repercussions

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "repercussions" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the consequences of an action or event, usually the negative ones. For example, "The CEO was forced to resign due to the serious repercussions of the scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Higher up the political ladder the repercussions were even less evident.

The Guardian - Sport

I couldn't disclose who had rented the property, because of the risk of repercussions to my close ones, so I had to take the sentence on the chin.

The Guardian - Sport

They don't tell many people they're poly, fearing judgment and even career repercussions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Obviously that cannot go on indefinitely, but European economies need time to recover from the cataclysm of the financial crisis, which was the first cause of the huge collapse in demand in 2009, with repercussions on productivity.

The Guardian - Business

We have to face it head on, because the repercussions of Mrs Thatcher's reign have fed the nation.

The Guardian - Books

The repercussions to this news have been violent, to say the least.

The Guardian

Time will tell, but Lenihan's face-saving exercise could have repercussions far beyond Dublin if AIB's doors fail to revolve, opening the way for other governments to stop big bonuses.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Sun has yanked out that old photo of Ed Miliband and the sandwich, screaming a fiery-eyed warning to readers about the repercussions of letting the country be run by someone who'll intermittently allow themselves to be strung up by mischievous picture editors.

The Guardian

There wouldn't be any malign repercussions if I did put my name to it, but it is in the bloodstream of islanders that the operation of local society is mutually exclusive with the confrontational nature of party politics.

The Guardian

The decisions made by Google's engineers may have similarly significant repercussions, although they may operate in more subtle ways than, for example, deciding which way North should point.

The Guardian

The high-profile repercussions of the case continue to be felt, meanwhile, across the country.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "repercussions", ensure the context clearly establishes the initial action or event that leads to these consequences. This provides clarity and strengthens the logical connection in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "repercussions" in very informal conversations or casual writing where simpler words like "results" or "effects" would be more appropriate. "Repercussions" often carries a more serious or formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "repercussions" is as a noun, specifically the plural form. It functions as the object of a verb or preposition, denoting the consequences or effects of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "repercussions" refers to the consequences of an action or event, typically with a negative connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. It's a noun most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. When writing, consider the formality of your context and choose simpler alternatives like "results" or "effects" for more casual settings. Remember to clearly establish the cause-and-effect relationship when using the word. The phrase is deemed grammatically correct and very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consequences

General term for results or effects, often negative, following an action or event; broader in scope.

aftermath

Focuses on the period and conditions following a significant event, emphasizing the immediate consequences.

ramifications

Implies a complex and far-reaching set of consequences, often unforeseen or subtle.

side effects

Specifically refers to unintended or secondary effects, often in a medical or technical context.

knock-on effects

Highlights the chain reaction of consequences, where one effect leads to another.

unintended consequences

Emphasizes that the results were not those initially planned or foreseen.

fallout

Suggests negative and often widespread consequences, particularly in a political or social context.

implications

Focuses on the potential future effects and the logical conclusions that can be drawn.

outcomes

A neutral term for results, without necessarily implying a negative connotation.

resultant effects

Emphasizes that the effects are a direct result of a prior action or event, highlighting causality.

FAQs

How can I use "repercussions" in a sentence?

Use "repercussions" to refer to the consequences or effects of an action, typically negative ones. For example, "The company faced severe "consequences" for its environmental violations".

What are some alternatives to using "repercussions"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "consequences", "ramifications", or "aftermath". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "repercussions" and "consequences"?

"Repercussions" typically implies negative or unintended effects, while "consequences" is a more general term for the results of an action. Therefore, "repercussions" often suggests a more severe or problematic outcome.

Is it correct to use "repercussions" in a positive context?

While less common, "repercussions" can be used in a positive context if you are referring to the widespread effects or significant results, even if those results are beneficial. However, it is more frequently associated with negative outcomes.