bear the consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

'bear the consequences' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when one is referring to taking responsibility for the outcomes of a certain situation. For example: Joe had done something wrong, so he would have to bear the consequences of his actions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And taxpayers and patients bear the consequences.

The New York Times

"We are ready to bear the consequences".

The New York Times

We cannot stop them; we can just bear the consequences".

The New York Times

And it won't be the politicians who bear the consequences.

The New York Times

I've got to bear the consequences of my own actions".

The Guardian

Accept the 50 percent write-down, she told the bankers, or bear the consequences of default.

The New York Times

"If they make a wrong choice, they have to bear the consequences".

The New York Times

In a well-functioning free market, investors would bear the consequences of poor decisions.

The New York Times

"If your choice is to operate terror, you have to bear the consequences".

The New York Times

The military warned Hamas would "bear the consequences" of any attacks launched from Gaza.

Independent

Make the wrong choice, he threatened, and "they will have to bear the consequences".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bear the consequences", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions or decisions are leading to those consequences to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "bear the consequences" when the results are positive. The phrase usually implies facing negative or challenging outcomes, not favorable ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear the consequences" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of accepting and enduring the results, typically negative, of one's actions or decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bear the consequences" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys the acceptance and endurance of the results of one's actions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts make it a reliable choice for expressing responsibility and inevitability. Predominantly found in "News & Media", but also prevalent in "Science" and "Formal & Business" settings, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When considering alternatives, phrases like "face the repercussions" or "accept the fallout" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face the repercussions

Focuses on the negative impacts or aftereffects that must be confronted.

accept the fallout

Emphasizes the negative and often widespread effects resulting from an event or action.

take responsibility for the outcome

Highlights the act of acknowledging and being accountable for the results.

endure the effects

Stresses the act of withstanding or suffering through the impacts of something.

suffer the results

Emphasizes the experience of negative outcomes due to certain actions.

live with the ramifications

Highlights the long-term aspect of dealing with the complex results of a decision.

be held accountable

Focuses on the aspect of being responsible and answerable for one's actions.

experience the effects

Refers to undergoing the consequences of an action or situation.

shoulder the blame

Highlights accepting the responsibility for something negative that has occurred.

reap what you sow

Emphasizes the principle that one's actions will inevitably lead to corresponding consequences.

FAQs

How to use "bear the consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "bear the consequences" to indicate that someone must accept the results of their actions, for example: "If you make that decision, you must "bear the consequences"."

What can I say instead of "bear the consequences"?

You can use alternatives such as "face the repercussions", "accept the fallout", or "take responsibility for the outcome" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to "bear the consequences" or "face the consequences"?

Both "bear the consequences" and "face the consequences" are correct and widely used. "Bear" implies enduring or carrying the weight of the consequences, while "face" implies confronting them directly. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "bear the consequences" and "suffer the consequences"?

"Bear the consequences" suggests accepting responsibility and enduring the results, while "suffer the results" emphasizes experiencing pain or hardship as a result. The former implies a degree of acceptance, while the latter focuses on the negative experience.