Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
cause adverse effects
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"cause adverse effects" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the results of taking an action or making a decision that will lead to negative consequences. For example, "Using pesticides in farming causes adverse effects on the environment."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(19)
lead to undesirable consequences
lead to negative consequences
lead to serious consequences
pose risks
lead to devastating consequences
entail serious consequences
result in grave outcomes
cause any detrimental
cause any harm
have a detrimental impact
entail severe repercussions
cause significant difficulties
lead to serious implications
pose substantial risks
lead to substantial consequences
lead to dangerous consequences
lead to serious ramifications
lead to serious outcomes
lead to serious impacts
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Along with inflammation relief, however, NSAIDs also cause adverse effects.
Science
Biological washing powder can cause adverse effects in people with sensitive skin.
News & Media
Also, all diabetes drugs have the potential to cause adverse effects, both minor and serious.
News & Media
Most of these are stimulants and if overused can cause adverse effects (racing heart beat as an example).
Academia
However, habitual administration of Gly may cause adverse effects marked by the development of pseudohypercorticosteroidism.
Interventions are needed to ameliorate stress that does not cause adverse effects.
However, transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) may cause adverse effects and increase cost.
However, certain chemical substances may cause adverse effects to human's health after prolonged and repeated exposure.
Propofol may cause adverse effects (e.g. apnoea, hypotension) at induction of anaesthesia.
Food and Drug Administration scientists have said that it can cause adverse effects, most commonly heart attacks, strokes, angina and irregular heartbeat.
News & Media
However, an April 2016 report by the Mekong River Commission predicted the dams would cause "adverse effects" to the environment and economy.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing potential risks in scientific or medical writing, use "cause adverse effects" to clearly indicate the possibility of negative outcomes. For instance, "The new drug may cause adverse effects, such as nausea and dizziness."
Common error
Avoid using "cause adverse effects" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "cause problems" or "have negative effects" to maintain a natural tone.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "cause adverse effects" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something leads to negative outcomes. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and common usage. Ludwig AI confirms it is usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
75%
News & Media
15%
Academia
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "cause adverse effects" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe the production of negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms it is usable in written English. It is commonly found in formal and scientific contexts, particularly in the fields of medicine, science, and environmental studies. When using this phrase, consider its formal tone and whether simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal communication. According to Ludwig, you can also consider synonyms like "induce negative effects" or "trigger harmful effects". Understanding these nuances will help ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
induce negative effects
Replaces "cause" with "induce" and "adverse" with "negative", maintaining a similar level of formality.
trigger harmful effects
Substitutes "cause" with "trigger" and "adverse" with "harmful", implying a more immediate or direct causation.
generate detrimental effects
Replaces "cause" with "generate" and "adverse" with "detrimental", suggesting a more substantial or long-lasting negative impact.
lead to unfavorable outcomes
Rephrases the entire expression to focus on outcomes rather than effects, using "unfavorable" as a substitute for "adverse".
result in unwanted consequences
Shifts the focus to consequences, using "unwanted" to convey the negative aspect of the outcome.
produce damaging consequences
Emphasizes the damaging nature of the consequences, using "produce" as a synonym for "cause".
have negative repercussions
Uses "repercussions" to highlight the far-reaching or indirect effects of the cause.
create problematic situations
Less formal alternative that highlights the creation of difficult or troublesome situations.
give rise to ill effects
Uses "give rise to" to imply a more gradual or indirect causation of negative effects.
pose risks of harmful impact
Focuses on the potential risks and harmful impact, shifting the emphasis from direct causation to potential consequences.
FAQs
What are some synonyms for "cause adverse effects"?
Alternatives include "induce negative effects", "trigger harmful effects", and "generate detrimental effects". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.
How can I use "cause adverse effects" in a sentence?
You can use "cause adverse effects" to describe how something produces negative or harmful results. For example, "Pollution can cause adverse effects on the environment" or "Certain medications may cause adverse effects in some patients."
Is "cause adverse effects" formal or informal?
"Cause adverse effects" is generally considered a formal phrase, often used in scientific, medical, and technical contexts. Simpler alternatives are more suitable for informal communication.
What's the difference between "cause adverse effects" and "have negative impacts"?
While both phrases convey a negative outcome, "cause adverse effects" is often used in more technical or scientific contexts, whereas "have negative impacts" is more broadly applicable. "Effects" also tend to be more immediate and tangible, whereas "impacts" are further reaching.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested