foreseeable consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foreseeable consequence" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a consequence that can be predicted or anticipated in advance. For example, "Not wearing a seatbelt while driving is a foreseeable consequence of careless behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Either way, they advocated reckless bills whose foreseeable consequence was increased vehicular killings.

The Washington Post

The prosecutors' conduct, Justice Ginsburg wrote, "was a foreseeable consequence of lax training".

The New York Times

This will not only hurt U.S. farmers, but it was a completely foreseeable consequence of the president's decision.

The Washington Post

Professor Tobin added that the recent debacle was the "foreseeable consequence of putting campaign finance in the tax code".

The New York Times

At the same time, their discovery of evidence in Hudson's home was a readily foreseeable consequence of their entry and their unlawful presence within the home.

Cornell University

But it was a foreseeable consequence of understaffing at the prison where he was being held in Massachusetts -- conditions that are, unfortunately, common nationwide.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Which will be the foreseeable consequences for river ecosystems?

Science of The Total Environment

Government sponsors are increasingly focused on "safe and saleable" research that has immediate, foreseeable consequences.

Cornell University

"What we have now are the foreseeable consequences of bad economic management," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Congressional inaction and political inattention could lead to dire, yet completely foreseeable consequences.

The New York Times

He also manages to miss the last Métro, with foreseeable consequences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks or policy implications, use "foreseeable consequence" to underscore that negative outcomes could and should have been anticipated. This highlights accountability and the need for preventative measures.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "foreseeable consequence" was necessarily the intended outcome. Foreseeability implies awareness of potential results, not necessarily a deliberate aim to achieve them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foreseeable consequence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to identify outcomes that are predictable or reasonably expected from a given action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

28%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foreseeable consequence" is a noun phrase used to describe an outcome that can be reasonably anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct. It is commonly used in news, academic, and scientific contexts to underscore the predictability of events, assign responsibility, or advocate for preventative measures. When writing, remember that a "foreseeable consequence" is not necessarily an intended one, but rather an outcome that could have been reasonably known in advance. Using "foreseeable consequence" effectively involves selecting the right context to strengthen the logic of your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

predictable outcome

Changes the noun from consequence to outcome, maintaining the sense of anticipation.

expected result

Substitutes both words with synonyms that still imply anticipation.

anticipated effect

Replaces 'consequence' with 'effect', suggesting a slightly broader impact.

inevitable result

Implies a stronger certainty of the outcome occurring.

likely consequence

Replaces 'foreseeable' with 'likely', indicating a high probability.

projected outcome

Suggests a more calculated or estimated prediction.

predictable repercussion

Uses 'repercussion' instead of 'consequence', often implying a negative result.

expected development

Frames the outcome as a natural progression or unfolding of events.

anticipated eventuality

Uses a more formal and abstract noun to describe the predicted outcome.

potential ramification

Shifts the focus to the potential implications or results of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "foreseeable consequence" in a sentence?

You can use "foreseeable consequence" to describe an outcome that can be reasonably anticipated given certain actions or conditions. For example, "Increased traffic congestion is a "foreseeable consequence" of rapid urban development."

What phrases can I use instead of "foreseeable consequence"?

Alternatives include "predictable outcome", "expected result", or "anticipated effect". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it always negative when talking about a "foreseeable consequence"?

Not necessarily. While often used in the context of negative outcomes, a "foreseeable consequence" can also be positive or neutral, simply indicating an expected result. For example, "Increased tourism is a "foreseeable consequence" of hosting the Olympic Games."

What's the difference between "foreseeable consequence" and "unintended consequence"?

A "foreseeable consequence" is an outcome that could have been anticipated, while an "unintended consequence" is an outcome that was not predicted or expected. Policies often have "unintended consequences" even when "foreseeable consequences" are carefully considered.