negative consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

"negative consequences" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the undesirable results of a given situation or action. For example, "We must consider the possible negative consequences of investing in a volatile stock market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that might have, well, negative consequences.

The Economist

This has a number of negative consequences.

The New Yorker

Both can have negative consequences.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There's long-term negative consequences," Miller said.

The Guardian

But these connections can have negative consequences.

The Guardian - Opinion

And these "negative consequences" can't be overlooked.

The Guardian

There could be long-term negative consequences".

The New York Times

Everything has positive and negative consequences".

The New York Times - Arts

There might also be negative consequences for the taxpayer.

The Guardian

This approach could have negative consequences for diversity.

The Guardian

The negative consequences of faith schools "know no bounds".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential actions or policies, clearly articulate the "negative consequences" to provide a balanced perspective and encourage informed decision-making.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the "negative consequences". Provide realistic and evidence-based assessments to maintain credibility and avoid alarmism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative consequences" functions as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to the undesirable results or repercussions of a situation or action. It acts as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting the adverse effects that may arise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "negative consequences" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to undesirable outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news, business, and other contexts to caution against potential downsides. When writing, consider alternatives like "adverse outcomes" or "harmful repercussions" for variety. Be sure to avoid exaggeration when discussing potential downsides to maintain credibility. As the numerous examples from Ludwig illustrate, the phrase is versatile and essential for clear, balanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative impacts

This alternative emphasizes the impact or influence, indicating that it is harmful or detrimental.

adverse outcomes

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the result of a situation as being unfavorable.

harmful repercussions

This alternative highlights the damaging effects that follow an event or action.

detrimental effects

This alternative focuses on the damaging impact of something, often in a more technical or scientific context.

unfavorable results

This alternative is a straightforward way of saying that the outcomes are not positive.

undesirable effects

This alternative indicates that the effects are not wanted or welcome.

ill effects

This alternative is a concise way of referring to the negative impact of something.

downside risks

This alternative is particularly relevant in business or financial contexts, emphasizing the potential for loss or negative outcomes.

drawbacks

This is a more general term for disadvantages or negative aspects.

pitfalls

This alternative emphasizes hidden dangers or difficulties that could lead to negative results.

FAQs

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

You can use "negative consequences" to describe the adverse results of an action or decision. For example, "Failing to address climate change will have severe "negative consequences" for future generations."

What are some alternatives to "negative consequences"?

Alternatives include "adverse outcomes", "harmful repercussions", or "detrimental effects", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "negative consequences" or "unintended consequences"?

"Negative consequences" refers to any unfavorable result, while "unintended consequences" refers specifically to results that were not foreseen or planned. The choice depends on whether the consequences were anticipated.

Can "negative consequences" be positive?

No, the phrase "negative consequences" inherently implies unfavorable or undesirable outcomes. If the consequences are positive, it would be more appropriate to use terms like "positive outcomes" or "beneficial effects".