be without consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be without consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action or decision does not have any repercussions or effects. Example: "His reckless behavior seemed to be without consequence, as he continued to act without regard for the rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Is reckless lending supposed to be without consequence?

The Guardian - Opinion

We are always aware that because Jude's faith is real, so will his sacrifice be, that any decision to leave the church will not be without consequence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's just a glorified mugging, in other words, conducted by people who ask not what they can do for themselves, but what other people should have done for them, and who may have mugged before, on a smaller scale, and found it to be without consequence.

The Guardian - Opinion

The cultural assumption that women will change their names upon marriage – the assumption that we'll even think about it, and be in a position where we make a "choice" of whether to keep our names or take our husbands' – cannot be without consequence.

The Guardian - Opinion

It said: "It will be some time before the implications of the tighter liquidity and credit conditions now set to prevail well into 2009 become clear, but it is logical that these will not be without consequence for SIG's markets and customers".

The Guardian - Business

This will not be without consequence.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Withdraw we may, but it will not be without consequences.

The New Yorker

"Because it won't be without consequences for any of us in Europe".

The Guardian

Turning against Trump won't be without consequences, the White House seems to be saying.

The Washington Post

The government has now been defeated on all these points and these defeats will not be without consequences.

BBC

Although experts might argue that these are not the right knowledge or attitudes, this knowledge and these attitudes will not be without consequences.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be without consequence" when you want to emphasize that an action or decision will not result in any negative effects or repercussions. This phrase can add a layer of reassurance or, conversely, highlight a potential problem if consequences are expected but absent.

Common error

Avoid using "be without consequence" when there's a clear indication of potential long-term or indirect effects. Overlooking subtle or delayed consequences can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be without consequence" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a state of lacking repercussions or significant effects. Ludwig AI identifies its role in signifying that an action or event does not result in notable outcomes, offering a commentary on its impact.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be without consequence" is grammatically correct and used to describe actions or decisions that lack significant repercussions. As Ludwig AI suggests, its primary function is to express the absence of negative or significant outcomes. It's suitable for neutral contexts, frequently appearing in news and media, as well as scientific writing. While semantically similar phrases like "have no repercussions" or "carry no weight" exist, "be without consequence" offers a unique emphasis on the lack of resulting impact. Be mindful not to use it when long-term or indirect effects may be present to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have no repercussions

Focuses on the absence of negative effects or penalties.

carry no weight

Emphasizes the lack of influence or importance.

have no effect

Highlights the absence of any impact or change.

be inconsequential

Indicates that something is insignificant or unimportant.

not matter

Expresses that something is of no importance or relevance.

make no difference

Suggests that something does not alter the outcome or situation.

be of no account

Implies that something is not worth considering or paying attention to.

be negligible

Suggests that something is so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded.

not have any bearing

Highlights that something does not have any relevance or influence.

be immaterial

Indicates that something is not pertinent or relevant to the matter at hand.

FAQs

How can I use "be without consequence" in a sentence?

You can use "be without consequence" to describe actions or decisions that don't have negative repercussions. For example, "Ignoring safety protocols may seem to "be without consequence" at first, but the risks can accumulate over time."

What are some alternatives to "be without consequence"?

Alternatives include "have no repercussions", "carry no weight", or "have no effect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something 'is without consequence'?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "is without consequence" indicates that something does not have any significant or noticeable effects.

What does it mean when something is described as 'without consequence'?

It means that the action or event in question does not lead to any significant or noticeable outcomes, effects, or repercussions. It implies a lack of impact or importance.