side effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'side effect' is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an unintended consequence of a particular action, whether it be a medication, a process, or any other thing. For example, "One of the common side effects of this medication is drowsiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Yes, like a side effect.

The New Yorker

That is a side effect.

The Economist

A side effect?

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a dangerous side effect.

The New York Times - Magazine

A common side effect is headache.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Could it be a side effect?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

However, cag also has a side-effect.

The Economist

There must be a side-effect.

Harvard University

It's not some side-effect of it?

Harvard University

That's a welcome side-effect of Twilight".

The Guardian

There was another peculiar side-effect.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, clearly distinguish between intended outcomes and potential "side effects" to ensure transparency and avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of minor "side effects". Accurately represent their severity to maintain credibility and avoid alarming your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "side effect" functions primarily as a noun, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it denoting unintended consequences. It also is used as modifier as "side-effect networks".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "side effect" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to describe unintended consequences across various fields. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. While often associated with negative outcomes, "side effect" can also refer to positive, though unintended, results. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify the nature and impact of the consequence. Consider synonyms like "unintended consequence" or "ancillary result" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unintended consequence

Focuses on the lack of intention behind the outcome, suitable for formal contexts.

unforeseen outcome

Emphasizes the unpredictability of the result, suggesting a lack of planning or anticipation.

ancillary result

Highlights that the result is secondary and supportive to the main outcome.

collateral effect

Often used in technical or scientific contexts to describe secondary effects.

ripple effect

Suggests a cascading series of consequences following an initial action.

knock-on effect

Similar to ripple effect, implying a chain of related consequences.

byproduct

Implies that the result is a natural and inevitable consequence of the primary process.

downside

Focuses specifically on the negative aspects of an unintended consequence.

drawback

Similar to downside, indicating a disadvantage or negative aspect.

fallout

Often used to describe negative consequences resulting from a significant event or decision.

FAQs

How do you use "side effect" in a sentence?

You can use "side effect" to describe an unintended consequence of an action, such as "One common "side effect" of this medication is drowsiness".

What is a more formal synonym for "side effect"?

A more formal synonym for "side effect" is "unintended consequence", which emphasizes the lack of intention behind the outcome.

Is "side effect" always negative?

While "side effect" often refers to negative consequences, it can also describe unintended positive outcomes. However, words like "ancillary result" are better suited when dealing with positive consequences.

What's the difference between a "side effect" and a "direct effect"?

A "direct effect" is the intended outcome of an action, while a "side effect" is an unintended consequence that occurs in addition to the intended outcome. The "direct effect" is the main purpose; the "side effect" is secondary.