it has consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an action or decision will lead to certain results or effects, often implying that these results may be negative or serious. Example: "Be careful with your words; remember that what you say can influence others, and it has consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, overexpression of EZH2 does not seem to cause hyperrepression of typical PcG-target genes [ 16, 39], suggesting that it has consequences distinct from silencing its normal target genes.

Breast Cancer Research

But when a dream is a real part of a story, when it rescues or haunts the characters, when it has consequences that change them, it more than earns its word or picture count.

The New York Times - Books

Most fishermen believed that HAS was linked to urinary tract infections and bladder blockage: If you get used to fucking at the back it has consequences.

BMC Public Health

It is alarming because it has consequences".

The Guardian

What he says On the Higgs field: "It has consequences.

The Guardian

It's an incredible panorama, but it has consequences.

The Guardian

Most importantly, it has consequences for how Central American youth are perceived and treated.

University of California, Berkeley

It has consequences for the government's disability budget, crime, the ways in which children are raised.

The New York Times - Magazine

Congresswoman Giffords had spoken about the use of such imagery, pointing out that it has "consequences".

The Guardian - Opinion

"It has consequences for us but it would be devastating for Iran," he said.

The Guardian

Failure is not necessarily a bad thing but it has consequences.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has consequences", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, providing clarity about the subject causing the consequences. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it has consequences" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure the reader understands what action, decision, or situation is causing the consequences. Vague references weaken the statement and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has consequences" functions as a statement indicating that a particular action, event, or situation will result in specific effects or outcomes. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is generally grammatically correct and widely used, functioning to introduce or emphasize the results stemming from a given condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has consequences" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the effects or results of a particular action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. While often implying negative outcomes, the consequences can be positive or neutral depending on the specific situation. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by clearly defining what "it" refers to and considering the register of your communication. Understanding its function and purpose allows for more effective and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it entails outcomes

Replaces "consequences" with "outcomes", focusing on the results produced.

it leads to repercussions

Substitutes "consequences" with "repercussions", highlighting the potential negative effects.

it results in effects

Uses "effects" instead of "consequences", providing a more general term for results.

it carries implications

Replaces "consequences" with "implications", emphasizing the indirect results or suggestions.

it brings about changes

Focuses on the transformative aspect of the consequences.

it produces results

Emphasizes the yield or outcome of an action.

it generates impacts

Highlights the forceful effect or influence of the action.

it sets off a chain reaction

Implies a series of events triggered by the initial action.

it has a domino effect

Similar to chain reaction, emphasizes the cascading impact.

it creates a ripple effect

Suggests wider, less direct, and more gradual consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "it has consequences" to highlight that a particular action, decision, or event will lead to certain results or effects. For example, "Ignoring safety regulations "it has consequences" for worker safety".

What are some alternatives to saying "it has consequences"?

You can use alternatives like "it leads to repercussions", "it results in effects", or "it carries implications" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always implied that the "consequences" are negative when using the phrase "it has consequences"?

While "it has consequences" often implies negative outcomes, it's not always the case. The consequences can be positive, neutral, or negative depending on the context. It's important to provide enough context to clarify the nature of the consequences.

What is the difference between "it has consequences" and "it has implications"?

"It has consequences" generally refers to the direct results of an action or decision, while "it has implications" suggests indirect or less obvious effects that may extend beyond the immediate situation. Implications are often broader and more far-reaching than consequences.