snowball effect

USAGE SUMMARY

"snowball effect" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an event or process which starts slowly and gradually gains momentum, or a situation where one problem leads to many other problems. For example: The scandal quickly gained momentum and had a snowball effect, leading to reputational damage for the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a contagious, snowball effect".

The New York Times - Sports

And it's a snowball effect.

The New York Times

"There was a snowball effect".

The New York Times

Demographically, it looked like a snowball effect.

The New Yorker

This creates a fake snowball effect.

The New York Times

And then it was a snowball effect".

The Guardian

"We're trying to create a snowball effect.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We're seeing a snowball effect," he said.

The New York Times

We are already seeing a snowball effect.

The Guardian

Instead you get the snowball effect.

The Guardian - Sport

This talk is having a snowball effect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "snowball effect", ensure the context clearly demonstrates an accelerating growth or impact over time.

Common error

Avoid using "snowball effect" when the outcome is immediate and doesn't involve a gradual, increasing process. The key is the escalating nature of the effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "snowball effect" functions primarily as a noun, often used as the object of a verb or after a preposition. It describes a process that starts small and grows significantly over time, gaining momentum and impact. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "snowball effect" is a common and useful idiom to describe a situation where an initial action or event triggers a series of increasingly significant consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse fields like News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While related phrases like "domino effect" or "ripple effect" exist, "snowball effect" specifically emphasizes the accelerating nature of the process. To use it effectively, focus on illustrating gradual growth over time, while avoiding its application to situations lacking that sustained, cumulative impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

domino effect

Implies a chain reaction where one event triggers a series of others.

ripple effect

Suggests a spreading influence from an initial event.

cumulative impact

Focuses on the accumulating effect of multiple actions or events.

vicious cycle

Describes a self-perpetuating negative sequence of events.

self-amplifying process

Highlights the way a process reinforces itself, increasing its intensity.

escalating sequence

Emphasizes the increasing nature of a series of events.

spiraling consequences

Focuses on the uncontrolled and often negative results of an initial action.

amplified repercussions

Highlights the way repercussions are not only present, but bigger than they should be.

accelerating trend

Describes a pattern that grows faster over time.

runaway effect

Suggests a loss of control as the effect intensifies.

FAQs

How can I use "snowball effect" in a sentence?

You can use "snowball effect" to describe a situation where an initial action or event leads to increasingly larger consequences or results. For example, "The company's initial success created a "snowball effect", leading to rapid expansion and market dominance."

What is a good alternative to "snowball effect"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "domino effect", "ripple effect", or "cumulative impact" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "snowball effect" a positive or negative term?

"Snowball effect" can be used in both positive and negative contexts. It simply describes an accelerating process. For example, it could describe the positive "snowball effect" of a successful marketing campaign or the negative "snowball effect" of mounting debt.

What's the difference between "snowball effect" and "vicious cycle"?

While both describe a series of events, "snowball effect" is neutral and can be positive or negative. A "vicious cycle" specifically refers to a self-perpetuating negative sequence of events.