societal consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "societal consequences" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you might use the phrase "societal consequences" in the following sentence: "The researchers examined the long-term societal consequences of the new economic policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This phenomenon has broader societal consequences.

The New Yorker

We should not make simple connections between abortion decisions and societal consequences.

The New York Times

However, the far-reaching societal consequences of the pay gap largely go unreported.

Independent

In the example of thalidomide, the societal consequences of a bad molecular fit, as it were, have been instructional.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The obscene income inequality bequeathed by the three-decade rise of the financial industry has societal consequences graver than even the fundamental economic unfairness.

The New York Times

Peking University's treatment of Professor Xia sends a message to the entire academic community that destroys free inquiry and has severe societal consequences.

The New York Times

"Because other people regard his tortured life as somehow sacred, or are fearful of societal consequences, he is forced to endure his suffering or take desperate measures to end it.

The Guardian

What matters more than the precision of these estimates (Republicans are not happy with them) is the undeniable fact that the costs associated with the Iraq war are huge and carry with them enormous societal consequences.

The New York Times

Legal scholars and court historians struggled to think of another recent Supreme Court term in a presidential election year with a similar pileup of cases with sharp political and societal consequences.

The New York Times

It also poses societal consequences, with our ever-increasing need for accurate space weather forecasts.

Advances in Space Research

How should management and policies be adapted to minimise the ecological, economic and societal consequences?

Science of The Total Environment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "societal consequences" to add weight and authority when arguing the importance of research findings, policy changes, or ethical considerations.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on "societal consequences" without acknowledging how these consequences manifest in individual lives. A balanced approach will offer a more nuanced and empathetic perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "societal consequences" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the results or effects of an action, event, or policy on a society. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "societal consequences" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term to describe the broad impacts of actions, events, or policies on a society. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in both news media and scientific publications. While semantically similar alternatives like "societal impacts" or "social repercussions" exist, "societal consequences" emphasizes a wide-ranging and often systemic influence. To effectively use the phrase, ensure a clear link is established between a specific cause and its resultant effect on the societal structure or function. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

societal outcomes

Focuses on the end results or effects on society.

societal impacts

Emphasizes the force or effect on society.

societal effects

A more general term for the results on society.

social repercussions

Highlights the broad, often unintended, effects on society.

societal ramifications

Implies a complex and far-reaching set of consequences.

societal repercussions

Underscores widespread, often negative, indirect effects on society.

community consequences

Narrows the scope to the effects on a specific community.

public consequences

Refers to consequences that affect the general public.

civil consequences

Relates to consequences within the structure of civil society.

collective consequences

Emphasizes shared or joint consequences experienced by society.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "societal consequences" in a sentence?

To effectively use "societal consequences", ensure the context clearly links an action, policy, or event to its broader impact on society. For example: "The policy changes had significant "societal consequences", affecting healthcare access and economic stability."

What phrases can I use instead of "societal consequences" to vary my writing?

You can use alternatives like "societal impacts", "social repercussions", or "community consequences", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "societal consequences" and "social consequences"?

While similar, "societal consequences" often implies a broader, more systemic impact on structures and institutions, whereas "social consequences" might refer to more immediate or interpersonal effects.

How do I determine the "societal consequences" of a particular event or policy?

Determining "societal consequences" involves analyzing economic, political, and cultural impacts, considering both short-term and long-term effects, and consulting diverse sources and perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding.