ill effects

USAGE SUMMARY

'ill effects' is an acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate undesirable or negative consequences or events as a result of a particular action or occurrence. For example, "The mayor was concerned about the ill effects of the new policies on the local economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bats are an effective carrier for Nipah because they don't suffer ill effects from the disease.

Huffington Post

But ill effects remain.

The New York Times

Speed has other ill effects.

The New York Times

He suffered no ill effects.

The New York Times

The Internet has experienced the ill effects.

The New York Times

They showed no ill effects afterward.

The New Yorker

And so far, no ill effects.

The New York Times - Arts

They are unaware of its ill effects.

The Guardian

But he had suffered no ill effects.

The New York Times - Health

Other families, however, reported unmistakable ill effects.

The New York Times

Did you notice any ill effects?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the results of a study or experiment, use "ill effects" to clearly communicate the negative or harmful outcomes observed. For example: "The study revealed the "ill effects" of prolonged exposure to the chemical."

Common error

Avoid using "ill effects" when referring to minor inconveniences or temporary discomforts. "Ill effects" implies significant negative consequences, not just slight annoyances. Use more appropriate terms like "inconveniences" or "minor side effects" for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ill effects" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, describing the negative consequences or adverse results of a particular action, substance, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ill effects" is a noun phrase commonly used to describe negative consequences or adverse results. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When writing, it's important to reserve "ill effects" for situations with significant negative outcomes, avoiding its use for minor inconveniences. Alternatives like "adverse effects" or "negative consequences" may be suitable depending on the specific context. The phrase serves to highlight the undesirable impacts of a particular action or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adverse effects

Replaces 'ill' with 'adverse', maintaining a formal tone and emphasizing negative impact.

negative consequences

Substitutes both 'ill' and 'effects' with more general terms, broadening the scope of impact.

harmful repercussions

Emphasizes the damaging and far-reaching nature of the consequences.

detrimental impacts

Highlights the damaging and lasting influence of the effects.

unfavorable outcomes

Focuses on the undesirable results or end states.

adverse outcomes

It is similar to 'unfavorable outcomes' but with a slightly more formal tone.

damaging results

Directly points to the harm caused by the results.

deleterious consequences

Uses a more formal and scientific term to denote harmful effects.

undesirable side effects

Specifically refers to negative effects that occur alongside a primary effect, often in a medical context.

negative externalities

Emphasizes the uncompensated costs imposed on third parties as a result of certain actions.

FAQs

How can I use "ill effects" in a sentence?

Use "ill effects" to describe the negative consequences or harmful results of something. For instance, "The doctor warned about the "ill effects" of smoking".

What are some alternatives to saying "ill effects"?

You can use alternatives like "adverse effects", "negative consequences", or "harmful repercussions" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "good effects" instead of "positive effects", similar to "ill effects"?

While "ill effects" is a common and accepted phrase, "good effects" is less frequently used. "Positive effects" is generally preferred and more widely understood in formal writing. The contrast isn't symmetrical due to convention.

What is the difference between "side effects" and "ill effects"?

"Side effects" refer to any unintended consequence of a treatment or action, which can be positive, neutral, or negative. "Ill effects" specifically denote negative or harmful consequences. Therefore, all "ill effects" are side effects, but not all side effects are "ill effects".