consequence of

USAGE SUMMARY

"consequence of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a result or a negative outcome that follows from an action or event. For example: "The consequence of ignoring safety procedures was an accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(via Consequence of Sound).

Independent

(H/T Consequence of Sound).

Independent

"That is the consequence of this decision.

Independent

That's the consequence of doing it.

The New York Times

The leak was the consequence of sabotage".

Independent

"Making together a consequence of America".

The New York Times - Books

Beriberi is a consequence of thiamine deficiency.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The consequence of such reports?

Yale University

That's a consequence of aging.

Harvard University

Happiness is the consequence of personal effort.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He said: "It's a consequence [of Brexit].

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consequence of", ensure the connection between cause and effect is clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what action or event led to the particular outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "consequence of" in sentences where a more direct word like "because" or "therefore" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consequence of" functions as a prepositional phrase, primarily acting as an adjective modifying a noun. It indicates a relationship of cause and effect, specifying the outcome or result stemming from a particular action, event, or condition. Ludwig's examples show this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "consequence of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a cause-and-effect relationship. It is grammatically correct and very common across various writing contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig. While often associated with negative outcomes, it can also describe neutral or positive results depending on the context. To enhance clarity, ensure a clear connection between the cause and effect when using this phrase. As the high frequency in News & Media and Academic sources suggests, this expression has a broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

result of

This alternative is more direct and commonly used to indicate an outcome or effect.

outcome of

Focuses on the final result or effect of an action or event.

effect of

Emphasizes the impact or influence of something.

aftermath of

Highlights the period or situation following a significant event, often with negative connotations.

upshot of

Suggests a final and often unforeseen result.

product of

Indicates that something is created or caused by a specific process or influence.

legacy of

Highlights the long-term effects or impact of something from the past.

price of

Implies a cost or sacrifice associated with a particular choice or action.

the fruit of

Suggests a result achieved through effort or labor, often with a positive connotation.

byproduct of

Indicates an unintended or secondary result of a process or action.

FAQs

How can I use "consequence of" in a sentence?

Use "consequence of" to link an action or event with its resulting outcome, often negative. For instance, "The accident was a "consequence of" reckless driving."

What are some alternatives to "consequence of"?

You can use alternatives like "result of", "outcome of", or "effect of" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative when using "consequence of"?

While "consequence of" often implies a negative outcome, it can also refer to neutral or even positive results. The connotation depends on the specific context of its usage.

What's the difference between ""consequence of"" and "because of"?

"Consequence of" emphasizes the outcome or result, while "because of" emphasizes the reason or cause. They can often be used interchangeably, but their focus differs slightly.