evil consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

"evil consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to negative results or repercussions due to a particular action or decision. For example, "The dictator's refusal to accept any form of opposition led to evil consequences for the people of his country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He believed that censorship could have only evil consequences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Speaking with Andre Malraux once, Nehru let drop the phrase "An evil act has evil consequences".

The New York Times - Books

The evil act can lead to good consequences; a good act can lead to evil consequences.

The Guardian

We shall at once state our opinion, that no appeal to the people, more pregnant with future good or evil consequences to the nation, has ever been made.

The Guardian

And so as flooding eased as the tide receded later in the day, city officials feared that the storm's evil consequences might be far worse when the next high tide arrived at 8 or 9 p.m., around when landfall is anticipated.

The New York Times

The prosecutors, Brendan R. McGuire and Anjan Sahni, cited higher court opinions as evidence that, as one decision put it, "postverdict inquiries may lead to evil consequences," like the undermining of trust in the court system and an unwillingness to return an unpopular verdict.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"This trend isn't of any evil consequence.

The Economist

A free play from which no such evil consequence should arise.

The New York Times - Sports

Now the evil consequence of exchanging off the black queen bishop at move 22 made itself felt.

The New York Times

Today, the 19th-century critic John Ruskin's observation that "the neglect of art... has been of evil consequence to the Christian world" sounds so overwrought to us — so filled with moral outrage — as to verge on the unintentionally hilarious.

The New York Times - Magazine

Evil, evil, evil.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing actions with serious moral implications, use "evil consequences" to highlight the profound negativity and potential for widespread harm resulting from those actions. This can add weight to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "evil consequences" when describing minor inconveniences or everyday problems. The phrase carries a strong connotation and should be reserved for situations involving significant moral or ethical wrongdoing, or immense tragedy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evil consequences" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "evil" modifies "consequences." It describes the nature of the consequences as being morally wrong, deeply harmful, or malevolent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "evil consequences" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase referring to the morally reprehensible and deeply harmful outcomes of actions or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is valid across diverse contexts. While it can appear in various settings, it's most prevalent in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific sources. When writing, use it carefully, reserving it for contexts where the moral dimension of the negative outcomes is significant, and avoid applying it to minor or trivial situations. Exploring alternatives like "negative repercussions" or "dire outcomes" can refine your expression to suit the specific tone and impact you intend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative repercussions

Focuses on the repercussions being negative, similar to consequences but with a slightly stronger emphasis on impact.

dire outcomes

Emphasizes the severity and negativity of the outcomes.

unfavorable results

Highlights that the results are not positive or desired.

adverse effects

Implies negative effects, particularly in a scientific or medical context.

damaging outcomes

Stresses the harm caused by the outcomes.

harmful effects

Similar to adverse effects, but with a broader scope of applicability.

detrimental repercussions

A more formal way of saying negative repercussions, indicating a more significant impact.

ill effects

A general term for negative effects, often used in the context of health or environment.

tragic results

Indicates that the results are extremely unfortunate and sorrowful.

catastrophic consequences

Highlights that the consequences are disastrous and far-reaching.

FAQs

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

You can use "evil consequences" to describe the severe negative outcomes of morally wrong actions. For example, "The dictator's actions led to "evil consequences" for the country's citizens".

What are some alternatives to "evil consequences"?

Some alternatives include "negative repercussions", "dire outcomes", or "unfavorable results", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "evil consequences" in formal writing?

Yes, "evil consequences" is appropriate for formal writing when the context involves severe negative outcomes arising from immoral or unethical actions. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register of your piece.

What distinguishes "evil consequences" from "bad consequences"?

"Evil consequences" suggests a moral dimension to the outcomes, implying that the actions leading to those consequences were not just harmful but morally reprehensible. "Bad consequences" is a more general term for negative outcomes without necessarily implying moral wrongdoing.