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
collective consequence
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "collective consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the shared outcomes or effects that result from a group action or decision. Example: "The collective consequence of our choices will shape the future of our community."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(2)
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
6 human-written examples
Best and worst profit rankings are determined in each DMU by considering possible choices of DEA weights as a collective consequence of all DMUs.
Science
There is no contradiction whatsoever between striving to be below 2°C and net zero emissions except one; net zero is simple and actionable, the other is a collective consequence, but not a business goal.
News & Media
Decreased plant growth caused by heavy metals is a collective consequence of inhibition of photosynthesis, translocation of photosynthetic products and cell division (Drążkiewicz and Baszyński 2005).
Science
These abnormalities are a collective consequence of insulin resistance and increased lipid substrate availability in the liver, as well as depressed activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic clearance receptors (3).
Science
The disturbances in the membrane assembly lead to changes in fluidity and permeability, modifications of ion transport, and inhibition of metabolic processes, altogether revealed to be the collective consequence of reactive oxygen species formed during lipid peroxidation [ 42].
If the overall burden of diarrheal disease represents the collective consequence of a large number of pathogens, each making a small contribution, it is unlikely that the vaccine approach would be feasible from the epidemiologic, industrial, financial, or public health perspectives.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
"Sarnoff's decision to develop its site makes sense in isolation," he said, noting, however, that if land-use decisions continue to be made piecemeal, "the collective consequences from the potential development will be calamity".
News & Media
Finally, these collective consequences demonstrated that our flexible piezoelectric NMFs can be cost-effectively fabricated and easily integrated into wearable electronics such as smart cyber skin/garment, human actions monitor, joint rehabilitation evaluation, etc.
Science
So-called "individual" actions have collective consequences through the epigenome.
News & Media
It is the freedom to live unharmed by the collective consequences of individual actions, even if those actions are not intended to harm individuals.
News & Media
Climate change and the effect on our environment and our species isn't an abstract concept; it's about the lives of people, real people - your family, your friends, your neighbors - and of the collective consequences of our individual actions upon our tiny blue planet.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "collective consequence", ensure the context clearly establishes the group or collective responsible for the action leading to the consequence.
Common error
Avoid assuming that a "collective consequence" negates individual responsibility. While the outcome is shared, individual actions within the group still contribute to it.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "collective consequence" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a result or outcome shared by a group. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, with examples showing it as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting its role in describing shared impacts.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
17%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
8%
Social Media
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "collective consequence" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe shared outcomes or effects resulting from group actions. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable, though not exceedingly common. It's primarily used in science, news, and formal contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the connection between the group and the resulting outcome is clear. Avoid assuming that the shared nature of the consequence diminishes individual responsibility. Alternatives like "shared outcome" or "group result" may be suitable depending on the context. Remember that "collective consequence" implies a singular outcome, while "collective consequences" suggests multiple results.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
shared outcome
Focuses on the outcome being shared among a group rather than the origin of the outcome.
group result
Emphasizes that the result is attributed to a group, not necessarily a consequence.
joint effect
Highlights the effect being jointly experienced, shifting the emphasis from consequence.
communal impact
Focuses on the impact being communal, changing the nuance from a direct consequence.
aggregate outcome
Highlights the outcome being aggregated, not specifically a consequence or result.
cumulative effect
Focuses on the effect being cumulative over time rather than a single consequence.
societal ramification
Emphasizes societal scale and indirect impact, changing the level of consequence.
universal effect
Shifts focus on effect being universal, changing perspective from being direct consequence.
general repercussion
Highlights a more generalized response or indirect impact, changing the perspective from direct consequence.
overall implication
Implies a broader, less direct connection, rather than a specific consequence.
FAQs
What does "collective consequence" mean?
The phrase "collective consequence" refers to the shared outcomes or effects resulting from the actions or decisions of a group or collective.
How can I use "collective consequence" in a sentence?
You can use "collective consequence" to describe situations where the result is a shared responsibility or impact. For instance, "The environmental damage is a "collective consequence" of industrial pollution".
What are some alternatives to "collective consequence"?
You can use alternatives like "shared outcome", "group result", or "joint effect" depending on the context.
Is "collective consequence" the same as "collective consequences"?
While similar, "collective consequence" refers to a singular, overarching result, while "collective consequences" implies multiple outcomes or effects. Choose the term that best fits the specific situation you're describing. Consider also the alternative "collective effects".
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
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested