possible adverse effects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possible adverse effects" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing potential negative outcomes or side effects, particularly in medical, scientific, or risk assessment discussions. Example: "Before starting the new medication, it's important to discuss any possible adverse effects with your doctor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This study adds usefully to our knowledge about possible adverse effects of phthalates," he said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Amantadine's possible adverse effects, which abate with time, include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, impaired concentration and seizures.

The New York Times - Health

Other possible adverse effects include drowsiness, temporary blurring of vision and, infrequently, disorientation, memory loss, restlessness, dizziness and hallucinations.

The New York Times - Science

And consumer advocates and physician groups are advising overweight people to carefully consider the possible adverse effects of the drug.

The New York Times

These studies will also help ascertain possible adverse effects of MCS on other systems (e.g., cancer). 5.

Cornell University

Also, consent may change and relationships may end, with possible adverse effects on the more junior party's education or career.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We have legislated so that experimentation is only permitted when there is no alternative research technique and when the expected benefits outweigh any possible adverse effects.

The Guardian

Our analysis highlights some possible adverse effects of these widely consumed antioxidants.

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology

Feminizing genitoplasties (FG) are controversial, because of possible adverse effects on sex life.

Journal of Pediatric Urology

Little is known about the possible adverse effects of dengue infection during pregnancy on fetal outcomes.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

A suspected lack of efficacy or the possible adverse effects are seldom expressed.

Neurocirugía

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical treatments or interventions, be specific about the "possible adverse effects". Provide detailed information, including the likelihood of occurrence and severity, to ensure informed consent.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "possible adverse effects" without providing context or specific examples. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety or mistrust. Always aim to balance transparency with clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible adverse effects" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies potential negative consequences or side effects associated with a particular action, substance, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possible adverse effects" is a widely used and grammatically correct term to describe potential negative outcomes or side effects. Ludwig AI highlights its versatility across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, specificity is key; avoid overgeneralizations and strive to provide detailed information about the likelihood and severity of the effects. While alternatives like "potential negative effects" and "potential side effects" exist, "possible adverse effects" maintains a formal tone suitable for both scientific and general communication. Being mindful of these nuances ensures clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential negative effects

Replaces "adverse" with a more general term, "negative", and "possible" with "potential", maintaining the meaning of potential harm.

potential side effects

Uses "side effects" which is common in medical contexts, instead of "adverse effects", focusing on secondary, typically undesirable, effects.

potential harmful consequences

Substitutes "adverse" with "harmful" and "effects" with "consequences", emphasizing the damaging nature of the outcome.

possible negative outcomes

Replaces "adverse effects" with "negative outcomes", focusing on results that are undesirable or unfavorable.

risks and complications

Focuses on the "risks" involved and potential "complications" that may arise, shifting from a general effect to specific issues.

potential downsides

Uses a more informal term, "downsides", to refer to the negative aspects or disadvantages.

unintended negative consequences

Highlights that the consequences were not planned or expected, adding an element of surprise or lack of foresight.

conceivable detriments

Uses more formal and less common words, "conceivable" and "detriments", to express possible harm or disadvantage.

foreseeable risks

Focuses on risks that can be anticipated or predicted, narrowing the scope to what is reasonably expected.

likely drawbacks

Replaces "adverse effects" with "drawbacks", which is a less severe term, suggesting disadvantages rather than serious harm.

FAQs

How can I use "possible adverse effects" in a sentence?

You can use "possible adverse effects" to discuss potential negative outcomes, for example: "The study aims to identify the "possible adverse effects" of the new drug".

What are some alternatives to "possible adverse effects"?

Alternatives include "potential negative effects", "potential side effects", or "potential harmful consequences", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "possible adverse effects" or "potential adverse effects"?

Both "possible adverse effects" and "potential adverse effects" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference, as they convey the same meaning.

When should I use the term "side effects" instead of "possible adverse effects"?

"Side effects" is typically used in medical contexts to describe secondary, often undesirable, effects of a treatment. "Possible adverse effects" is a broader term that can apply to any situation where negative consequences are possible, not just in medicine.