could be a consequence of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be a consequence of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that one thing could be a result of or related to another. For example, "The rise in global temperatures could be a consequence of excessive industrial pollution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Much of mental pathology could be a consequence of culture.

The Guardian

And your husband's defensiveness could be a consequence of fear or anger.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The alteration in these membrane associated activities could be a consequence of altered membrane architecture.

NeuroToxicology

Feelings of loneliness could be a consequence of the early stages of dementia rather than a contributing factor".

The Guardian

This asymmetry could be a consequence of two factors.

Geochemical Transactions

It could be a consequence of the response of Vm to the alternating field.

Cancer Nanotechnology

So, the circadian disturbances could be a consequence of longer duration of symptoms.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Broad lasing spectra could be a consequence of high injection current densities required for lasing in the annealed devices [12].

Nanoscale Research Letters

"It could be a consequence of decisions that your government takes or doesn't take".

Los Angeles Times

In 1892 Hendrik Lorentz suggested that the mass of these particles (electrons) could be a consequence of their electric charge.

Wikipedia

This outcome could be a consequence of the expected higher background signal on chromosomal origins.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "might result from" or "may be due to" for variety in your writing, but ensure the chosen alternative maintains the intended nuance of possibility and causation.

Common error

Avoid presenting the relationship as a certainty when using "could be a consequence of". This phrase indicates a possibility, not a definitive cause. Overstating the connection can weaken your argument if evidence is lacking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be a consequence of" functions as a causal connector, linking a potential cause with its possible effect. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. This phrase is used to express a possible relationship rather than a definitive conclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be a consequence of" is a grammatically correct and very common causal connector used to suggest a possible relationship between two elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news media. When writing with this expression, ensure you clarify the potential cause-and-effect relationship and avoid overstating the connection as a certainty. Be mindful of context and explore related phrases for variety, while maintaining precision and accuracy in expressing potential causation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be caused by

Directly states a potential cause, emphasizing the possibility that one thing leads to another.

might be due to

Indicates a potential cause or reason, suggesting that something is attributable to a particular factor.

might result from

Emphasizes the possibility of a cause-and-effect relationship, similar to "could be a consequence of".

may stem from

Suggests an origin or source, implying that something originates from a particular cause.

might be attributed to

Highlights the potential assignment of a cause, suggesting a possible explanation for something.

could arise from

Focuses on the emergence or origination of something as a result of a particular factor.

may be a product of

Indicates that something is the result or outcome of a specific process or influence.

might be linked to

Suggests a correlation or connection, implying that two things are related in some way.

may derive from

Focuses on the origin or source from which something is obtained or developed.

could be explained by

Suggests a possible reason or justification for something.

FAQs

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

Use "could be a consequence of" to suggest a possible result or outcome of a particular action or situation. For example, "The increased pollution levels could be a consequence of industrial expansion."

What are some alternatives to "could be a consequence of"?

You can use alternatives like "might result from", "may be due to", or "might be attributed to" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "could be a consequence of" or "could be as a consequence of"?

"Could be a consequence of" is the correct and more concise phrasing. "Could be as a consequence of" is redundant and less common.

What's the difference between "could be a consequence of" and "is a consequence of"?

"Could be a consequence of" suggests a possibility or potential outcome, whereas "is a consequence of" indicates a confirmed and definite result.