consequential action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consequential action" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to an action that has significant or important consequences or outcomes. Example: The decision to expand into new markets was a consequential action for the company, resulting in a significant increase in profits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

That's where the most consequential action will take place.

The New York Times

Put the interests, needs and choices of the service user first and foremost in every decision and consequential action.

The Guardian

In a statement, Airbus said it was grateful to the European Commission for "taking consequential action" on its behalf but stressed that it was still prepared to seek a negotiated settlement of the dispute.

The New York Times

Zeid said that threats of violence decreased when local leaders intervened recently to halt hate speech, suggesting "there may still be some space for consequential action to pull the country back from a worst-case scenario".

The Guardian

Marshall said, however, that the same match plan had been a success the previous year, did not agree that the police took no "consequential action" once the exit gate was opened, nor that there was a failure by the match commanders to initiate a sufficient emergency response once the disaster started to unfold.

The Guardian

True, it is harder to make an informed choice when you are young - and that's why caring and disciplined parents (plural) are so vital - but even kids know that actions have consequences, and it's a rare five year old who doesn't understand that dead is dead, that killing is the most consequential action of all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Their consequential actions are, of course, revolting.

The New York Times

As a national leader, Calhoun helped enshrine his racist views in American policy, transforming them into consequential actions.

Yale University

There is a levity to the way in which very consequential actions — homosexual flings, broken marriages, suicide — flit through the narrative frame; credibility suffers.

The New Yorker

They're the passive events Harriet has no part in: it's her consequential actions, choices, decisions and realisations that are the real journey.

The Guardian

The worst aspect of Pruitt's tenure at the E.P.A. was not the ethical lapses, and his head-scratching personal behavior overshadowed much more consequential actions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consequential action", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and scope of the consequences. Be specific about who or what is affected by the action.

Common error

Avoid using "consequential action" when the actual impact is minor or insignificant. Ensure the action genuinely warrants the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consequential action" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "consequential" modifies the noun "action". It describes an action that has significant or important ramifications, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consequential action" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe actions that have significant and noteworthy outcomes. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase sees use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings, indicating a moderate level of formality. When employing this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the weight and scope of the action's consequences. Consider alternatives like "significant action" or "important action" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant action

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the action.

important action

Highlights the action's relevance or necessity.

momentous action

Suggests the action is historically significant or far-reaching.

far-reaching action

Focuses on the broad or widespread effects of the action.

impactful action

Highlights the powerful effect or influence of the action.

pivotal action

Indicates the action serves as a turning point or critical juncture.

critical action

Emphasizes the action's necessity for achieving a specific outcome.

decisive action

Suggests the action is firm and conclusive, resolving a situation.

strategic action

Highlights the action's planning and alignment with a larger goal.

substantial action

Emphasizes the considerable nature or extent of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "consequential action" in a sentence?

You can use "consequential action" to describe decisions or events that have significant repercussions. For example: "The government's decision to cut funding was a "consequential action" that impacted many social programs."

What are some alternatives to "consequential action"?

Some alternatives include "significant action", "important action", or "far-reaching action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "consequential action" formal or informal?

"Consequential action" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or news contexts. It's not typically used in casual conversation.

What makes an action "consequential"?

An action is "consequential" if it results in significant, often widespread or long-lasting, effects or outcomes. The consequences can be positive or negative, but they must be substantial.