secondary effects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secondary effects" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the indirect or unintended consequences of a particular action or event. Example: The primary effect of the new immigration policy was to decrease the number of illegal immigrants, but the secondary effects included a labor shortage in certain industries and an increase in human rights violations at the border.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There would be significant secondary effects, too.

The New York Times

Poverty and the breakdown of family have secondary effects.

The Guardian

The ever increasing need for speed creates other secondary effects.

The New York Times

Secondary effects of the spill are also described.

The New Yorker

Moreover, there are lesser-known secondary effects in organizations.

Harvard Business Review

Pandemics also disrupt societies and economies and cause widespread secondary effects.

The Guardian

In some cases, technology hasn't quite caught up with some of its secondary effects on communication.

The Guardian

As investment plans are put on ice, we are likely to see some secondary effects.

The Guardian - Opinion

I saw secondary effects on the brain that came out of treating physical problems".

The New Yorker

Now governments have to provide evidence that nudity causes adverse secondary effects.

The New York Times - Arts

What is perhaps most disturbing about blushing is that it produces secondary effects of its own.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "secondary effects" to explore unintended consequences, both positive and negative, offering a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the immediate, obvious outcomes. Analyzing "secondary effects" provides a more complete picture and can reveal hidden opportunities or risks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secondary effects" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig AI says this phrase is used to describe the results that arise as a consequence of some action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "secondary effects" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that refers to indirect or unintended consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears most frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, showing its versatility across various domains. To enhance your writing, remember to distinguish between primary and "secondary effects" for comprehensive analysis, and avoid overlooking these often crucial implications. Consider using synonyms like "indirect consequences" or "unintended outcomes" to add variety to your vocabulary. By understanding and effectively using the term, you can provide a more thorough and insightful analysis in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indirect consequences

Focuses on the consequences that are not directly caused by the initial action.

side effects

Highlights the effects that occur in addition to the intended effect.

unintended outcomes

Emphasizes that the results were not planned or expected.

knock-on effects

Stresses the cascading or chain reaction of effects.

ripple effects

Suggests a spreading or widening impact from the initial action.

ancillary results

Focuses on the results that are supplementary or auxiliary to the main outcome.

downstream impacts

Indicates effects that occur later in a process or system.

ensuing repercussions

Highlights the consequences that follow as a result of something.

consequential impacts

Emphasizes the importance or significance of the effects.

derivative effects

Indicates effects that are derived or originate from something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "secondary effects" to describe the indirect or unintended consequences of an action or event. For example: "The primary effect of the policy was increased revenue, but the "secondary effects" included reduced employee morale".

What are some alternatives to "secondary effects"?

Alternatives to "secondary effects" include "indirect consequences", "side effects", or "unintended outcomes", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "secondary effects" and "side effects"?

"Side effects" often refer to unintended consequences, particularly in medical or technical contexts, while "secondary effects" is a more general term for any indirect or subsequent consequence. "Side effects" can be considered a specific type of "secondary effects".

Why is it important to consider "secondary effects"?

Considering "secondary effects" allows for a more comprehensive understanding of a situation, helping to anticipate potential problems or opportunities that might be missed by focusing only on the primary, immediate impacts.