buffer the consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "buffer the consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing strategies to mitigate or lessen the impact of negative outcomes. Example: "To ensure a smoother transition during the merger, we need to buffer the consequences of potential layoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In addition, newborns are the most vulnerable patients as their internal reserves, which buffer the consequences of medication errors, are more limited [ 2- 4].

BMC Pediatrics

Modulation of gene expression through epigenetic regulation may provide a mechanism to allow the placenta to buffer the consequences of a variety of adverse genetic and environmental conditions.

Human Reproduction

Having the factors organizing the activity of these regulatory regions also involved in promoter activity may have been adapted though evolution to buffer the consequences of mis-regulation.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We further discuss if and how adaptation of plant reproductive strategies can buffer the demographic consequences of pollinator decline, and possibly rescue plant populations from extinction.

Trends in Plant Science

These findings further support the hypothesis that active maternal care and long mother offspring separation act independently, and exert opposing effects, on adult offspring's HPA responses, but that increased maternal care may buffer the adverse consequences of long separations.

Behavioural Brain Research

Genes required to buffer the phenotypic consequences of mutations in other loci were identified using synthetic lethal genetic interaction screens.

Plosone

Although the shape of the landscape may alter slightly in the face of genetic variation, the tendency of the system to stay near the valley floor will buffer the phenotypic consequences of these variations.

BMC Systems Biology

That is, positive or rewarding stress may buffer the brain from the potentially adverse consequences of physical exertion.

Plosone

The latter two mechanisms may contribute to the importance of host genotype in shaping endophytic communities, and as a consequence may partially buffer the bacterial endophytic communities of this crop from geographic migration.

BMC Plant Biology

The guess is that there must be some other factor in their genetic makeup that buffers them against the consequences of the inherited mutation.

The Guardian

This quality of attention to the present moment has been claimed to buffer adverse consequences of negative emotions, which are strongly present in type Ds, by (a) identification and letting go of ruminative thoughts about the past or future and (b) mental and bodily relaxation [ 22].

Clinical Rheumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like policy changes or potential errors, use "buffer the consequences" to suggest a proactive approach to minimizing negative impacts.

Common error

Avoid using "buffer the consequences" when the action merely delays or shifts the negative outcome rather than genuinely reducing its overall impact. Ensure the buffering action has a real and lasting effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "buffer the consequences" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken to mitigate or lessen the impact of an event or situation. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts relating to medication errors, environmental conditions, and mis-regulation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "buffer the consequences" is a phrase used to describe actions taken to mitigate or lessen the impact of negative outcomes. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and is mostly found in scientific and formal contexts. Alternatives include phrases like "mitigate the repercussions" or "soften the impact". When using this phrase, ensure that the buffering action has a real and lasting effect, and avoid using it when the action only delays or shifts the negative outcome. The phrase conveys a proactive approach to minimizing negative impacts, making it a valuable addition to professional and academic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mitigate the repercussions

Focuses on lessening the direct effects or results of an action or event.

soften the impact

Emphasizes reducing the force or severity of an impact.

cushion the effects

Suggests providing a protective layer to reduce the harm.

lessen the severity

Highlights reducing the intensity or seriousness of something negative.

alleviate the effects

Focuses on providing relief from negative effects.

reduce the impact

A more general term for decreasing the effect of something.

dampen the effects

Implies suppressing or restraining the effects.

ameliorate the consequences

Suggests improving or making the consequences more tolerable.

absorb the shock

Focuses on taking in the impact to prevent it from affecting something else.

offset the results

Implies counteracting the consequences with something of equal or opposite force.

FAQs

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

You can use "buffer the consequences" to describe actions taken to mitigate negative outcomes. For example, "The government implemented new policies to "buffer the consequences" of the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "buffer the consequences"?

Alternatives include "mitigate the repercussions", "soften the impact", or "cushion the effects".

Is "buffer against the consequences" grammatically correct?

While "buffer the consequences" is more common, "buffer against the consequences" is also grammatically correct and emphasizes protection from the negative outcomes.

What kind of scenarios is "buffer the consequences" most appropriate for?

"Buffer the consequences" is most suitable in contexts where actions are taken to lessen the negative impact of events, such as policy changes, medication errors, or environmental conditions.