knock on effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "knock on effect" is correct and it is usable in written English
It is a phrase used to describe an occurrence where one event leads to another, often in an unexpected way. For example, "The new regulations caused a knock on effect that resulted in a drastic increase in prices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Diversity on screen is one thing, but does it have any knock-on effect off screen?

The Guardian - Opinion

Did it have a knock-on effect?

The Guardian - Sport

What will be the knock-on effect?

The Guardian - Arts

This will have a knock-on effect.

The Guardian

That has a knock-on effect.

The Guardian

This had a disastrous knock-on effect.

The Guardian - Sport

This has had a knock-on effect.

The Guardian - Sport

"Which has a knock-on effect.

The Guardian

The closure even had a knock-on effect for childminders.

The Guardian - Business

(Robots don't have cuffs; there's a knock-on effect).

The Guardian

"This is the knock-on effect," says Paul.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "knock on effect", ensure that the cause-and-effect relationship is clear to the reader. Specify both the initial action and the resulting consequences for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "knock on effect" in a single piece of writing. Variety in phrasing makes your writing more engaging and demonstrates a broader vocabulary. Consider using alternatives like "ripple effect" or "chain reaction" to convey similar meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knock on effect" functions as a noun phrase describing the secondary or indirect consequences of an action or event. Ludwig shows it is commonly used to explain how an initial event sets off a chain of related impacts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "knock on effect" is a very common and grammatically correct English expression used to describe indirect consequences or ripple effects stemming from an initial action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across a wide array of contexts. As showcased by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently found in news, business, and scientific publications, indicating its versatility and widespread applicability. When writing, ensure you clearly define both the initiating event and the subsequent impacts. While it's a useful phrase, avoid overusing it by incorporating alternatives such as "ripple effect" or "domino effect" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ripple effect

Emphasizes the spreading and widening nature of the consequences.

domino effect

Highlights the sequential and inevitable nature of events following the first.

chain reaction

Focuses on the sequence of events triggered by an initial action.

secondary effect

Highlights the consequence as not being the direct one but something derived.

ensuing consequence

Focuses on the result that necessarily follows from an event.

subsequent impact

Emphasizes the influence or effect that comes after something else.

downstream effect

Suggests a flow of consequences from an initial source.

indirect consequence

Implies that the result is not immediately obvious or directly linked.

trickle down effect

Implies an effect of an event that moves slowly to the very bottom of the whole.

collateral effect

Refers to an unintended or unexpected result.

FAQs

How can I use "knock on effect" in a sentence?

The phrase "knock on effect" is used to describe the indirect or secondary consequences of an action or event. For example, "The factory closure had a "knock on effect" on local businesses".

What phrases are similar to "knock on effect"?

You can use alternatives such as "ripple effect", "domino effect", or "chain reaction" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "knock on effect" formal or informal?

"Knock on effect" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for various types of writing.

What's the difference between "knock on effect" and "direct effect"?

"Knock on effect" refers to an indirect consequence, while "direct effect" describes an immediate and obvious result. The "knock on effect" is often less predictable and more far-reaching than a direct impact.