have grave consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have grave consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the serious outcomes or effects of an action or decision. Example: "If we ignore the warning signs, our negligence could have grave consequences for the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And when they do, it can have grave consequences.

Harvard Business Review

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

The Guardian

He means it literally: things that are certain, and that have grave consequences.

The New Yorker

Some Malians fear that foreign intervention may have grave consequences for their homes and livelihoods.

The New York Times

History reminds us that appeasement and weakness in the face of rampant aggression have grave consequences.

The Washington Post

Putting an athlete with a concussion back on the field can also have grave consequences.

The New York Times - Health

If not caught in time, pulmonary embolisms can have grave consequences.

The Guardian - Sport

The fallout from Trump's tweet could have grave consequences for national security.

The New Yorker

This could have grave consequences for Israeli strategic calculations about Iran's burgeoning nuclear capability.

The Guardian - Opinion

The entente at Red Bull unraveled in Malaysia, however, and it could have grave consequences for the team.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have grave consequences", ensure the severity of the potential outcomes is accurately reflected in your writing. The phrase suggests significant and lasting negative effects, so it should be reserved for situations where the implications are truly serious.

Common error

Avoid using "have grave consequences" when describing minor inconveniences or everyday problems. This phrase is reserved for dire situations, and overusing it will diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have grave consequences" functions as a predicative phrase, attributing a characteristic (grave consequences) to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in describing situations with significant negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have grave consequences" is a potent expression used to underscore the severity of potential outcomes. As Ludwig AI highlights, it’s grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. The phrase signifies that an action, decision, or situation carries the risk of extremely negative and lasting effects. When using "have grave consequences", ensure that the seriousness of the situation warrants the use of such strong language. Overusing it can diminish its impact, while reserving it for truly dire circumstances can effectively convey the weight of potential outcomes. Consider related phrases like "entail serious repercussions" or "lead to severe outcomes" for similar but slightly less intense expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entail serious repercussions

Replaces "consequences" with "repercussions" and "grave" with "serious", softening the tone slightly and sounding more formal.

lead to severe outcomes

Substitutes "consequences" with "outcomes" and "grave" with "severe", making it more direct and less figurative.

result in dire effects

Replaces "consequences" with "effects" and "grave" with "dire", increasing the sense of impending disaster.

pose critical risks

Shifts from describing outcomes to highlighting potential dangers, changing the focus slightly.

precipitate disastrous results

Emphasizes the role of an action in causing catastrophic outcomes; more dramatic.

bring about calamitous events

Focuses on the unfolding of devastating events; a more narrative style.

incur heavy penalties

Changes the context to one involving punishments or sanctions; less general.

invite catastrophic failure

Highlights the risk of total collapse or ruin; strongest negative connotation.

spark major problems

Implies the start of significant issues rather than describing the full extent of the consequences; less severe.

generate substantial difficulties

Replaces "consequences" with the more neutral term "difficulties", and "grave" with "substantial", making it less alarming.

FAQs

What does "have grave consequences" mean?

The phrase "have grave consequences" means that an action, decision, or situation will lead to very serious and negative outcomes or effects.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "have grave consequences"?

It's appropriate when describing situations where the results could be extremely damaging or harmful. Consider alternatives like "entail serious repercussions" or "lead to severe outcomes" if the situation is less severe.

What are some synonyms for "have grave consequences"?

Some synonyms include "lead to dire effects", "result in severe outcomes", or "entail serious repercussions". The choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.

How can I use "have grave consequences" in a sentence?

Example: "Ignoring the safety protocols could "have grave consequences" for the entire team."