may be a consequence of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be a consequence of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is a possible result or effect of a particular cause or factor. Example: "The increase in traffic accidents may be a consequence of the recent changes in road regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consequently, coloration in these species may be a consequence of selection for chemical defense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of them suggested that her indelicate manner may be a consequence of professional necessity.

The New Yorker

A lower dollar may be a consequence of the Fed's policies".

The New York Times

This may be a consequence of a too-short rehearsal process and could, with time, partly right itself.

The New York Times

Autism may be a consequence of metabolic problems (such as phenylketonuria) or mechanical ones (such as hydrocephalus).

The New Yorker

Germany is in favour of cuts, which may be a consequence of funding the bailout of other EU states.

The Guardian

Disability in the obese may be a consequence of low muscle strength and inactivity.

Obesity Research & Clinical Practice

Such attacks may be a consequence of identity fraud or exploited vulnerabilities, which are explained next.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

This may be a consequence of the complex microbial ecosystem in the rumen.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Therefore, recurring disasters may be a consequence of misconceptions about them.

EPJ Data Science

The excess 210Po observed may be a consequence of relatively high uranium in these basalts.

Geoscience Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be a consequence of", ensure that the connection between cause and effect is logical and supported by evidence. Avoid making unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "may be a consequence of" when the relationship is merely a correlation. Instead, use phrases like "may be associated with" or "may be related to" to indicate a less definitive connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be a consequence of" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect to a potential cause. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability in written English, confirming its role in establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be a consequence of" serves as a crucial tool for expressing potential cause-and-effect relationships in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. This analysis reveals its strong presence in scientific and news-related domains, indicating its role in analytical and explanatory writing. When using this phrase, remember to ensure a logical connection between cause and effect, and avoid overstating the certainty of the relationship. Consider alternatives like "could result from" or "might stem from" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could result from

Indicates a potential outcome or effect, focusing on the result.

might stem from

Suggests an origin or root cause, emphasizing the source of the result.

could be attributed to

Focuses on assigning a cause or reason to something.

might be caused by

Highlights the potential cause of an event or situation.

can be explained by

Offers a possible explanation for a phenomenon.

is possibly due to

Suggests a reason or factor contributing to a situation.

is potentially a product of

Emphasizes the outcome as a result of specific factors.

can be understood as

Frames a situation in terms of its potential causes.

might arise from

Indicates the origin or beginning of a situation.

may be linked to

Suggests a connection or association between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "may be a consequence of" in a sentence?

Use "may be a consequence of" to suggest a potential outcome or result of a particular cause or condition. For example, "The increased pollution levels may be a consequence of industrial expansion."

What are some alternatives to "may be a consequence of"?

You can use alternatives like "could result from", "might stem from", or "could be attributed to depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "may be a result of" instead of "may be a consequence of"?

Yes, "may be a result of" is a suitable alternative. Both phrases convey a similar meaning, indicating a potential outcome or effect.

What's the difference between "may be a cause of" and "may be a consequence of"?

"May be a cause of" indicates something that potentially leads to a result, while "may be a consequence of" indicates something that potentially results from a cause. They represent opposite directions of a cause-and-effect relationship. For instance, stress "may be a cause of" headaches, and headaches "may be a consequence of" stress.