dire consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dire consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or severe outcome resulting from an action or decision. Example: "If we do not address the issue promptly, we may face dire consequences for our negligence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

A particularly dire consequence of osteoporosis is a broken bone.

Harvard University

Anyone of those, if not addressed properly, would lead to very dire consequence for human beings.

Cornell University

Progression of liver fibrosis to cirrhosis is a dire consequence of chronic liver diseases (CLD).

Clinical Biochemistry

All of this would be funny if it didn't have a dire consequence.

The New York Times

"Every state has to solve this problem or else there's going to be a very dire consequence".

The New York Times

This is of dire consequence in tissue engineering, where seeded cells and bioactive components are separated from the native tissue, limiting the regenerative potential of the design.

Biomaterials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Transgression can have dire consequences.

The Economist

"It comes with dire consequences.

The New York Times

Economists may predict dire consequences.

The Guardian

Brookhaven also faced dire consequences.

The New York Times

But the impasse could have dire consequences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dire consequence", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause-and-effect relationship to emphasize the severity of the outcome. It is better to clearly state the origin of the consequence to help build a stronger argument.

Common error

Avoid using "dire consequence" to describe trivial or minor situations. This diminishes the impact of the phrase when describing genuinely serious outcomes. Use less dramatic language for less dramatic scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dire consequence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a significantly negative outcome resulting from a particular action, inaction, or situation, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dire consequence" is a frequently used noun phrase to describe serious negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, this phrase serves to emphasize the severity of potential repercussions. While alternatives like "grave repercussions" or "catastrophic outcome" exist, "dire consequence" provides a potent and widely understood means of conveying urgency and the potential for significant damage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catastrophic outcome

Emphasizes the disastrous nature of the result.

grave repercussions

Focuses on the serious and far-reaching effects.

severe ramifications

Highlights the complex and interconnected consequences.

terrible aftermath

Focuses on the events following a particular occurrence.

devastating effect

Highlights the level of destruction caused by the event.

critical impact

Emphasizes the importance and severity of the impact.

major fallout

Implies widespread and negative repercussions.

tragic result

Highlights the sadness and loss associated with the consequence.

negative sequelae

A more formal and medical term for negative consequences.

unfavorable outcome

A more generic term that implies an undesirable result.

FAQs

How to use "dire consequence" in a sentence?

The phrase "dire consequence" is used to describe a very serious negative outcome. For example: "Failure to address climate change will have "dire consequences" for future generations."

What are some alternatives to "dire consequence"?

Some alternatives to "dire consequence" include "grave repercussions", "catastrophic outcome", or "severe ramifications". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "dire consequence" in formal writing?

Yes, "dire consequence" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the severity of a potential outcome. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What is the difference between "dire consequence" and "serious consequence"?

"Dire consequence" suggests a more severe and calamitous outcome than "serious consequence". While both indicate negativity, "dire" implies a greater level of urgency and potential for irreversible damage.