knock-on effects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "knock-on effects" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe secondary or indirect consequences that result from an initial action or event. Example: "The new policy will have knock-on effects on the entire industry, influencing everything from pricing to employment rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's also introducing a new dynamic into comedy – one that may have knock-on effects.

The Guardian

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

Their absence, however, has knock-on effects.

The Economist

That has had terrible knock-on effects.

The Economist

What would the knock-on effects be?

The Guardian - Opinion

The knock-on effects have been amazing.

The Guardian - Arts

This could have serious knock-on effects.

The Guardian

Local people have noticed the knock-on effects.

The Guardian

In the meantime, watch for knock-on effects.

The Guardian - Tech

There are also the knock-on effects of diseases.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "knock-on effects" to analyze scenarios involving interconnected systems, such as global economics, climate change, or organizational restructuring. The term helps emphasize the wide-ranging and sometimes unforeseen consequences of an initial action or decision.

Common error

Avoid assuming all related effects are necessarily negative. While "knock-on effects" can describe adverse outcomes, they can also refer to positive or neutral consequences resulting from an action. Be sure to evaluate and specify the nature of the effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knock-on effects" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the secondary or indirect consequences resulting from an initial action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "knock-on effects" is a grammatically sound and widely used term to describe secondary consequences of an initial action, as verified by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news, science, and business contexts, it serves to explain causal relationships and interconnectedness. Related phrases include "ripple effects" and "secondary consequences". When using the phrase, writers should consider specifying the nature of the effects and avoid assuming they are always negative. "Knock-on effects" is a very common phrase in the english language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow-on effects

A direct synonym, indicating effects that follow from an initial action.

ripple effects

Emphasizes the spreading and cascading nature of the consequences.

secondary consequences

Highlights that these are consequences that follow the initial event.

indirect repercussions

Implies a more formal and often negative set of consequences.

downstream effects

Suggests a flow or sequence of events leading to the consequences.

cascading consequences

Focuses on the escalating nature of the effects.

ensuing impacts

Highlights that these impacts follow directly from the initial event.

subsequent ramifications

Suggests serious and complex consequences.

unintended consequences

Emphasizes that the effects were not planned or expected.

side effects

Often used in a medical or technical context.

FAQs

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

Use "knock-on effects" to describe how an initial action or event can trigger a series of related consequences. For example, "The closure of the factory will have "ripple effects" on the local economy".

What are some alternatives to "knock-on effects"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""ripple effects"", "secondary consequences", or "downstream effects".

Are "knock-on effects" always negative?

No, "knock-on effects" can be positive, negative, or neutral. The term simply refers to the subsequent effects resulting from an initial action. The nature of the effects depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "knock-on effects" and "unintended consequences"?

"Knock-on effects" refer to the chain of consequences resulting from an action, while "unintended consequences" specifically refer to outcomes that were not planned or foreseen. All unintended consequences are knock-on effects, but not all knock-on effects are unintended.