has consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

"has consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an action or decision leads to a certain result, either positive or negative. For example, "Her decision to drop out of school has consequences she is only now beginning to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sequester has consequences".

The New York Times

That has consequences.

The Economist

Well, misbehavior has consequences.

The New Yorker

Inaction has consequences, too.

The New Yorker

Blackface has consequences.

The New York Times - Books

Bad history has consequences.

The New York Times

Strong action often has consequences.

The New York Times

Dematerializing recorded music has consequences.

The New York Times

And that has consequences.

The New York Times

Yes, theology has consequences.

The Guardian - Opinion

But invention has consequences.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has consequences", consider specifying what those consequences are to provide a complete picture and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "inaction has consequences", specify "inaction has consequences for the environment".

Common error

Avoid using "has consequences" as a generic warning without specifying what those consequences might be. This can weaken your argument and leave your audience wondering about the specific impacts. Instead, provide concrete examples or details to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has consequences" functions as a statement asserting a cause-and-effect relationship. It indicates that a particular action, decision, or situation will inevitably lead to certain outcomes. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has consequences" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that signifies a cause-and-effect relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for indicating that an action or decision leads to a specific result. It appears most frequently in news and media, but also has usage in scientific and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, it's best practice to clearly specify what those consequences are to strengthen your communication and avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "entails repercussions" or "leads to outcomes" exist, "has consequences" remains a straightforward and effective choice for conveying the potential impact of actions or decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has repercussions

This alternative focuses on the aftereffects of an action and is almost perfectly interchangeable with "has consequences".

results in impacts

Focuses on the force or effect that something has on a situation or person.

leads to outcomes

Focuses on the direct result or effect of a particular action or decision.

carries implications

Focuses on the potential indirect or future consequences of an action.

produces effects

This alternative highlights the causal relationship between an action and its subsequent effects.

generates results

A more neutral alternative that emphasizes the production of outcomes, without necessarily implying positive or negative effects.

entails repercussions

This alternative uses more formal language, suggesting serious and far-reaching effects.

involves ramifications

Similar to "entails repercussions", it suggests complex and often unintended outcomes.

brings about changes

This alternative highlights the transformative aspect of consequences.

creates a ripple effect

Implies that the consequences spread and multiply beyond the initial action.

FAQs

How can I use "has consequences" in a sentence?

Use "has consequences" to show that an action or decision will lead to a particular outcome. For example, "Ignoring safety protocols "has consequences" for worker safety".

What are some alternatives to "has consequences"?

You can use alternatives like "entails repercussions", "leads to outcomes", or "results in impacts" depending on the context.

Is it better to specify the consequences or leave it implied when using "has consequences"?

It's generally better to specify the consequences to provide clarity and strengthen your argument. Leaving it implied can create ambiguity. For example, "Ignoring the warning "carries risks" and potential delays" is more informative than just saying it "has consequences".

What's the difference between "has consequences" and "has implications"?

"Has consequences" generally refers to direct and often tangible results, while "has implications" suggests broader, more far-reaching, and often indirect effects.