side effect of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "side effect of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical or scientific contexts to describe an unintended consequence or secondary effect of a treatment or medication. Example: "One common side effect of this medication is drowsiness, which may affect your ability to drive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Perhaps it's a side effect of parenthood.

The Guardian - Music

That is an unfortunate side effect of the change.

The New York Times

The chief side effect of overcapacity is heat.

The New Yorker

"It's a side effect of the 21st century".

The New York Times

Being broke is another side effect of endometriosis, Freedman says.

The Guardian

Hair loss is the most visible side effect of chemotherapy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

But it's also a side-effect of cocaine use.

The Guardian - Opinion

Konzo is but a single side-effect of global malnutrition.

Huffington Post

Nevertheless, information on side-effect of medications is essential.

BMC Geriatrics

Cytotoxicity is a widely recognized side-effect of BCNU (49).

Cell Death and Differentiation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, quantify the probability and severity of the "side effect of" when possible to provide a comprehensive risk assessment.

Common error

Avoid attributing an effect as a "side effect of" something if there's no direct causal link established. Ensure a clear relationship between the cause and the observed outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "side effect of" functions primarily as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, used to describe an unintended or secondary consequence resulting from a particular action, treatment, or condition. Ludwig's examples show its frequent use in medical and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "side effect of" is a very common and grammatically correct construction used to describe unintended consequences, especially in medical and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread usage. While often associated with negative outcomes, it can also denote positive or neutral secondary effects. When writing, ensure a clear causal link and consider the potential nuances when choosing alternatives like "consequence of" or "byproduct of". Understanding the context is key to employing this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secondary effect of

Directly mirrors the structure but uses 'secondary' instead of 'side'.

consequence of

Replaces "side effect" with a more general term for a result or outcome.

result of

Similar to 'consequence', but focuses on the outcome or product of something.

outcome of

Emphasizes the final result or effect of a process or event.

byproduct of

Suggests an incidental or secondary result produced during a process.

ramification of

Implies a complex or far-reaching consequence.

aftermath of

Highlights the events or consequences that follow a significant event.

repercussion of

Focuses on the impact or consequence, often negative, that arises from an action or event.

upshot of

Refers to the final or eventual result; often used in summarizing a discussion.

unintended consequence of

Specifically indicates that the effect was not planned or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "side effect of" in a sentence?

You can use "side effect of" to describe unintended consequences, especially in medical or scientific contexts. For instance, "Drowsiness is a common "side effect of" this medication".

What are some alternatives to "side effect of"?

Alternatives include "consequence of", "result of", or "byproduct of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative when referring to a "side effect of" something?

While often associated with negative or undesirable outcomes, "side effect of" can also refer to positive or neutral consequences. It simply denotes an effect that is secondary or not the primary intention.

How does "side effect of" differ from "direct effect of"?

"Side effect of" indicates an indirect or secondary result, whereas "direct effect of" describes a primary and intended outcome. Understanding this distinction is crucial for clarity in communication.