of great consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

"of great consequence" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means something of great importance or significance. Example: The outcome of this decision is of great consequence, as it will impact the lives of thousands of people.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And compatibility was of great consequence.

The New York Times

She has written relatively little, and nothing of great consequence.

The New Yorker

None of this is of great consequence, I know.

The New York Times

Brusilov's offensive also had indirect results of great consequence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We live in times of great consequence and, therefore, of great opportunity.

The Guardian

"Your class has come of age at a moment of great consequence," he told students there.

The New York Times

In Georgia's 6th District, is Handel's victory of great consequence — or none at all?

The Washington Post

Jennifer Rubin: In Georgia's 6th District, is Handel's victory of great consequence — or none at all?

The Washington Post

My being bored with someone or something can represent a trivial matter or a matter of great consequence.

The New York Times

He didn't leap or fall to the ground as if he'd won a match of great consequence.

The New Yorker

In itself it is a highly interesting land, and politically and socially it is now of great consequence.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of great consequence" when you want to emphasize the importance or significance of a situation, decision, or event. It's suitable for formal writing and conveys a sense of seriousness.

Common error

While "of great consequence" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very important" or "significant" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of great consequence" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to emphasize its significance or importance. As shown in Ludwig, this construction is frequently used to highlight the potential impact or seriousness of a particular event, decision, or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of great consequence" is a phrase used to emphasize the high importance or significance of something. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, reflecting its formal register. While highly appropriate for emphasizing the gravity of a situation, Ludwig also indicates that it is important to use it judiciously in less formal settings. Alternative phrases such as "highly significant" or "very important" may be more suitable in those contexts. The phrase's frequent usage in authoritative sources, as evidenced by Ludwig, underscores its reliability and effectiveness in conveying importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly significant

This alternative uses a more direct adjective to describe the level of importance.

very important

A straightforward alternative that clearly communicates the importance of something.

critically important

This phrase emphasizes the crucial nature of the subject.

matters greatly

This version uses a verb to convey that something has substantial importance.

of paramount importance

This alternative highlights the supreme importance of the subject.

of utmost importance

Similar to 'paramount importance', this underscores the extreme significance.

substantially important

Highlights the considerable importance of the subject matter.

profoundly significant

Suggests a deep and far-reaching importance.

of major importance

Indicates a significant level of importance but may be less emphatic.

bears great significance

A more formal way of expressing that something is of great consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "of great consequence" in a sentence?

You can use "of great consequence" to emphasize the importance or significance of something. For example: "The decision to invest in renewable energy is of great consequence for the future of our planet."

What phrases are similar to "of great consequence"?

Alternatives include "highly significant", "very important", or "critically important". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "of great consequence" or "very important"?

"Of great consequence" is more formal and emphasizes the seriousness of the matter, while "very important" is more straightforward and suitable for general use. Choose based on the context and your desired level of formality.

What is the difference between "of great consequence" and "of major consequence"?

"Of great consequence" and "of major consequence" are very similar, but "of great consequence" might suggest a slightly more profound or far-reaching impact. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.