

Replaces "consequences" with "repercussions", suggesting a more far-reaching impact.

adverse outcomes

Substitutes "bad" with "adverse" and "consequences" with "outcomes", lending a slightly more formal tone.

unfavorable results

Uses "unfavorable" instead of "bad" and "results" in place of "consequences", offering a less direct expression.

detrimental effects

Replaces "bad" with "detrimental" and "consequences" with "effects", highlighting the harmful nature of the outcomes.

ill effects

A shorter, more direct way to express negative consequences, focusing on the harmful impact.

dire results

Replaces "bad" with "dire", emphasizing the severity and seriousness of the consequences.

unpleasant outcomes

Uses "unpleasant" instead of "bad", softening the negative impact.

harmful effects

Directly points out the negative "harmful" effects as the result.

unwanted outcomes

Highlights that the outcome is not desired, which suggests negative feeling.

negative side effects

Emphasizes that the effect is not intended and it's on the negative side.

FAQs

How can I use "bad consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "bad consequences" to describe the negative results of an action or situation. For example, "Ignoring safety protocols can lead to "bad consequences" in the workplace."

What are some alternatives to "bad consequences"?

Alternatives to "bad consequences" include "negative repercussions", "adverse outcomes", and "unfavorable results". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "bad consequences" formal or informal?

"Bad consequences" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, more sophisticated alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "bad consequences" and "negative impact"?

"Bad consequences" typically refers to specific, identifiable outcomes, while "negative impact" describes a broader effect or influence. "The policy had a "negative impact" on the economy, leading to "bad consequences" for small businesses."