negative consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'negative consequence' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence such as "The negative consequence of not following the rules was that he was not allowed to participate".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What percentage could be ignored completely without negative consequence?

Harvard Business Review

However, radiation damage remains a major negative consequence of radiotherapy.

European Journal of Pharmacology

I was also thinking about how this might have a negative consequence on me, as Ghaith.

The New Yorker

(Barr said that the only potentially significant negative consequence of colic is child abuse.

The New Yorker

Alleged negative consequence No. 2: The Constitution says Congress has to approve all interstate compacts.

The New Yorker

When was the last time my child experienced a negative consequence based on choices they made?

The Washington Post

Another negative consequence of rich abstractions is that they take longer for users to learn.

University of California, Berkeley

It's a rare success story for supplementary vitamins, but it may have an unintended negative consequence.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Critics foresaw negative consequences.

The New York Times

Both can have negative consequences.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But that might have, well, negative consequences.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "negative consequence", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause-and-effect relationship. Specify what action or event leads to the described negative outcome for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "negative consequence" without clearly defining what action or event leads to it. Vague antecedents weaken the impact of your statement. For instance, instead of saying 'There was a negative consequence', specify 'The negative consequence of the policy change was increased public dissatisfaction'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative consequence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It identifies an unfavorable outcome resulting from a specific action, decision, or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "negative consequence" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase used to denote an unfavorable outcome resulting from a particular action or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used. It is applicable in a wide range of contexts, including news, academic writing, and professional communications. When using "negative consequence", it's crucial to clearly define the cause-and-effect relationship to maximize clarity and impact. Alternatives like "adverse outcome" or "detrimental effect" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Overall, understanding the nuances of "negative consequence" will enhance your ability to communicate potential risks and impacts effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative impact

Focuses on the measure of the effect and its negativity.

adverse outcome

This alternative focuses on the result being unfavorable or harmful.

unfavorable repercussions

This emphasizes the aftereffects and their negative impact.

undesirable outcome

This alternative emphasizes the unwanted or unwelcome nature of the result.

detrimental effect

This highlights the damaging or harmful impact of something.

harmful result

This alternative is a simpler way to express a negative outcome.

ill effect

This phrase highlights the negative or harmful impact.

unintended side effect

This focuses on the unexpected and negative aspect of a result.

downside

A more informal term for a negative aspect or disadvantage.

drawback

Similar to 'downside', it indicates a disadvantage or negative aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "negative consequence" to describe the adverse outcome of an action or decision. For example, "A "negative consequence" of deforestation is the loss of biodiversity."

What are some alternatives to "negative consequence"?

Alternatives include "adverse outcome", "detrimental effect", or "harmful result", depending on the specific context.

Is "negative consequence" formal or informal?

"Negative consequence" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal or scientific writing, more precise terms like "deleterious effect" might be preferred.

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

While both describe results of an action, "negative consequence" generally implies a direct and often predictable result, whereas "side effect" often refers to an unintended or secondary outcome. A "negative consequence" is expected; a side effect may be unexpected.