not without consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

"not without consequences" is a grammatically correct phrase in written English and can be used to refer to an action with potentially negative repercussions.
For example, "Making a risky financial decision without consulting a professional is not without consequences; you could end up losing all of your savings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not without consequences.

The Guardian

The decision was not without consequences.

The New York Times - Style

Bad things happen, but not without consequences.

The New Yorker

Steroids stretch those natural limits, but not without consequences.

The New York Times - Sports

A romance between the two blossomed but not without consequences.

The New York Times

As the film reveals, real change is possible, but not without consequences, unintended and otherwise.

Stanford University

And this amazing response to the drugs is not without consequences.

The New York Times - Health

The panel is not imposing a fine on Kraft, but its conclusions are not without consequences.

The New York Times

This is not without consequences for central banks, which deal with an implicitly understood hierarchy among currencies.

Columbia University

The reality remains that action causes reaction, and last month's Predator raid in Yemen was not without consequences.

The New Yorker

He was furious also with Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik for saying Limbaugh "attacks people, angers them against government, angers them against elected officials and that kind of behaviour in my opinion is not without consequences".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not without consequences" to add a touch of formality and seriousness when pointing out the repercussions of a decision or action. It’s particularly effective in persuasive writing or when delivering cautionary advice.

Common error

While "not without consequences" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "it has downsides" or "there's a price to pay" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not without consequences" functions as a qualifier, emphasizing that an action or situation will inevitably result in repercussions. Ludwig AI confirms this by showcasing its use across various contexts to highlight potential outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

28%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not without consequences" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize that actions have repercussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears most often in News & Media and Science contexts, carrying a tone of caution or warning. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the setting and choose more casual alternatives when appropriate. Understanding its implications and usage patterns can significantly enhance clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not without ramifications

Replaces "consequences" with "ramifications", suggesting broader and more complex effects.

not without repercussions

Substitutes "consequences" with "repercussions", emphasizing the negative or adverse effects.

not without implications

Uses "implications" instead of "consequences", focusing on the potential future effects.

not without effects

Replaces "consequences" with the more general term "effects".

not without its price

Emphasizes the cost or sacrifice associated with something.

not devoid of impact

Uses a double negative to affirm that something does have an impact.

has its downsides

Highlights the negative aspects or disadvantages of something.

carries a cost

Focuses on the expense or burden associated with an action.

comes at a price

Similar to "carries a cost", emphasizing the sacrifice involved.

is not inconsequential

Indicates that something is significant and has noteworthy effects.

FAQs

How can I use "not without consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "not without consequences" to emphasize that a particular action or decision will inevitably lead to repercussions. For example, "Ignoring safety regulations is "not without consequences"; it could lead to serious accidents".

What are some alternatives to "not without consequences"?

Alternatives to "not without consequences" include phrases like "not without ramifications", "has its downsides", or "carries a cost". These options can help you vary your language while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "not without consequence" or "not without consequences"?

While both forms are grammatically acceptable, "not without consequences" is more common and generally preferred. "Not without consequence" is less frequently used, and may sound slightly archaic or overly formal.

What is the tone of "not without consequences"?

The phrase "not without consequences" typically conveys a serious and cautionary tone. It suggests that an action is likely to lead to significant and potentially negative repercussions, urging careful consideration.