face the consequences of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face the consequences of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the outcomes or repercussions of one's actions or decisions. Example: "If you choose to ignore the rules, you will have to face the consequences of your actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Conservatives should face the consequences of their misjudgments alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

We must face the consequences of the actions we advocate.

The Guardian

Florida and Michigan must face the consequences of their decisions.

The New York Times

They [BP directors] now face the consequences of their actions".

The Guardian - Business

You must face the consequences of your actions, Anonymous style".

The New Yorker

Britain needs to face the consequences of its past choices.

Independent

If anyone has done anything wrong, they should face the consequences of their actions.

The Guardian

He must now face the consequences of his actions, as we all must.

The Guardian

State legislators must face the consequences of the evaporating federal budget surplus, too.

The New York Times

Voters don't want to face the consequences of their spending demands.

The New York Times

These criminals have seriously injured two innocent bystanders and must face the consequences of their actions".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face the consequences of" to clearly indicate that an individual or group must accept the results of their actions, whether positive or negative. This phrase adds a sense of accountability and directness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "effects" when you mean "consequences". "Effects" refers to the direct results of something, while "consequences" often implies a moral or legal judgment related to responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face the consequences of" acts as a verb phrase that typically requires a subject (the one facing consequences) and an object (the specific consequences). It functions to indicate that someone or something must accept or deal with the outcomes of their actions or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "face the consequences of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize accountability and the acceptance of outcomes resulting from actions or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains.

As shown by Ludwig, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media, but also finds relevance in scientific and formal business settings. Its neutral register allows for broad applicability, making it a valuable tool for clear and direct communication.

When writing, remember that "face the consequences" implies a sense of responsibility and acceptance, distinguishing it from similar phrases like "suffer the effects of", which focuses more on the negative impact. Alternatives like "bear the burden of" or "accept the fallout from" can also be useful depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffer the effects of

Emphasizes the negative impact experienced.

confront the aftermath of

Focuses on directly addressing the consequences.

accept the fallout from

Highlights the negative repercussions or aftermath.

live with the results of

Focuses on the ongoing nature of dealing with the outcomes.

deal with the repercussions of

Emphasizes the act of managing the negative results.

bear the burden of

Shifts the focus to enduring a hardship resulting from actions.

endure the ramifications of

Emphasizes the far-reaching and complex effects.

reap the rewards or penalties of

Includes both positive and negative outcomes as a result of actions.

answer for the results of

Focuses on being held accountable.

take responsibility for

Highlights accountability and ownership of the outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "face the consequences of" in a sentence?

You can use "face the consequences of" to indicate that someone must accept the results of their actions. For example, "If you break the law, you must "face the consequences of" your actions".

What is a more formal alternative to "face the consequences of"?

A more formal alternative is to say "bear the burden of". For example, instead of saying "They will "face the consequences of" their decision", you could say, "They will "bear the burden of" their decision".

Is it better to say "face the consequences" or "suffer the consequences"?

Both phrases are correct, but "face the consequences" emphasizes acknowledgment and acceptance of the outcome, while "suffer the consequences" highlights the negative impact. The choice depends on the specific context you want to convey.

What's the difference between "face the consequences of" and "deal with the repercussions of"?

"Face the consequences of" generally refers to accepting the direct results of an action. "Deal with the repercussions of" implies managing the broader, often unforeseen, effects that follow an action. Therefore, "deal with the repercussions of" suggests a more complex and protracted process.