harsh consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harsh consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a severe or unpleasant result of an action or decision. Example: "Failing to follow safety protocols can lead to a harsh consequence for the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Carachuri-Rosendo, and others in his position, may now seek cancellation of removal and thereby avoid the harsh consequence of mandatory removal," Justice Stevens wrote.

The New York Times

Once you apply for a British passport, you face a harsh consequence: losing Chinese identity to gain the western brand of freedom and embracing an inner state of exile.

The Guardian

"Your argument has an appeal," Justice Alito told Mr. Padilla's lawyer at the argument in 2009, "because removal is such a harsh consequence, particularly for someone like your client who had been in the United States for a long time".

The New York Times

The Supreme Court in 2006 made it easier to prove that an employer's response was serious enough to constitute retaliation, instead of being able to win only when an employee suffered an unambiguously harsh consequence for speaking up, like being fired.

The New York Times

Air pollution had become a harsh consequence of industrial growth across the country and world.

Huffington Post

Women, journalists, and students are murdered in cold blood on a daily basis the harsh consequence of living in a dictatorial, authoritarian and despotic regime.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Poorly executed rebel offensives brought harsh consequences.

The New York Times

There are harsh consequences for those who interrogate this monopoly.

The New Yorker

The study describes harsh consequences for neglecting easily treatable diseases in so many people.

The New York Times

The harsh consequences that can accompany diabetes tend to arrive 10 to 15 years after onset.

The New York Times

Public attention to harsh consequences of the 1996 act has been growing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "harsh consequence", ensure that the severity of the consequence aligns with the tone and context of your writing. It's most effective when the result is genuinely severe or significantly negative.

Common error

Avoid using "harsh consequence" to describe minor inconveniences or slightly negative outcomes. This can dilute the impact of the phrase and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for genuinely severe results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh consequence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "harsh" modifies the noun "consequence". It denotes a severe or unpleasant outcome resulting from a particular action or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harsh consequence" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a severe or negative outcome. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for formal to neutral contexts, commonly appearing in news, media, and scientific discussions. To ensure effective communication, use it when the outcome is genuinely severe and consider alternatives like "severe repercussion" or "grave outcome" to tailor your language to the specific situation. Avoid overuse in minor situations to maintain its impact. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately use "harsh consequence" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe repercussion

This alternative emphasizes the serious nature of the result, similar to "harsh consequence".

grave outcome

This alternative suggests a very serious and potentially dangerous result.

dire ramification

This alternative implies a very negative and far-reaching effect.

serious penalty

This alternative is most suitable when the consequence is a punishment for a wrongdoing.

stiff penalty

This alternative is most suitable when the consequence is a punishment for a wrongdoing and is rather severe.

negative repercussions

This alternative focuses on the negative impacts or effects.

unfavorable result

This alternative is a more general and less intense way to describe a bad outcome.

adverse effect

This alternative is suitable when describing a negative impact, particularly in scientific or technical contexts.

tough break

This is an informal way of indicating bad luck or an unfortunate event.

bitter pill

This alternative suggests an unpleasant but necessary experience or realization.

FAQs

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

You can use "harsh consequence" to describe a severe outcome of an action or decision. For example, "Failing to follow safety protocols can lead to a "harsh consequence" for the entire team".

What can I say instead of "harsh consequence"?

You can use alternatives like "severe repercussion", "grave outcome", or "dire ramification" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "harsh consequence" or "drastic consequence"?

Both ""harsh consequence"" and "drastic consequence" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Harsh" implies severity and unpleasantness, while "drastic" implies a significant and potentially sudden impact.

What's the difference between "harsh consequence" and "negative impact"?

"Harsh consequence" implies a severe and often punitive result, whereas "negative impact" is a broader term that can refer to any unfavorable effect, regardless of its severity.