the consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the result or effect of an action or situation. Example: "The consequence of his decision was a significant change in the company's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The consequence of this injustice has been four wars.

The New York Times

This is the consequence.

Independent

A. That's the consequence.

The New York Times

That's the consequence to me".

The New Yorker

The consequence is radicalisation".

The Guardian

"That is the consequence of this decision.

Independent

But the consequence would be straightforward.

The Economist

That's the consequence of doing it.

The New York Times

The leak was the consequence of sabotage".

Independent

Drowsy driving is the consequence".

The New York Times - Health

However, the consequence was devastating.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the consequence", ensure the relationship between cause and effect is clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what action or situation led to the stated consequence.

Common error

Avoid incorrectly associating an outcome with the wrong cause. Ensure a logical and evidential connection exists between the action and "the consequence" you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the consequence" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a result or effect stemming from a prior action, decision, or situation. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, emphasizing its role in connecting causes and outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the consequence" is a commonly used noun phrase that introduces a result or effect, often with an implied cause-and-effect relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "the result" or "the outcome" exist, "the consequence" often carries a slightly stronger implication of a logical or natural outcome. As such, it's essential to ensure that the connection between the cause and effect is clear to avoid misattributions. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the result

Replaces "consequence" with a more general term for an outcome.

the outcome

Similar to 'result', but often implies a final conclusion or resolution.

the effect

Focuses on the impact or change produced by a cause.

the upshot

Suggests a final and often unforeseen result.

the aftermath

Implies events following a significant or catastrophic event.

the ramification

Highlights the complex and far-reaching effects of something.

the implication

Suggests a consequence that is not directly stated but can be inferred.

the sequel

Can refer to a consequence that unfolds over time, like a continuation.

the fallout

Often used to describe negative or undesirable consequences.

the chain of events

Emphasizes the sequence of cause and effect leading to the result.

FAQs

How can I use "the consequence" in a sentence?

Use "the consequence" to introduce a result or effect following an action or event. For example, "The consequence of the heavy rain was severe flooding."

What is a good alternative to "the consequence"?

Alternatives include "the result", "the outcome", or "the effect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "the consequences" instead of "the consequence"?

Use "the consequence" when referring to a singular, specific outcome. Use "the consequences" when referring to multiple results or a range of effects. The choice depends on whether you are discussing one outcome or several.

What's the difference between "the result" and "the consequence"?

"The result" is a general term for any outcome. "The consequence" often implies a logical or natural outcome, particularly one that is unwanted or unpleasant. Both "the result" and "the consequence" can be used depending on the context.