main consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most significant result or effect of a particular action or event. Example: "The main consequence of the policy change was a significant increase in public dissatisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The third main consequence is that internal Scottish politics have shifted on their axis too.

The Guardian - Opinion

The main consequence is that Mass can no longer be said in the hospital chapel.

The New York Times

"The main consequence of this announcement is further damage to banks' short-term profitability".

The New York Times

But for now the main consequence of high renewable costs is growing interest in controversial alternatives.

The Economist

The main consequence of Renamo's activities under South Africa's sponsorship, however, has been the utter devastation of Mozambique.

The New Yorker

The main consequence was Harry Kane appeared extremely isolated throughout the first half, struggling to become involved in passing moves.

The Guardian - Sport

Over the 1980s the main consequence of the developing uncertainties surrounding nuclear deterrence was an increased interest in conventional strategy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the main consequence of this act, it turns out, has been to clear the path for Mr Putin's man.

The Economist

"Any pretence that the main consequence of the EU biofuels policy had not been the peat drainage and deforestation of south-east Asia is now unmasked".

The Guardian

(Its main consequence was that nobody came to my parties for fear of the playlist. Still, people have done worse after reading too much Nietzsche).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It said: that the main consequence of that negligence was that Mr Ogden could not use the research he had undertaken in reliance of the university's assurances.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "main consequence" to clearly identify the most significant result when multiple outcomes are possible. It helps to prioritize information for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "main consequence" in sentences where the result is obvious. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Consider using more descriptive language to convey the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main consequence" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most significant result or outcome of a particular action, event, or situation. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in various contexts to emphasize the primary impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main consequence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the most significant outcome of an action or event. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it functions primarily to highlight the key result across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse in simplistic sentences, and as indicated, consider alternatives such as "primary outcome" or "key result" for added impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary outcome

Focuses on the result achieved, emphasizing the conclusion of a process or event.

key result

Highlights the importance of the consequence, presenting it as a crucial finding.

chief effect

Emphasizes the influence exerted, presenting the consequence as the most powerful.

principal effect

Focuses on the rank or importance of the effect.

major ramification

Implies a wider set of implications, presenting the consequence as having significant reach.

central impact

Highlights the influence, positioning the consequence as a core development.

primary ramification

Focuses on the order or sequence of the ramification.

fundamental impact

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the impact, presenting the consequence as essential and far-reaching.

dominant outcome

Highlights the prevalence of the outcome, presenting the consequence as the most apparent.

critical development

Emphasizes the significance, portraying the consequence as a turning point.

FAQs

How can I use "main consequence" in a sentence?

You can use "main consequence" to highlight the most important result of a situation. For example, "The main consequence of the budget cuts was a reduction in services."

What are some alternatives to "main consequence"?

Alternatives include "primary outcome", "key result", or "chief effect" depending on the specific context.

Is "main consequence" interchangeable with "major consequence"?

While similar, "main consequence" specifically indicates the most significant result, whereas "major consequence" simply suggests a significant, but not necessarily the primary, result.

What is the difference between "main consequence" and "side effect"?

"Main consequence" refers to the primary or intended result, while a "side effect" is an additional, often unintended, outcome. For instance, with a medication, the intended therapeutic effect is the main consequence, while any adverse reactions are side effects.