envisage the consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "envisage the consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential outcomes or effects of a particular action or decision. Example: "Before making a final decision, it is important to envisage the consequences of your actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even as the Greek authorities are blamed for not running faster towards the implementation of the required structural reforms of the economy, the official lenders of Greece are blamed for their inability to envisage the consequences of their stubbornly insistence on a blind austerity policy.

Huffington Post

Lets us now envisage the consequences of generating hybrid offspring where one sex is fertile and the other one is either sterile or dead.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then, the discussion envisages the main consequences of the theoretical debate in terms of policy issues and addresses the new perspectives of a knowledge oriented policy of firms and governments.

Research Policy

It's hard to envisage the potential failure of a $2 trillion bank like Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase or Bank of America without systemwide adverse consequences.

The New York Times

Realistically, whatever the chill consequences of the desperate turn taken by the Arab spring, it is still difficult to envisage the establishment of an Islamic caliphate stretching from Pakistan to Morocco in the next decade or so.

The Guardian - Opinion

If such a transition takes place in the germ cells of an established species we can envisage two consequences relative to the originating cell.

Plosone

Imagine the consequences.

Independent

A pessimist might envisage other consequences: defeat, for instance, might cause him to rediscover the consoling powers of two gallons of Guinness.

Independent

Given the range of potentially deleterious effects that can be mediated by AngII (including depression of ACh release and inflammation), one can envisage possible consequences of over-production or post-translational modifications of ACE that could result in increased AngII production.

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

Encyclopaedia makers have usually envisaged the particular public they addressed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among his strengths was a gift for envisaging the future.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about strategic decisions, use "envisage the consequences" to show foresight and thorough planning. This strengthens your argument by demonstrating that potential outcomes have been carefully considered.

Common error

While "envisage the consequences" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "think about what might happen" or "consider the results" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

Envisage the consequences functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of contemplating or foreseeing the potential results of a particular situation or decision. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "envisage the consequences" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to emphasize the importance of thinking ahead and considering potential results. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is indeed correct. While not very frequent, its appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian suggests its suitability for formal writing contexts. When simpler or less formal wording is suitable, consider alternative phrases like "consider the potential effects" or "anticipate the repercussions", to avoid overly formal language in inappropriate contexts. Therefore, careful and smart word choice should be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foresee the ramifications

Focuses more on the far-reaching and complex effects.

anticipate the repercussions

Highlights the negative or undesirable results.

predict the outcomes

Emphasizes the act of forecasting or projecting future results.

understand the implications

Highlights the deeper significance and indirect effects.

imagine the results

Implies a more creative or speculative consideration of potential outcomes.

consider the potential effects

Stresses careful thought and evaluation of possible impacts.

realize the effects

Focuses on fully grasping and accepting the consequences.

assess the likely outcomes

Focuses on evaluating the probability of different results.

contemplate the aftermath

Emphasizes reflecting on the period following an event and its effects.

think about the upshot

Implies a more informal consideration of the final result or conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "envisage the consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "envisage the consequences" when you want to express the importance of considering the potential outcomes of an action or decision. For example: Before implementing this policy, we need to "envisage the consequences" for all stakeholders.

What are some alternatives to "envisage the consequences"?

Some alternatives to "envisage the consequences" include "foresee the ramifications", "anticipate the repercussions", or "consider the potential effects" depending on the specific context.

Is "envisage the consequences" formal or informal?

"Envisage the consequences" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, phrases like "think about what might happen" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "envisage the consequences" and "imagine the consequences"?

"Envisage the consequences" suggests a more reasoned and analytical approach to considering potential outcomes. "Imagine the consequences", on the other hand, implies a more creative or speculative approach.