secondary consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'secondary consequence' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is usually used to refer to a consequence of a certain event which is not the most immediate or primary consequence of the event, but a consequence that comes later as a result of the primary consequence. For example, "The primary consequence of global warming is rising sea levels, but a secondary consequence is the destruction of habitats for many species."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any extra profit accrued, he says, is an unintended secondary consequence.

The Guardian - Business

Are they present as a secondary consequence of the disease but do not contribute to disease progression?

Nature

Their argument could galvanize opposition to nonpartisan elections, but it could also have the secondary consequence of inciting opposition to Mr. Bloomberg.

The New York Times

Ramirez's departure had a secondary consequence: the outfielder Johnny Damon, another aging rebound candidate, could rest his legs and concentrate on batting, as a designated hitter.

The New Yorker

He sets himself against the historiography which argues that the genocide was just a secondary consequence of the wider policies of Lebensraum, and sustaining the German war economy.

The Guardian - Books

However, the directives make an exception for procedures that are necessary to protect a woman's health even if the secondary consequence is the death of the fetus.

The Guardian

Removal of extracellular Ca2+ greatly inhibited [Zn2+]i-induced acidification, suggesting that acidification was a secondary consequence of Ca2+ entry.

Neuroscience

It is not established, however, if the reduced levels of PI3KC2B is a direct effect of tamoxifen or if it is a secondary consequence of an overall improvement of muscle structure and function.

Nature

The spectrum of autoimmune disorders is wide, ranging from those that involve a single organ to others that affect several different organs as a secondary consequence of the presence of immune complexes in the circulation.

Britannica

Because of the timing and nature of the accompanying cardiomyopathy, it has been suggested that cardiomyopathy develops as a secondary consequence of skeletal muscle dysfunction in the muscular dystrophies.

Stanford University

"This is a secondary consequence," he says.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "secondary consequence", ensure the primary consequence is clearly established to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid misattributing a direct result as a "secondary consequence". Ensure it truly stems from an intermediary effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secondary consequence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies an outcome that is not the direct or immediate result of an action, but rather a consequence that arises from a prior consequence. Ludwig indicates it is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

74%

News & Media

18%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secondary consequence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe an indirect outcome of an event. Ludwig confirms its validity and highlights its common usage across various fields. The analysis reveals that it functions as a noun phrase, primarily used for describing cause-and-effect relationships. While the phrase exhibits neutrality, it leans towards formality, with prevalent use in scientific and news-related contexts. To ensure clarity in writing, establish the primary consequence before introducing its derivative. Alternatives include "indirect outcome" or "subsequent result". In summary, "secondary consequence" is a valuable tool for nuanced and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indirect outcome

Emphasizes the lack of a direct link between cause and effect.

subsequent result

Highlights the temporal aspect of following after a primary event.

downstream effect

Suggests a consequence occurring later in a process or system.

ancillary effect

Focuses on the supporting or subordinate nature of the consequence.

collateral impact

Implies an unintended or additional effect.

ensuing development

Highlights the idea of something unfolding or progressing as a result.

derivative effect

Emphasizes the consequence being derived or originating from something else.

offshoot

A metaphorical expression for a branch or development stemming from a primary cause.

ripple effect

Suggests a spreading, consequential impact from an initial action.

side effect

A generally undesirable effect in addition to the intended effect.

FAQs

How can I use "secondary consequence" in a sentence?

Use "secondary consequence" to describe an outcome that arises as a result of a primary or more direct consequence. For example: "The primary consequence of the factory closure was job losses, and a "secondary consequence" was the decline of local businesses."

What are some alternatives to "secondary consequence"?

Alternatives include "indirect outcome", "subsequent result", or "downstream effect", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "secondary effect" or "secondary consequence"?

Both "secondary effect" and "secondary consequence" are acceptable, but "secondary consequence" often implies a more significant or impactful result than a mere "effect".

What's the difference between a primary and a "secondary consequence"?

A primary consequence is the immediate and direct result of an action or event. A "secondary consequence" is a subsequent result that occurs because of the primary consequence, not directly from the initial action.