downstream consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

"downstream consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the indirect and long-term effects of an action. For example: "The sale of the company had numerous downstream consequences that were not initially anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turning shyness into a mental disorder has many downstream consequences.

The New Yorker

We needed to see the basic effect before looking at some downstream consequences for marital satisfaction.

The Guardian - Tech

Consequentialist ethics focuses on all bad consequences, not just on abusive conduct and its downstream consequences.

SEP

Failing to do so could produce rules resulting in unintended downstream consequences —confusing and conflicting, not complementary, consumer online privacy protections.

TechCrunch

Compared to our understanding of neurocognitive processes involved producing mimicry, the downstream consequences of being mimicked are less clear.

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

We also discuss strategies of design and oversight required to mitigate any unintended negative downstream consequences of such a system.

Seminars in Oncology

The issue is not money; the issue is choosing the investor right, because it has got huge downstream consequences.

Forbes

As such, the present study examined whether interim testing and other methods employed to affect encoding strategies would have the same downstream consequences for misinformation susceptibility.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Experiment 3 tested whether these inferences have downstream consequences for how people would choose to intervene on disordered behavior by using medication or by using psychotherapy.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

We developed an exceptionally accessible virus system for the study of the activators of maturation and the downstream consequences that result in particle stability and infectivity.

Journal of Molecular Biology

The models suggest that positive downstream consequences of mimicry may depend upon self-other overlap, detection of contingency or low prediction error.

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "downstream consequences", be specific about the initial event or decision that leads to those consequences. Clarity enhances understanding and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two events occur in sequence, the first directly caused the "downstream consequences". Thoroughly investigate and demonstrate a clear causal link to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downstream consequences" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies the results or effects that follow from an initial action or event. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "downstream consequences" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the subsequent effects of an action or event, as affirmed by Ludwig. It appears frequently in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to conveying the intended meaning. Alternatives like "downstream implications" or "resulting impacts" can be used to add nuance. Avoiding assumptions of causation and ensuring a clear causal link will strengthen your writing. Ludwig's examples showcase the versatility and proper usage of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

downstream implications

Replaces "consequences" with "implications", suggesting a less direct or certain effect.

downstream effects

Substitutes "consequences" with "effects", a more general term for results or outcomes.

subsequent repercussions

Uses "subsequent" and "repercussions" to emphasize the temporal sequence and impactful nature of the consequences.

ensuing outcomes

Employs "ensuing" and "outcomes" to highlight the results that naturally follow from a particular action or event.

resulting impacts

Replaces "consequences" with "impacts", which emphasizes the effect on something or someone.

knock-on effects

Uses the idiomatic expression "knock-on effects" to describe a chain reaction of consequences.

secondary effects

Focuses on the effects that are not direct but result from the initial action.

indirect results

Highlights the indirect nature of the consequences.

side effects

Implies unintended or unexpected consequences, often negative.

long-term ramifications

Emphasizes the long-term and far-reaching effects.

FAQs

What does "downstream consequences" mean?

The phrase "downstream consequences" refers to the subsequent effects or results that occur as a result of an initial action or event, often over a longer period or in a less direct manner.

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

You can use "downstream consequences" to describe the effects of a decision or action. For example, "The new policy had significant "downstream consequences" for the local economy."

What are some alternatives to "downstream consequences"?

Alternatives to "downstream consequences" include "downstream implications", "downstream effects", and "subsequent repercussions".

Are "downstream consequences" always negative?

No, "downstream consequences" can be either positive or negative. The phrase simply refers to the subsequent effects, regardless of their nature.