suffer the consequences of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'suffer the consequences of' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when someone has done something wrong and is now faced with the potential bad outcome of their actions. For example: "I knew I should not have taken that shortcut, but I did it anyway. Now I have to suffer the consequences of my decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They suffer the consequences of their mistakes.

The New York Times

"They will suffer the consequences of untreated obesity".

The New York Times

"Hundreds of children still suffer the consequences of Lubanga's crimes.

The Guardian

But be prepared to suffer the consequences of your actions.

The Guardian

Shouldn't he suffer the consequences of his poor decisions?

The New York Times

Thousands of people suffer the consequences of my error.

The New York Times

Many suffer the consequences of doing without healthcare.

The Guardian

Presidents suffer the consequences of a bad economy.

The New York Times

Whatever happens after Oct. 6, you suffer the consequences of the discipline.

The New York Times - Sports

Women have suffered, and continue to suffer, the consequences of prejudice and patriarchy.

The Guardian

Why should you have to suffer the consequences of this strike?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject clearly understands that their actions have led to the negative outcome they are now experiencing.

Common error

Avoid using "suffer the consequences of" when the negative outcomes are not directly linked to a specific action or decision. Ensure a clear causal link exists to maintain the phrase's accuracy and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffer the consequences of" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is experiencing negative outcomes as a result of a prior action or event. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "suffer the consequences of" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe the negative outcomes resulting from specific actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various writing styles, particularly in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts. While synonymous with phrases like "face the music" or "pay the price for", it's important to use it when a clear cause-and-effect relationship exists. Avoid misattributing consequences to unrelated events to maintain accuracy. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "suffer the consequences of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endure the repercussions of

Focuses on the long-term and often indirect effects of an action.

pay the price for

Highlights the cost or penalty incurred as a result of something.

undergo the effects of

A more general term for experiencing the results, often negative, of something.

bear the brunt of

Shifts the focus to enduring the most severe part of something negative.

live with the fallout from

Emphasizes the negative and lingering effects of an event or decision.

accept the implications of

Emphasizes understanding and acknowledging the logical consequences of a decision or action.

face the music

An idiomatic expression emphasizing accountability for one's actions.

reap what you sow

An idiomatic expression about experiencing the results of one's actions, whether good or bad.

experience the downside of

Highlights the negative aspects or disadvantages resulting from a situation.

take the hit for

Focuses on absorbing the negative impact or blame.

FAQs

How can I use "suffer the consequences of" in a sentence?

You can use "suffer the consequences of" to indicate that someone is experiencing negative outcomes because of their actions. For example: "If you break the law, you must "suffer the consequences of" your actions."

What phrases are similar to "suffer the consequences of"?

Similar phrases include "face the music", "pay the price for", and "bear the brunt of". They all relate to experiencing negative outcomes due to one's actions.

Is there a difference between "suffer the consequences of" and "face the consequences of"?

While both phrases are similar, "suffer the consequences of" emphasizes the actual experience of hardship, whereas "face the consequences of" highlights the act of confronting the outcome, which may or may not involve suffering. They are very close synonyms.

When is it appropriate to use "suffer the consequences of"?

It is appropriate to use "suffer the consequences of" when someone's actions directly lead to negative outcomes for them. It is a good choice when you want to highlight the cause-and-effect relationship between action and result.