indirect result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indirect result" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that happens as a consequence of a particular event or action, but not as a direct result of it. For example, you could say, "The flood was an indirect result of the heavy rains in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Crises are often the indirect result of botched liberalisation.

The Economist

"The only harmful effects of these encounters, either direct or indirect, result from police activity," Mr. Humphreys wrote.

The New York Times

They took it – and the indirect result was yesterday's bloody mess on the road out of Sirte.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whatever the direct effects, the indirect result may be that less nitrogen is available to the plants.

The New York Times - Science

But they still die quietly at home of illnesses that are a direct or indirect result of malnutrition.

The New Yorker

Perhaps as an indirect result American musicians were beginning to look seriously at their cultural patrimony.

The New York Times - Arts

In this impoverished corner of southwestern Guatemala, lush with jungle and burbling brooks, you can just about see people dying as an indirect result of America's trade agenda.

The New York Times

But this problem might have been an indirect result of the devastating foot injury he sustained rounding third base in Houston on June 15 last season.

The New York Times - Sports

Many colleges post crime statistics on their Web sites, the indirect result of a federal law, the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990.

The New York Times

The report plausibly argues that our unexpected ability to get unemployment down to 30-year lows without inflation is also an indirect result of the productivity boom.

The New York Times

So some of the effects that we call "genetic" (or "nature") are the indirect result of people being drawn to particular environments because of their personality.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indirect result", ensure the connection between the cause and effect is clear, even if it's not immediately obvious. Explicitly state the intervening factors if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "indirect result" when the outcome is a clear and immediate consequence of an action. Direct results should be described using phrases like "direct result" or "immediate effect."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indirect result" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes an outcome that is not a direct or immediate consequence but rather a secondary effect stemming from an initial action or event, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indirect result" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a secondary consequence or outcome that stems from an initial action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, highlighting its role in explaining causal relationships that are not immediately obvious. The phrase is common in news, scientific writing, and general discussions, making it a versatile choice for various contexts. When using "indirect result", ensure the connection between the cause and effect is clear and avoid using it when the outcome is a direct consequence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indirect effect

Is slightly more generic in comparison to the original phrase. This highlights an influence not immediately obvious.

secondary consequence

Focuses on the order of impact, implying the result is not the primary outcome.

unintended outcome

Emphasizes the lack of intention behind the result.

side effect

Suggests the result is a less significant or anticipated effect.

downstream effect

Implies a chain of events where the result is further removed from the initial cause.

collateral consequence

Highlights the incidental nature of the result, often with negative connotations.

ripple effect

Emphasizes how an initial action cascades and produces further, often unforeseen, results.

byproduct

Indicates the result is a secondary product of a process or action.

ancillary outcome

Stresses that the outcome is supplemental or subordinate to the main effect.

derivative effect

Suggests the effect originates or is derived from something else.

FAQs

How can I use "indirect result" in a sentence?

Use "indirect result" to describe an outcome that is not the primary or intended consequence of an action or event. For instance, "The economic downturn was an indirect result of the new trade policies."

What's the difference between "direct result" and "indirect result"?

"Direct result" refers to an immediate and obvious consequence, while "indirect result" refers to a secondary or less obvious consequence that may involve intervening factors.

What can I say instead of "indirect result"?

You can use alternatives like "secondary consequence", "unintended outcome", or "side effect" depending on the context.

Is it always negative when something is an "indirect result"?

Not necessarily. While "indirect result" can sometimes imply unforeseen negative consequences, it can also refer to positive or neutral outcomes that were not the primary intention. For example, a new policy intended to improve public health may have an "indirect result" of boosting local business due to increased foot traffic.