horrible consequences for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "horrible consequences for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the negative outcomes or repercussions that may result from a specific action or decision. Example: "If we ignore the warning signs, there could be horrible consequences for our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It will have horrible consequences for the country and personally for you," he said.

The Guardian

Now the scourge of multi-drug-resistant TB is spreading largely uncontrolled, with horrible consequences for both Russia and its neighbours.Little grey cellsThe third big danger is further deterioration of the education system.

The Economist

"It has horrible consequences for immigrant workers who are just trying to make a living," said Gouri Sadhwani, executive director of the New York Civic Participation Project, an immigrant and labor union advocacy group.

The New York Times

The first talk focused on detecting biomarkers for everyone - the second talk focused on understanding the differences between individuals and why a drug might work well for one person, but have horrible consequences for another.

Science Magazine

They stage a classroom rebellion that leads to horrible consequences for the entire family: the Haths are relegated to Aramanth's lowest caste and are shunned.

HuffPost

This is one aspect of the story, and it concerns the media's role in dragging bright young people into dirty wars with horrible consequences for the innocent".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

My neighbour's situation and the horrible consequences of her wedding speak for themselves.

Unicef

As the disease progressed, she warned her students of the horrible consequences of radiation exposure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Clients would then learn about the horrible consequences of tax cuts.

Forbes

"I'm skeptical about the potential for horrible consequences, consistently realized," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

About forty per cent of "The Dr. Joy Show" consists of people calling either to explain that they are exceptions to the rule, or people calling to say that they had broken the rule, with the predictable horrible consequences, and are now pleading for absolution.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "horrible consequences for", ensure that the severity of the consequences aligns with the tone and context of your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "horrible consequences for" when the situation warrants a milder description. Opt for more nuanced language like "unfavorable results" or "negative effects" if the consequences are not truly severe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "horrible consequences for" functions as a descriptor, linking an action or situation to its severely negative results. It emphasizes the gravity of the repercussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "horrible consequences for" is a phrase used to describe significantly negative outcomes resulting from a specific event or action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears primarily in news and media contexts. While the phrase is acceptable in various registers, careful consideration should be given to the severity of the described consequences to ensure appropriateness. Alternatives such as "dire ramifications for" or "severe impacts on" may be more suitable in certain formal settings. Therefore, ensure it correctly describes the outcome and make sure you don't overstate the real damage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dire ramifications for

This alternative emphasizes the seriousness and far-reaching impact of the consequences, suggesting a more formal and severe situation.

terrible repercussions for

This phrase stresses the negative and often unintended effects of an action or decision, highlighting the damaging impact.

catastrophic outcomes for

This alternative indicates a disaster or extremely negative result, emphasizing the scale of the consequences.

devastating effects on

This phrase focuses on the destructive nature of the consequences and their direct impact on a specific subject.

grave implications for

This alternative suggests serious and significant long-term consequences, often in a formal or official context.

severe impacts on

This option highlights the intensity and forcefulness of the consequences, emphasizing their powerful influence.

adverse effects on

This alternative emphasizes the negative and unfavorable nature of the consequences, often in a scientific or technical context.

negative impacts on

This is a more general term indicating any detrimental consequences, suitable for a wide range of contexts.

undesirable outcomes for

This phrase focuses on the unwanted and unwelcome nature of the consequences, highlighting the disappointment or dissatisfaction they cause.

damaging results for

This alternative emphasizes the harm and impairment caused by the consequences, focusing on the tangible or intangible damage inflicted.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "horrible consequences for"?

Use "horrible consequences for" when describing severely negative outcomes resulting from a specific action or situation, such as major policy failures or critical safety oversights.

What are some alternatives to "horrible consequences for"?

You can use alternatives like "dire ramifications for", "terrible repercussions for", or "catastrophic outcomes for" depending on the context.

Is "horrible consequences for" too dramatic for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone of your formal writing. Alternatives such as "grave implications for" or "severe impacts on" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "horrible consequences for" and "negative impacts on"?

"Horrible consequences for" implies a higher degree of severity and emotional impact compared to the more neutral phrasing of "negative impacts on". Consider the level of impact when choosing between them.