can result in

USAGE SUMMARY

'can result in' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a potential consequence of an action. For example, "Eating too much sugar can result in weight gain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yes, overconfidence can result in excess.

The New York Times - Books

Downwarps can result in extensive flooding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Convictions can result in prison sentences.

The New York Times

This can result in higher premiums".

The New York Times

Multiple cats can result in unwelcome odors.

The New York Times

Profiling can result in rigidity.

The New York Times

"But problems can result in creative solutions.

The Guardian - Film

This can result in major dysfunctions.

The Guardian

Surgery can result in incontinence and impotence.

The New York Times - Health

The smallest lapse can result in defeat.

The New York Times - Sports

"That can result in incredible results happening very quickly".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can result in", ensure the sentence clearly establishes the cause-and-effect relationship. Be specific about the potential outcome to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can result in" with overly broad or undefined consequences. Instead of saying, "This can result in problems", specify what kind of problems may arise.

Linguistic Context

"Can result in" functions as a causal connector, linking a cause or action to a potential consequence. As Ludwig AI illustrates, this phrase is frequently used to indicate a possible outcome based on a preceding event or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

28%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can result in" functions as a causal connector, indicating a potential outcome or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various registers, from formal news and scientific articles to informal wikis. The phrase effectively communicates a cause-and-effect relationship, though it's crucial to ensure clarity and specificity in defining the potential outcomes. Alternatives like "may lead to" or "might cause" offer nuanced options for conveying similar meanings with varying degrees of certainty. When using "can result in", clarity and precision are key to ensuring the message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may lead to

Indicates a possibility of a particular outcome, similar to "can result in" but with a slightly weaker sense of certainty.

might cause

Suggests a potential cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing the causative aspect more directly than "can result in".

could produce

Highlights the generative aspect of the cause, implying that something new is created as a result.

may generate

Similar to "could produce", but specifically emphasizes the creation or production of something as a consequence.

is likely to create

Indicates a high probability of a certain outcome, suggesting a strong causal link.

often brings about

Implies a habitual or frequent consequence, suggesting that the cause typically leads to the specified result.

potentially triggers

Emphasizes the initiating action that sets off a chain of events leading to a particular outcome.

has the potential to develop into

Highlights the possibility of evolving into something, focusing on the developmental aspect of the consequence.

can give rise to

Suggests that something originates or emerges from the cause, emphasizing the source or origin of the result.

is apt to engender

Implies a natural or inherent tendency to produce a certain result, indicating a strong predisposition.

FAQs

How can I use "can result in" in a sentence?

Use "can result in" to show a cause-and-effect relationship where one action or event has the potential to lead to a specific outcome. For example, "Eating too much sugar can result in weight gain."

What are some alternatives to "can result in"?

You can use alternatives like "may lead to", "might cause", or "could produce" depending on the context and the level of certainty you want to convey.

Is it better to say "can result in" or "will result in"?

"Can result in" implies a possibility, while "will result in" suggests a certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the likelihood of the outcome. If the outcome is guaranteed, use "will result in"; if it's just a possibility, use "can result in".

What's the difference between "can result in" and "can cause"?

While both phrases indicate a causal relationship, "can result in" focuses on the outcome, whereas "can cause" focuses on the action initiating the effect. You might say "Smoking can cause lung cancer" or "Smoking can result in lung cancer", but the first emphasizes the action of smoking while the second emphasizes the outcome of lung cancer.