dire effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dire effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a severe or serious impact or consequence of an action or event. Example: "The new policy had a dire effect on the local economy, leading to widespread unemployment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

These changes had a dire effect.

The Economist

The bubble also had a dire effect on our national politics.

The New York Times

International officials predict a dire effect if the measures outlined are fully carried out.

The New York Times

Corruption continues to have a dire effect on the global economy.

The Guardian

The state lawmakers said illegal immigrants had a dire effect on state budgets.

The New York Times

Mr. Gandhi said the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and their aftermath have had a dire effect on the city's economy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Media-packaged persona and authentic personality collide, with dire effects.

Independent

But when they are mutated or misregulated, they can have dire effects.

Stanford University

The government's latest legislation, he explains, could have dire effects on the estate.

The Guardian

"Trumpism will have dire effects, but they will take time to become manifest.

The Guardian - Business

America's politicians will be answerable, but heading off these dire effects requires a global agreement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dire effect", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause and the specific nature of the negative consequences being described. Be specific rather than vague to maximize impact.

Common error

Avoid overusing "dire effect" for minor issues. Reserve it for situations where the consequences are genuinely severe and far-reaching. Overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dire effect" functions as a noun phrase, where "dire" modifies the noun "effect". It describes a significantly negative or calamitous outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for describing serious impacts across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

17%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dire effect" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a severely negative outcome or consequence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and encyclopedic entries. While "dire effect" effectively conveys the seriousness of a situation, remember to reserve it for genuinely grave consequences. Alternatives like "devastating impact" or "severe consequence" can be used for semantic variety. By understanding its usage and potential pitfalls, you can use "dire effect" to enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating impact

Emphasizes a more destructive and widespread consequence.

severe consequence

Highlights the gravity of the outcome, focusing on seriousness.

serious repercussions

Shifts focus to the far-reaching and complex nature of the consequences.

grave implications

Suggests profound and potentially dangerous long-term effects.

negative ramifications

Focuses on the complex and often unforeseen negative outcomes.

adverse outcome

A more general term for an unfavorable result or effect.

harmful consequence

Highlights the damaging nature of the effect.

detrimental impact

Emphasizes the damaging and unfavorable influence.

damaging effect

Directly indicates that the consequence causes harm or damage.

catastrophic result

Suggests a disastrous and overwhelming outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "dire effect" in a sentence?

Use "dire effect" to describe a situation where something has a significantly negative outcome. For example, "The budget cuts had a "dire effect" on public services."

What's a good alternative to "dire effect"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "devastating impact", "severe consequence", or "grave implications" instead of "dire effect".

Is it more appropriate to use "dire effect" or "serious effect"?

"Dire effect" implies a greater level of severity and urgency than "serious effect". Choose ""dire effect"" when the consequences are truly catastrophic or life-threatening; otherwise, "serious effect" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "dire effect" and "adverse effect"?

"Adverse effect" is a general term for any unfavorable outcome. "Dire effect" suggests a much more critical and calamitous result. "Adverse" suggests something undesirable, while "dire" suggests extreme misfortune or disaster.