flow on effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flow on effect" is not correct in standard written English; the correct term is "flow-on effect." You can use it to describe the indirect consequences or results that follow from an initial action or event.
Example: "The new policy will have a flow-on effect on the entire organization, impacting productivity and employee morale."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It creates this kind of flow-on effect where you're effectively pushing space with people who are like-minded or in a similar situation to you.

Vice

The European Working Time Directive was one initiative which had a major flow-on effect to numerical flexibility across the health workforce [ 18 ].

Human Resources for Health

This provides 'checks and balances' between researchers and clinicians to inform each other in the provision of efficient and effective health care with a flow-on effect into medical and health training institutions.

BMC Medical Education

But I'm hoping that that the very unusual case of Bolaño will have some kind of flow-on effect.

The New Yorker

Their powerful presence seems to have a flow-on effect on the rest of the cast, who are uniformly superb.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The removal of big predatory fish by commercial and recreational fishers has a massive flow-on effect for the reef ecosystem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Studies in 2011 and 2013 found that perception of scientific consensus is a gateway belief that has a flow-on effect to a number of other beliefs and attitudes.

The Guardian

However, there needs to be an incentive for young players to focus on the Sheffield Shield as well as the BBL, and that will have a natural flow-on effect to Test cricket.

Independent

"Asking a question leads to that flow-on effect of gaining new followers".

Forbes

The flow-on effect of this on sintering performance is consistent with reported experimental results by other researchers.

Combustion and Flame

Chapter 9 profiles the impact of climate change and anthropogenic threats on alpine areas in northwest China and their flow-on effect to other countries (particularly to reduced water flow contribution to major river systems in Asia as a result of the glacial decline).

Pastoralism

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the hyphenated form "flow-on effect" in formal writing to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Many writers omit the hyphen in "flow-on effect", resulting in a grammatically incorrect phrase. Remember that "flow-on" acts as a compound adjective modifying "effect", and therefore requires a hyphen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flow on effect", while frequently used, functions as a noun phrase describing a secondary or indirect consequence. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, the grammatically correct form is "flow-on effect".

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "flow on effect" is understandable, it is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, the correct form is "flow-on effect". This term refers to the indirect consequences resulting from an initial event. Alternative phrases like "knock-on effect" or "ripple effect" can be used to convey a similar meaning. Remember to use the hyphenated form to ensure accuracy and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knock-on effect

This alternative directly replaces "flow on" with "knock-on", maintaining a high degree of semantic similarity.

ripple effect

This phrase captures the spreading nature of consequences, similar to ripples in water.

consequential effect

This option emphasizes the result as a consequence, altering the original imagery.

ensuing effect

This term focuses on the effect that follows directly after an action or event.

subsequent result

While less metaphorical, this phrase clearly indicates a result that follows something else.

downstream effect

This alternative illustrates an impact further along in a process or system.

indirect consequence

This phrase highlights that the consequence is not a direct or immediate result.

secondary impact

This option specifies that the impact is not primary but rather a result of something else.

derivative outcome

This implies that the outcome is derived or obtained from an initial action.

side effect

This term, often used in medical contexts, refers to effects that are additional to the intended result.

FAQs

What is the correct way to write "flow on effect"?

The correct way to write this phrase is "flow-on effect". The hyphen indicates that "flow-on" is acting as a compound adjective.

What does "flow-on effect" mean?

A "flow-on effect" refers to the indirect consequences or results that stem from an initial action or event.

Which is correct, "flow on effect" or "knock-on effect"?

While "flow on effect" is often used, it is grammatically incorrect. A better alternative to convey a similar meaning is "knock-on effect".

Are there synonyms for "flow-on effect"?

Yes, synonyms for "flow-on effect" include "ripple effect", "knock-on effect", or "indirect consequence", depending on the specific context.