knock-on effect

USAGE SUMMARY

"knock-on effect" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
The phrase is typically used to describe a situation in which a certain event or action causes a chain reaction of consequences. For example: "The government's decision to raise taxes led to a knock-on effect, resulting in rising inflation and an increase in unemployment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Developments in one area might have any number of knock-on effects in others.

European Journal of Futures Research

That has bad knock-on effects.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in a formal setting, ensure that the "knock-on effect" is relevant and that the chain of events is logical and supportable.

Common error

While "knock-on effect" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "ripple effect" or "unintended consequence" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knock-on effect" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a secondary or indirect consequence resulting from an initial action or event. Ludwig shows examples of its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "knock-on effect" is a common noun phrase used to describe secondary or indirect consequences resulting from an initial action or event. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Synonyms such as "ripple effect" and "chain reaction" offer alternative ways to express the same concept, allowing for nuanced writing. When using the phrase, writers should ensure relevance and logical flow, while also avoiding overuse to maintain reader engagement. In summary, "knock-on effect" is a versatile and valuable term for analyzing and explaining interconnected events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ripple effect

Replaces "knock-on" with "ripple", emphasizing the spreading nature of the effect.

chain reaction

Focuses on the sequential nature of the effects, where one action triggers another.

domino effect

Highlights the cascading nature of the effect, similar to dominos falling.

secondary effect

Emphasizes that the effect is not the primary or direct result.

unintended consequence

Highlights the unplanned or unexpected nature of the result.

side effect

Often used in medical or technical contexts, referring to an additional, often negative, outcome.

ramification

A more formal term for consequence, often implying a complex or far-reaching impact.

aftermath

Focuses on the period following an event and the resulting consequences.

snowball effect

Emphasizes the increasing magnitude of the effect as it progresses.

consequence

A general term for a result or effect, without specifying its indirect nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "knock-on effect" to describe how one event leads to a series of related consequences. For example, "The factory closure had a "knock-on effect" on local businesses."

What phrases are similar to "knock-on effect"?

Similar phrases include "ripple effect", "chain reaction", and "domino effect". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "knock-on effect" a formal or informal expression?

"Knock-on effect" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is commonly used in news articles, business reports, and academic papers.

What is the difference between "knock-on effect" and "direct consequence"?

A "direct consequence" is an immediate and obvious result of an action. A "knock-on effect" is an indirect or secondary consequence that occurs later as a result of the initial action.