negative effects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negative effects" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the potential negative outcome of a certain action or event. For example, "The increased use of pesticides has had many negative effects on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This has two negative effects.

The New York Times

"[Eteplirsen] has no negative effects.

The Washington Post

There can be negative effects.

The Washington Post

We don't see any negative effects".

The Guardian

"I don't think there are negative effects.

The Guardian - Sport

You just wouldn't have the negative effects".

The New York Times

But new research shows significant negative effects.

The New York Times - Science

There may be negative effects, but the negative effects are small.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

RICO is having other negative effects.

The New York Times

Negative effects are rare, he said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Negative effects strengthen with time since closure.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of specific actions or policies, be precise about what is causing the "negative effects". Clearly link the cause and effect to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "negative effects" as a generic placeholder. Instead, specify the nature of the effects (e.g., "economic decline", "environmental damage", "social unrest") to provide a more nuanced and impactful description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative effects" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies and categorizes consequences that are undesirable or detrimental. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "negative effects" is a versatile phrase used to denote undesirable outcomes across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct. It is very common in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While simple in construction, it is crucial to clearly specify the source and nature of these effects for clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "adverse consequences" or "harmful impacts" to add nuance, and avoid using the phrase as a vague descriptor. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the adverse outcomes in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adverse consequences

Replaces "effects" with "consequences", implying a result that follows from an action or condition. "Adverse" adds a slightly stronger sense of opposition or harm than "negative".

damaging consequences

Substitutes "negative" with "damaging", placing strong emphasis on the destructive aspect of the consequences.

harmful impacts

Substitutes "effects" with "impacts", suggesting a forceful or significant influence. "Harmful" directly emphasizes the damaging nature of the consequences.

detrimental outcomes

Employs "outcomes" instead of "effects", highlighting the final result of a process or situation. "Detrimental" indicates a clear and measurable negative impact.

deleterious impacts

Uses "deleterious" to indicate something harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way emphasizing the damaging nature of the effects.

undesirable results

Replaces "effects" with "results", focusing on the end product. "Undesirable" is a more general term for something unwanted or unwelcome.

negative ramifications

Replaces "effects" with "ramifications" to highlight the complex and far-reaching consequences of a particular action or decision.

adverse repercussions

Uses "repercussions" to emphasize the indirect or long-term consequences of an action. "Adverse" highlights the unfavorable nature of these consequences.

unfavorable outcomes

Employs "unfavorable" indicating less positive and wanted but not necessarily destructive outcomes.

ill effects

Uses "ill" as a more direct and concise way to express negativity. This phrase is slightly less formal than "negative effects".

FAQs

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

You can use "negative effects" to describe the adverse outcomes of a situation or action. For example, "The policy change had several "negative effects" on small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "negative effects"?

Alternatives include "adverse consequences", "harmful impacts", or "detrimental outcomes". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Are "negative effects" the same as "side effects"?

While both describe consequences, "negative effects" generally refers to broader impacts, while "side effects" often refers to unintended consequences, especially in medical contexts. For example, medicine has "side effects", not negative effects.

What's the difference between "negative effects" and "negative impacts"?

"Negative effects" is a general term for unfavorable outcomes. "Negative impacts" implies a stronger, more direct influence or force. The choice depends on the strength and scope of the consequence you're describing. Consider also alternatives as "negative consequences".