consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the results or effects of an action or decision, often in a negative context. Example: "The consequences of ignoring the warning signs can be severe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Accept it or face the consequences.

The New York Times

One way or another the major UK parties have been pretty rough in their election campaign efforts to neutralise or exploit the likely consequences on Westminster of an SNP-dominated contingent from Scotland.

The Guardian

This is the notion that openness is a certain good, and that "free" is automatically aligned with "freedom" – a faith that's hard to maintain in the light of the consequences of putting so much of our identities into the hands of third (and fourth, and fifth) parties.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just because we've had to live with the ghastly consequences of their fatuous, self-interested actions for the whole of our adult lives, that doesn't mean we're qualified to judge them.

The Guardian

When asked if the family had allowed di Girolamo to escape the consequences of the loan as Eddie junior had taken responsibility for it, Paul replied that the two were very close: "I sometimes think he treats me like his step-brother and Nick like his real brother".

The Guardian

Carney says the president could not pretend nothing was wrong: The shutdown that we went through had real consequences, real costs.

The Guardian

Related: Tessa Jowell launches London mayoral bid with housebuilding pledge Jowell said: "Most mothers can form strong bonds with their children, but there are hundreds of children born every year in this city who are not born with that opportunity, and its consequences are lifelong.

The Guardian

Earlier this week, Valls said the removal of a person's nationality "is a legitimate question that arises regarding the consequences to which a person exposes themselves when they decide to attack the nation to which they belong because they were born there or have been accepted there".

The Guardian

This unmentionability can have other serious consequences: if girls can't afford sanitary napkins or cloths, they use straw, or sand, or newspaper, often resulting in infections.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is possible that many of your measures have been subject to a law of unintended consequences.

The Guardian - Opinion

A 45-year-old senior lecturer at Chelsea college of art and design, who did not wish to be named, said: "There was a free teach-in at 5 o'clock and various speakers came and talked about the consequences of the cuts on the arts and education.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "consequences", be specific about whether you are referring to intended or unintended results to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "consequences" without specifying what actions lead to them. Clearly articulate the cause-and-effect relationship to make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "consequences" is as a noun, specifically the plural form of 'consequence'. Ludwig indicates it refers to the results or effects of an action or condition. Its usage is prevalent in describing outcomes that follow from specific events or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consequences" is a commonly used noun that refers to the results or effects of an action or decision. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media contexts. While often associated with negative outcomes, "consequences" can also describe neutral or positive results. When writing, it's important to be specific about the causes and whether the "consequences" were intended or unintended. For related terms, consider alternatives like "repercussions", "outcomes", or "effects" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repercussions

Implies indirect or unexpected effects, often negative.

outcomes

Focuses on the end result, often in a neutral or positive way.

results

A general term for what happens after an action.

aftermath

Highlights the period and conditions following a significant event.

effects

Emphasizes the direct impact of something.

implications

Suggests the potential future effects or ramifications.

fallout

Often refers to negative or undesirable consequences.

side effects

Indicates secondary or unintended results.

upshots

An informal term for the final result or conclusion.

chain of events

Focuses on a series of consequences triggered by an initial action.

FAQs

How can I use "consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "consequences" to refer to the results or effects of an action or decision. For example, "Ignoring the warning signs can have severe "consequences"".

What are some alternatives to using the word "consequences"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "repercussions", "outcomes", or "effects". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are "consequences" always negative?

While "consequences" often implies negative results, it can also refer to neutral or even positive outcomes. The specific context determines the connotation. Consider using "positive outcomes" to stress that these are good things.

What's the difference between "consequences" and "implications"?

"Consequences" usually refers to direct results that have already occurred, while "implications" suggests potential future effects or ramifications. Using "potential effects" can help you describe the possibilities.