grave consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or severe outcome resulting from an action or decision. Example: "Failing to adhere to safety protocols can lead to grave consequences for the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Most people are lucky — they learn the lesson of the shield without grave consequence.

The New York Times

It simply leaves her new government open to the charge that it is willing to play party politics with an issue of grave consequence for national security, nuclear nonproliferation and global stability.

The Guardian

For all of these years, sitting here with Simon, I wondered if his death was a grave consequence.

Huffington Post

Therefore, the damage which is caused by hepatotoxic agents is of grave consequence to the body as it deprives the liver of its principal functions [ 2].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Labour in particular was gravely perplexed by this "Scottish Question" and suffered grave consequences for its perplexity.

BBC

There are grave consequences".

The New York Times

Grave consequences ensue.

The New York Times

"Failure to act promptly will have grave consequences," he added.

The New York Times - Sports

Not least because the Judas legend has had grave consequences.

The Guardian - Books

News organizations have cut costs, with grave consequences.

The New York Times

Russia warned that the move would have "grave consequences".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with strong verbs such as "warn of", "suffer", "face" or "entail" to create a sense of urgency in your writing.

Common error

Do not use "grave consequence" to describe minor inconveniences or low-stakes errors. Because "grave" is etymologically linked to seriousness and death, using it for something like a late email or a spilled drink diminishes the phrase's impact and makes your writing seem overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

In linguistic terms, "grave consequence" functions as a noun phrase where "grave" acts as an attributive adjective. This adjective serves as an intensifier, elevating the noun from a simple result to one of extreme severity. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard English grammar rules and is highly effective in establishing a somber tone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave consequence" is a powerful linguistic tool used to denote outcomes of the highest severity. Data from Ludwig shows it is a staple of authoritative writing, appearing frequently in global news outlets and scientific journals to discuss topics ranging from geopolitical stability to medical misdiagnosis. Unlike more common terms like "bad result", "grave consequence" carries a somber, urgent weight that demands the reader's attention. Ludwig AI validates its usage as grammatically correct and rhetorically significant, making it an essential choice for writers who need to communicate high-stakes risks with precision and gravity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe consequence

Uses a standard descriptor of intensity without the somber or mortal undertones of grave

dire repercussions

Focuses on the widespread and often cascading negative effects of an action

serious implication

Emphasizes the logical or potential future results rather than the immediate physical impact

grievous consequence

Suggests deep suffering or moral weight, often used in legal and ethical contexts

fatal consequence

Specifically denotes an outcome that is deadly or leads to total failure

critical aftermath

Highlights the period of crisis that immediately follows a significant event

heavy toll

Uses a metaphorical cost to describe the damage or loss incurred

profound impact

Focuses on the depth and long-lasting nature of the changes caused

significant fallout

Implies secondary or unexpected negative effects, often in political contexts

drastic result

Highlights the extreme or radical nature of the outcome

FAQs

How do I use "grave consequence" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a serious outcome, for example: "Ignoring the climate warnings could lead to a "grave consequence" for future generations."

What can I say instead of "grave consequence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "dire repercussions", "severe outcome" or "serious implication".

Is "grave consequence" formal?

Yes, it is a formal and neutral phrase commonly found in high-level journalism, academic papers and official reports to signal high-stakes situations.

What is the difference between "grave" and "serious" consequences?

While "serious" denotes importance, a "grave consequence" typically carries a more somber, heavier weight, often implying life-threatening or catastrophic results compared to a "serious consequence".