benevolent consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "benevolent consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a positive or kind outcome resulting from an action or event. Example: "The community garden initiative had a benevolent consequence, fostering a sense of togetherness among the residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Before the negotiators enjoy their birthday cake in Montreal, however, they need to confront another unexpected, and considerably less benevolent, consequence of the ozone treaty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But who are the Jackaroo, are their motives wholly benevolent, and what are the consequences for humankind in accepting their beneficence?

The Guardian - Books

We can grant that their arguments establish that bie, or excluding others from all concern, is morally wrong, and that inclusive care has good consequences and is thus benevolent and permissible.

SEP

Anti-Las Casas history-writing reached its climax with Spanish right-wing, nationalist historians in the late 19th and early 20th centuries constructing a pro-Spanish White Legend, arguing that the Spanish empire was benevolent and just, and denying any adverse consequences of Spanish colonialism.

Wikipedia

The future development of the scale should take into account the emotional and behavioural consequences of delusions associated with grandiosity and benevolent voices in order to capture better important parts of the psychotic experience.

BMC Psychiatry

He resorted to corporal punishment, especially on every occasion when Neil asked "Why?" As a consequence Neil was, and remains, anti-authoritarian and benevolent.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, banks are increasingly investing in the efficient use of IT applications, and as a consequence are removing the personal element necessary for true benevolent interactions with clients.

Huffington Post

Regardless of the circumstances the predicament exists primarily because of the unwillingness or inability on the part of parents to set limits, apply natural consequences when rules are violated, and to apply benevolent authority that has the child's best interest at heart.

The New York Times

​Men lie more than women (Ronson thinks men are more afraid of the consequences of telling the truth and being reprimanded), while women, ever benevolent, tend to lie to protect others.

Vice

"To handle these complications of human instructions — benevolent or not," Scheutz writes, "robots need to be able to explicitly reason through consequences of actions and compare outcomes to established social and moral principles that prescribe what is and is not desirable or legal".

TechCrunch

"Less a benevolent friend, the United States is seen as a hegemonic power that takes unilateral military action without regard to enormous consequences," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "benevolent consequence" when you want to emphasize the kindness or goodwill behind a positive outcome. It adds a layer of moral judgment to the result.

Common error

Avoid using "benevolent consequence" when a simple "positive result" will suffice. The term implies a deliberate act of kindness leading to the outcome, not just any good result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "benevolent consequence" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "benevolent" modifies the noun "consequence". According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable, describing a positive outcome.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "benevolent consequence" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a positive outcome resulting from an act of kindness, goodwill, or moral action. While relatively rare, as noted by Ludwig AI, it's found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When a simple "positive result" won't emphasize the moral or ethical aspect, "benevolent consequence" is a suitable choice. Remember to use it when the good outcome truly stems from kindness, not just any general positive effect. Alternatives include "positive outcome" or "beneficial effect".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positive outcome

Replaces the adjective with a more common synonym, simplifying the phrase.

favorable result

Substitutes both words with synonyms, maintaining a similar level of formality.

kind outcome

Replaces "benevolent" with a simpler synonym emphasizing kindness.

fortunate effect

Focuses on the luck or good fortune associated with the result.

beneficial effect

Highlights the advantageous or helpful nature of the consequence.

welcome outcome

Emphasizes the desirability and acceptance of the result.

happy development

Suggests a positive turn of events or progress.

auspicious result

Implies the consequence is a sign of future success or good fortune; more formal.

propitious outcome

Similar to auspicious, suggesting favorable conditions or a promising future; very formal.

salutary effect

Emphasizes the positive and often health-related or corrective nature of the result; somewhat formal.

FAQs

How can I use "benevolent consequence" in a sentence?

Use "benevolent consequence" to describe a positive result that stems from an act of kindness or goodwill. For example, "The charity's efforts had a "benevolent consequence", improving the lives of many."

What's a good substitute for "benevolent consequence"?

Alternatives include "positive outcome", "favorable result", or "beneficial effect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "benevolent consequence" a formal or informal phrase?

While not overly formal, "benevolent consequence" is more suitable for formal writing than casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "positive result" may be preferred in informal contexts.

Does "benevolent consequence" imply intention?

Yes, "benevolent consequence" suggests that the positive outcome was, at least in part, the result of a deliberate act of kindness or goodwill. It implies a moral dimension that other similar phrases might not.