handle the consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

"handle the consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about dealing with the results of a certain action or situation. Example: After making a bad decision, he had to face the music and handle the consequences.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Can you, as a woman, take a decision and handle the consequences of your decision?" he asked.

The New York Times

The people who would have to handle the consequences of Britain crashing out of the EU are very scared indeed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our culture doesn't yet have the infrastructure — educational, medical, moral, the whole shebang — to handle the consequences of the recent revolution in genetic testing.

The New York Times

Yesterday a US official accompanying Gen Garner said it could be similar to the system used to handle the consequences of ethnic cleansing in Bosnia.

The Guardian

We don't try to calculate the odds that events will occur; we only worry about whether we can handle the consequences if they do.

Harvard Business Review

To the Editor: Your article addresses the "socially fraught" possibility of genetic differences in intelligence from race to race, and asks whether society can handle the consequences of such findings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Any indictment could lead to turmoil, but if the political system does prove capable of handling the consequences, it could signal an end to the culture of impunity regarding political killings and mark a significant moment in the country's development.

The Guardian - Opinion

If a company goes bankrupt, handling the consequences will happen on a case-by-case basis.

TechCrunch

Moreover, they can play an active role in handling the consequences of a particular decision by informing vaccinating parents of adverse vaccination effects and how to deal with them, and giving non-vaccinating parents a second chance for vaccination.

BMC Public Health

It is up to local bishops to handle the pastoral consequences: the distress felt by Catholics and their partners in ecumenical and interreligious activities.

The New York Times

He said: "The problem is, children aren't emotionally mature enough to handle the potential consequences.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "handle the consequences", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions led to those consequences. Providing this context enhances clarity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "handle the consequences" without specifying the actions that led to them. This can confuse your audience and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "handle the consequences" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of dealing with the results, often negative, of a particular action or situation. Ludwig provides many examples where people are worried about or actively planning how to "handle the consequences" of their choices.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "handle the consequences" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that refers to dealing with the results of a decision or action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts and holds a neutral register, making it appropriate for various settings. Related phrases include "face the music" and "deal with the repercussions". When writing, it is best practice to provide clear context for the consequences being addressed to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deal with the repercussions

Replaces "consequences" with "repercussions", emphasizing the negative outcomes.

face the music

An idiomatic expression meaning to accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.

bear the responsibility

Focuses on accepting accountability for the results of actions.

accept the outcome

Highlights the acceptance of whatever results from a situation.

manage the fallout

Suggests a need to control and mitigate the negative effects.

shoulder the burden

Emphasizes the difficulty and weight of dealing with the results.

live with the results

Implies long-term acceptance and adaptation to the situation.

take accountability

Stresses the importance of acknowledging and owning the consequences.

suffer the effects

Highlights the negative impact and enduring nature of the consequences.

cope with the aftermath

Focuses on managing the period following an event and its consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "handle the consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "handle the consequences" to describe dealing with the results of an action, such as, "After making that decision, he had to "handle the consequences" like an adult."

What are some alternatives to "handle the consequences"?

Alternatives include "face the music", "deal with the repercussions", or "bear the responsibility", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "handle the consequences" or "manage the consequences"?

Both "handle the consequences" and "manage the consequences" are correct. "Handle" implies dealing with the results directly, while "manage" suggests a more strategic approach to controlling the effects. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "handle the consequences"?

To "handle the consequences" means to accept responsibility for the results of an action and deal with any negative or challenging outcomes that arise from it. This often involves making necessary adjustments or taking corrective measures.