consider consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consider consequences" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the importance of thinking about the outcomes of actions or decisions. For example, "Before making a decision, it's crucial to consider consequences." Alternative expressions include "think about outcomes" and "evaluate repercussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Moral agency issues from an ability to consider consequences.

Yale University

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said that if the attack was confirmed, "Germany would be among those who consider consequences to be appropriate".

The Guardian

And she says those who "see political or commercial advantage in heightening cynicism" should consider consequences including degrading the quality of political debate and diminishing civic life.

The Guardian

Day breaks, the phone blinks on the pillow like a one-eyed lover, and without pausing to clean your teeth, make coffee or consider consequences, you finger it.

Independent

The workshop examined the impact of the widespread decline of the welfare state on long-standing claims to social citizenship, and consider consequences for democratic participation in Europe, and in the United States.

Columbia University

His attitude toward oral arguments contrasts sharply with that of his colleagues, who seem to find questioning the lawyers who appear before them a valuable way to sharpen the issues in the case, probe weaknesses, consider consequences, correct misunderstandings and start a conversation among the justices that will continue in their private conferences.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

This sense separates them from fools who are quick to rush into things before considering consequences.

Harvard Business Review

Geller argues that, in such cases, cross-border infringing acts could be best localized by considering consequences for judicial remedies.

Harvard University

Despair that people think it's OK to share everything and anything about their personal lives, without considering consequences for others or themselves.

The Guardian - Tech

That is why, after considering consequences and duties, you need to think about practicalities: Of the possible solutions to your problem, which is most likely to work?

Harvard Business Review

Thus far, the majority of these alterations have been considered consequences as opposed to causes in the lung cancer development.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about decision-making, use "consider consequences" to encourage a thorough evaluation of potential results before acting. It emphasizes responsible planning.

Common error

A common mistake is to only focus on immediate or easily visible outcomes. Always broaden your scope to include potential long-term, indirect, and less obvious effects to ensure thoroughness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consider consequences" primarily functions as a call to action, urging individuals or groups to think about and evaluate the potential results—both positive and negative—of their decisions or actions. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from personal choices to political decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consider consequences" is a commonly used phrase that urges careful thought about the potential results of actions and decisions. Ludwig's analysis shows that it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability and importance across various fields. The phrase serves to promote responsible decision-making by encouraging individuals and groups to think critically about potential outcomes. When writing, be mindful of overlooking long-term effects and broaden the scope of analysis to include less obvious impacts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and highly relevant in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weigh the repercussions

Uses "weigh" to emphasize careful consideration and "repercussions" to highlight the potential negative outcomes.

evaluate the implications

"Evaluate" suggests a more formal assessment, and "implications" broadens the scope to include indirect effects.

think through the ramifications

"Think through" emphasizes a thorough mental process, and "ramifications" suggests far-reaching and complex outcomes.

assess the potential outcomes

"Assess" implies a careful evaluation of possible results.

foresee the effects

"Foresee" focuses on predicting future impacts or results.

reflect on the aftereffects

"Reflect" indicates deep thought, and "aftereffects" emphasizes the results that follow an event.

deliberate on the results

"Deliberate" implies careful and unhurried consideration, with a direct focus on "results".

contemplate the fallout

"Contemplate" suggests a thoughtful consideration of the negative results implied by "fallout".

bear in mind the consequences

Emphasizes remembering and considering the implications of actions.

be mindful of the results

Suggests attentiveness and awareness of possible results.

FAQs

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

You can use "consider consequences" to emphasize the importance of thinking about the potential results of actions. For example: "It is crucial to "consider consequences" before making any major decision".

What is the difference between "consider consequences" and "face consequences"?

"Consider consequences" means to think about potential outcomes before taking action, while "face consequences" means to deal with the results of actions that have already occurred. One is proactive, the other reactive.

What can I say instead of "consider consequences"?

You can use alternatives like "evaluate the implications", "weigh the repercussions", or "think through the ramifications".

Is it always necessary to "consider consequences" before acting?

While it is not always possible or practical to fully evaluate every potential outcome, generally, yes. Considering the potential "impacts" can help prevent unintended negative results.