consequences unfold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consequences unfold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process or development of outcomes resulting from a particular action or event over time. Example: "As the investigation continued, the consequences unfold, revealing the extent of the corruption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

To argue that the resulting vote at one moment in time represents Britain's last word on the matter is a travesty of democracy, especially as the consequences unfold.

The Guardian - Opinion

For Simudyne's simulations, meanwhile, the visualisations work to "gamify" the underlying algorithms and data, so that anyone can play with the initial conditions and watch the consequences unfold.

The Guardian

Because we have a large frontal lobe, we can close our eyes, simulate our actions and watch their consequences unfold on the little theater screens in our minds.

Forbes

Ruffalo has long been an outspoken advocate against fracking, arguing, "we've seen grave consequences unfold: from drinking water contaminated with toxic chemicals and radioactive waste, to residents reportedly getting sick, livestock dropping dead, homes exploding, and property values tanking".

Huffington Post

Where this risky gas drilling practice is already happening around the country -- including right next door in Pennsylvania -- we've seen grave consequences unfold: from drinking water contaminated with toxic chemicals and radioactive waste, to residents reportedly getting sick, livestock dropping dead, homes exploding, and property values tanking.

Huffington Post

This distinction is important because it indicates that these occipitotemporal cortex areas may play a significant role in action planning and control, possibly by predicting the sensory consequences of actions/movement even before those consequences unfold.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The consequences unfolded quickly.

The New York Times

Despite their current limitations, EMA methodologies offer considerable promise for studying a variety of questions about how the process of using alcohol and experiencing its consequences unfolds in the real world.

Alcohol research : current reviews

More subtle consequences also unfold.

The New York Times

But the worst of these consequences would unfold after Trump's presidency, so he could concentrate on his other environmental policies.

The Guardian

Hardly a day goes by without a heavyweight from Frankfurt or Brussels warning Athens that unless it keeps on paying its loans in full and on time, dire consequences will unfold: investors will never lend to the government again, nor will foreign businesses come to the Med.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consequences unfold" to emphasize the gradual revelation or development of outcomes over time. It is particularly effective when describing long-term effects or the unfolding of a complex situation.

Common error

Avoid using "consequences unfold" in contexts where simpler phrases like "results appear" or "outcomes happen" would be more appropriate. Reserve it for situations where the unfolding aspect is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consequences unfold" functions as a verb phrase where "consequences" acts as the subject, and "unfold" is the verb, indicating a process or development. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase follows standard grammar rules, making it suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "consequences unfold" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to depict the gradual development and revelation of outcomes over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammar rules and is commonly found in news, science, and wiki contexts. While alternatives like "outcomes materialize" and "results become evident" exist, "consequences unfold" is particularly effective when emphasizing the unfolding nature of events. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in situations where simpler alternatives would suffice. Based on the expert rating, the phrase is considered highly reliable and authoritative, making it a valuable tool for expressing nuanced ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outcomes materialize

Changes the verb to 'materialize', focusing on the outcomes becoming real or apparent.

results become evident

Replaces "consequences" with "results" and "unfold" with "become evident", emphasizing the clarity of the outcomes.

repercussions emerge

Uses "repercussions" to specify negative consequences and "emerge" to indicate their appearance.

effects transpire

Employs "effects" as a broader term for consequences and "transpire" to convey the unfolding of events.

developments unfold

Substitutes "consequences" with "developments", suggesting a broader range of unfolding events, not necessarily negative.

aftermath reveals itself

Focuses on the period after an event, with the aftermath showing its consequences.

the situation evolves

Highlights the changing state of affairs as a result of consequences.

the story develops

Frames the unfolding as a narrative, emphasizing the progression of events.

events play out

Uses a theatrical metaphor to describe the unfolding of events and their consequences.

the future unfolds

Shifts the focus to the future and how it reveals the consequences over time.

FAQs

How can I use "consequences unfold" in a sentence?

You can use "consequences unfold" to describe how the results of an action or event become apparent over time. For example: "As the investigation continued, the "consequences unfold", revealing the extent of the corruption."

What are some alternatives to "consequences unfold"?

Alternatives include "outcomes materialize", "results become evident", or "repercussions emerge". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "consequences unfold" formal or informal?

"Consequences unfold" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. It's often found in news, academic writing, and professional reports. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal settings.

What's the difference between "consequences unfold" and "consequences happen"?

"Consequences unfold" suggests a process or gradual revelation of outcomes, whereas "consequences happen" is a more general statement about outcomes occurring. The former is better when you want to emphasize the unfolding nature of the results.