direct consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

"direct consequence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the immediate result of a certain action or situation. For example, "The direct consequence of his irresponsible behavior is that his family no longer trusts him."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The terrible failings that followed it were a direct consequence".

The Guardian

Maternal mortality is often a direct consequence of poverty.

The Guardian

They were a direct consequence of the single currency – they were its intended consequence.

The Guardian - Opinion

His command of line is a direct consequence of a solid uncomplicated action.

The Guardian - Sport

Our high rail fares, like our low pensions, are also the direct consequence of neoliberalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speculative fiction (SF) is the ideal laboratory for social experimentation without direct consequence (usually).

The Guardian - Opinion

Over time they will, in direct consequence, decline steadily in real terms.

The Guardian

As a direct consequence, (8).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

(4) is a direct consequence from (3).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

(II) is a direct consequence of (I).

Boundary Value Problems

This is a direct consequence of the social games phenomenon.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "direct consequence", ensure that the causal link between the action or event and the consequence is clear and easily understood by your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "direct consequence" when the relationship between the cause and effect is tenuous or involves multiple intervening factors. In such cases, consider using phrases like "indirect result" or "related outcome".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "direct consequence" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier. It indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting that something is a direct result of a prior action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a commonly used phrase across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "direct consequence" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote a clear and immediate cause-and-effect relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage. Analysis of example sentences reveals that it's most frequently employed in scientific, news, and business contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the causal link is evident and unambiguous. Alternatives such as "immediate result" or "inevitable outcome" may be considered to better suit the specific context. Remember to avoid overstating the directness of the consequence when multiple contributing factors are involved. Understanding the grammatical function, communicative purpose, and appropriate register enables effective and precise use of "direct consequence" in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediate result

Focuses on the temporal proximity of the consequence.

inevitable outcome

Highlights the certainty of the consequence.

logical conclusion

Emphasizes the rationality and predictability of the consequence.

natural effect

Suggests a seamless and expected transition from cause to consequence.

proximate effect

Similar to immediate result, but emphasizes a more causal effect.

straightforward ramification

Highlights how the consequences are simple to understand and follow directly from the cause.

ensuing development

Suggests the consequence unfolds or progresses over a short period.

resultant development

Places particular emphasis on the developmental aspects of what is caused.

deriving outcome

Emphasizes the origin of the outcome from the specific cause.

tracing effect

Focuses on the ability to follow and directly link the effect back to its origin.

FAQs

How can I use "direct consequence" in a sentence?

Use "direct consequence" to indicate that something is an immediate result of a specific action or event. For example, "The company's failure to innovate was a "direct consequence" of its outdated business model".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "direct consequence"?

You can use alternatives like "immediate result", "inevitable outcome", or "logical conclusion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "direct and immediate consequence"?

While not strictly incorrect, "direct and immediate consequence" can be redundant as "direct consequence" already implies immediacy. Choose one word or the other to keep the sentence concise.

What's the difference between "direct consequence" and "indirect consequence"?

"Direct consequence" implies a clear and immediate causal link, while "indirect consequence" suggests a more complex relationship with intervening factors. Use "indirect consequence" when the outcome is not immediately obvious or has other contributing causes.