consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

"consequence" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a noun meaning a result or effect of an action or situation, or as an adjective meaning having an effect or bearing. Example sentence: The consequence of regular exercise is improved health.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're working hard over the holiday period to make the necessary adjustments to our timetable as a consequence, and to provide as much information as we can".

The Guardian - Business

There's no inevitable consequence of urbanisation that is either positive or negative.

The Guardian

Asked if his approach to this World Cup had changed as a consequence of England's failure in South Africa, the 67-year-old on £6.7m a year replied; "I haven't changed things, it is Fifa that have changed things.

The Guardian - Sport

As a consequence, even if the SFO had been aware of cheques to the Conservative party in 1993 – and assuming there was sufficient evidence of theft – prosecutors would not have been likely to add a count to the indictment.

The Guardian - Business

Another unintended consequence is the seeking of bargain work in Asia and eastern Europe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many Saudis had urged Abdullah to initiate change on social, educational, youth and economic issues when he was crown prince, and a minority considered these problems a consequence of the limited opportunities for political participation.

The Guardian

As a consequence of Westminster, Britishness has unfortunately become associated with greed and selfishness.

The Guardian

In a short statement issued on Friday, the family said the postmortem examination had confirmed that the death of Kennedy, aged 55, at home in Caol, near Fort William, on Monday "was a consequence of his battle with alcoholism".

The Guardian

Charles's death was caused by a major haemorrhage and the report makes clear this was a consequence of his battle with alcoholism".

The Guardian

Yet while ABT must be congratulating themselves on the prime showcase they have acquired for their smart dancers, one gloriously gossip-worthy consequence of putting a trio of megastar choreographers in the same show has been the necessary juggling of three mega egos.

The Guardian

It has also left the power-sharing executive facing an estimated £600m funding gap this financial year – partially as a consequence of Treasury penalties for not implementing welfare reforms running at just under £10m per month.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consequence" to emphasize a logical or causal relationship between an action or event and its result. For clarity, ensure the connection is explicit within your sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "consequence" when there is no clear or direct causal link. Using it loosely weakens the strength of your argument and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The word "consequence" primarily functions as a noun, denoting something that logically or naturally follows from an action or condition. Ludwig confirms that this word is commonly used and grammatically correct. Examples show its use in expressing outcomes and impacts across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consequence" is a versatile noun used to describe the result or effect of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms that "consequence" is grammatically correct. As Ludwig examples show, it frequently appears in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts, signaling its wide applicability. The word helps establish causal relationships, which is a key component to take into account when you want to employ this term. While synonyms like "result" and "outcome" exist, "consequence" often implies a more significant or direct causal link. When using this word, ensure there is a clear connection between the action and the result to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

result

This term is a direct synonym, indicating an outcome or effect of something.

outcome

Similar to "result", but often implies a more significant or long-term effect.

effect

A general term for what is produced by a cause; very similar in meaning.

aftermath

Refers to the period and effects following a significant event, often negative.

ramification

Implies a complex or unintended consequence that spreads outwards.

repercussion

Usually refers to an indirect or unexpected consequence of an action.

implication

Suggests something that is inferred or logically follows from something else.

upshot

The final result or conclusion of a series of events.

sequel

Something that follows as a development or result.

impact

The effect or influence of one thing on another.

FAQs

How can I use "consequence" in a sentence?

You can use "consequence" to describe the result or effect of a particular action or event. For example, "The "consequence of not studying" is failing the exam."

What are some alternatives to the word "consequence"?

Alternatives to "consequence" include "result", "outcome", "effect", or "aftermath", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "consequence" and "result"?

"Consequence" often implies a logical or natural outcome, whereas "result" is a more general term for something that follows from an action or cause. Therefore, "consequence" indicates a direct causal relationship, while a "result" might be less directly linked.

What is the plural form of "consequence" and how is it used differently?

The plural form is "consequences", and it is used to refer to multiple results or effects, often implying a series of outcomes. For example, "His actions had severe "unforeseen consequences"."