negative effect

USAGE SUMMARY

"negative effect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the negative results produced by an action, event, or decision. For example: "The high cost of living has had a negative effect on the local economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a negative effect".

The Guardian - Tech

"We have seen no negative effect internally, no negative effect on the stock market.

The Guardian

It had a negative effect on my team.

The Guardian

The negative effect of the mechanism outweighed its positive effect".

The Guardian - Business

"It had a negative effect on our image".

The New York Times

Cutting subsidies would only have a negative effect".

The Guardian

But over time this has had a subtle, negative effect.

The Guardian

A cliff edge could have a sharp, negative effect.

The Guardian

This has had a negative effect on our community.

The Guardian

In Angelo's case, the pills had a predominantly negative effect.

The New York Times - Magazine

"No, it is more having a negative effect on Christmas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "negative effect" of something, be specific about what is being affected and how. For example, instead of saying "The policy had a negative effect", specify "The policy had a negative effect on employee morale, leading to decreased productivity."

Common error

Avoid using "negative effect" as a vague descriptor. Instead of simply stating that something has a negative effect, provide concrete examples and evidence to support your claim. Show the reader the impact rather than just telling them it exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative effect" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes an unfavorable consequence or outcome resulting from a particular action, event, or condition, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "negative effect" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe adverse outcomes across various contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is frequently seen in News & Media and Science, indicating its relevance in reporting and discussing unfavorable impacts. Related phrases include "adverse impact", "detrimental consequence", and "harmful influence", offering alternative ways to express similar meanings. When using "negative effect", it is crucial to provide specific examples and avoid overgeneralizations to ensure clarity and impact. The phrase serves to communicate disapproval or concern, prompting discussions to address and mitigate the harm caused.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative consequence

A broader term that encompasses any negative result or outcome.

adverse impact

Emphasizes the force or significance of the negative outcome.

adverse outcome

A more formal alternative, often used in scientific or medical contexts, to denote a negative result.

detrimental consequence

Highlights the damaging or harmful result of an action or situation.

harmful influence

Focuses on the power to cause damage or injury.

unfavorable outcome

Indicates a result that is not desirable or positive.

ill effect

A more concise way of expressing a bad or harmful result.

damaging repercussions

Stresses the far-reaching and destructive consequences.

undesirable side effect

Highlights the unintended and unwelcome results, often in medical or technical contexts.

downside

Offers a shorter and more informal way to refer to a negative aspect or disadvantage.

FAQs

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

Use "negative effect" to describe an adverse outcome or impact resulting from a particular action or situation. For example, "The budget cuts had a "negative effect" on the quality of education."

What are some alternatives to "negative effect"?

You can use alternatives such as "adverse impact", "detrimental consequence", or "harmful influence" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "negative impact" or "negative effect"?

Both "negative impact" and "negative effect" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. "Negative impact" often suggests a more forceful or significant influence, while "negative effect" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "negative effect" and "side effect"?

"Negative effect" is a general term for any adverse outcome. A "side effect" is a secondary, typically unintended effect of something (like a medication), which may be positive or negative, but is often used to refer to negative effects.