chain of consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

"chain of consequences" is correct and can be used in written English.
It generally refers to a series of events that are linked to each other, where one event leads to another. For example, "The company's decision to lay off workers had a chain of consequences, starting with a decrease in productivity and ending with low morale and a high turnover rate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Thyroid failure followed and the devastating chain of consequences pursues me to this day.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even a small change in one component can trigger a chain of consequences in the other parts.

The Guardian

Schlosser asked his readers to consider the chain of consequences they set in motion every time they sit down to eat in a fast-food outlet.

The New Yorker

Pai's deregulatory proposal will probably reverse this decision, according to analysts, setting off a chain of consequences for the industry and how it is regulated.

The Washington Post

Their "butting" asked that we acknowledge a chain of consequences leading back from the atrocity to the wrongdoing of the West.

Independent

One miscalculation leads to another in "Three Worlds," Catherine Corsini's severe, anxiety-producing French drama about the chain of consequences after a hit-and-run accident.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In Cambodia, the US government really did find a way to prove their "domino" theory: the grotesque violence caused pain, anguish, rage and Khmer Rouge popularity in a chain of consequence, factors which toppled against each other like dominoes.

The Guardian - Film

Specific methodologies employed in order to elicit views, opinions and general information on the situation of orphans included Social Mapping, Story games, Comparative Analysis exercises, Rights and Protection matrices, Chain of consequence exercises, Thematic focus group discussion on the situation of orphans and the effects of HIV/AIDS.

Unicef

A Greek restructuring now would reverse that recovery process and could set off a chain reaction of consequences.

The New York Times

Whether the referendum passes or fails could also unleash a chain reaction of consequences.

Los Angeles Times

What does it mean to hold someone responsible not only for their actions, but for the chains of consequence they set snaking through the world?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chain of consequences" to emphasize the linked nature of events, where each action directly influences the next. This is particularly effective in explaining complex systems or cause-and-effect relationships.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because events occur in a "chain of consequences", each preceding event directly caused the subsequent one. Ensure that there is a clear causal link, not just a temporal relationship, to maintain accuracy and avoid logical fallacies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chain of consequences" functions as a noun phrase that describes a series of events interconnected by cause and effect. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, indicating its role in depicting sequential relationships.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chain of consequences" is a valid and useful expression for describing interconnected events where each action influences the next. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "sequence of events" or "domino effect" exist, "chain of consequences" specifically emphasizes the causal relationships between events. It's important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring that each event in the chain is genuinely linked by cause and effect. Its usage is relatively common in news and media, with notable presence in science and business, signifying broad applicability. Remember to avoid correlation versus causation fallacies and use it in contexts that benefit from highlighting causality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

domino effect

Implies that one event triggers a predictable series of related events, often escalating.

ripple effect

Emphasizes the spreading and expanding nature of consequences from a central event.

sequence of events

Focuses on the order of happenings, less directly implying cause and effect.

cascade of outcomes

Suggests a flowing, often uncontrollable progression of results.

train of events

Similar to 'sequence of events' but may imply a predetermined or inevitable progression.

series of repercussions

Highlights the negative or impactful results following an initial action.

progression of impacts

Focuses specifically on the effects of something on something or someone, or their advancement.

succession of results

A more formal way to describe a series of outcomes, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

string of outcomes

Like 'succession', but can imply a slightly less predictable or controlled sequence.

cycle of effects

Highlights that the effects eventually lead back to influence or modify the initial event, creating a loop.

FAQs

How can I use "chain of consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "chain of consequences" to describe a series of events linked together by cause and effect, such as: "The new policy change set off a chain of consequences within the organization".

What is a good substitute for "chain of consequences"?

Alternatives for "chain of consequences" include "sequence of events", "domino effect", or "series of repercussions", each carrying slightly different connotations.

What is the difference between "chain of events" and "chain of consequences"?

"Chain of events" simply refers to a series of occurrences, while "chain of consequences" implies a causal relationship where one event leads to the next, resulting in specific outcomes.

In what contexts is "chain of consequences" most appropriately used?

"Chain of consequences" is suitable for discussing historical events, policy decisions, or any situation where understanding the sequential impact of actions is important. It's also very adequate in more formal contexts.