the probable consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

"the probable consequence" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing likely outcomes or effects of a particular action or situation. An example: "The probable consequence of ignoring the warning could be severe." Alternative expressions include "the likely outcome" and "the expected result."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Meanwhile, the way we read is changing – with the probable consequence that the way writers write will change too.

The Guardian - Books

The probable consequence of such contretemp in the vicinity, of say, the U.N. Secretariat Bldg., might suppose that this test was definitive, but the FAA chose to discount it.

The New Yorker

The probable consequence of this disparity is a widening of the health inequality across class and race divisions.

Health & Justice

While the probable consequence of many of these weaknesses is to inflate prevalence rates [ 6, 7], this is offset by the known barriers to detection and management of depression.

BMC Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Under these circumstances, it is fair to presume that the wrongdoer intended "the probable consequences of its acts".

The New York Times

Teenagers are also more likely than adults to fail to understand the probable consequences of their actions, said Kenneth King of the Suffolk Law School Juvenile Justice Center.

The New York Times

So did Claire sell Scottie out and spill the beans, or did Scottie himself talk, fully aware of the probable consequences?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Clarkson visited British ports to collect facts for his pamphlet "A Summary View of the Slave Trade and of the Probable Consequences of Its Abolition" (1787).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The probable consequences of this (leftist government) experiment are far from clear-cut, but they are likely to be mostly market-negative," Teneo Intelligence consultants vice-president, Antonio Barroso, said.

Independent

I suspect that all the sitting justices recognize that they are neither final nor infallible, know quite well that their decisions "resonate in the world outside the confines of the court" and have pretty good ideas about the probable consequences of each decision they render, whether we like them or not.

The New York Times

Combining advanced flood mapping and atmospheric projections with data on California's geologic flood history, over 100 scientists calculated the probable consequences of a "superstorm" carrying tropical moisture from the South Pacific and dropping up to 10 feet of rain across the state.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the probable consequence", ensure the context clearly establishes the action or situation leading to the consequence. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "the probable consequence" when the outcome is highly uncertain. This phrase implies a reasonable degree of predictability; if the result is merely a possibility, consider using phrases like "a possible outcome" or "a potential result" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the probable consequence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a likely outcome or result. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the probable consequence" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a likely outcome or result, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively infrequent, its usage spans scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the causal relationship is clear and avoid overstating the certainty of the outcome. Consider alternatives like "the likely result" or "the expected outcome" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the likely result

Replaces 'consequence' with 'result', focusing on the outcome.

the expected outcome

Emphasizes anticipation and expectation of the result.

the foreseeable effect

Highlights the ability to predict the outcome.

the anticipated impact

Focuses on the influence or effect of an action.

the potential ramification

Suggests a more far-reaching and complex set of consequences.

the possible repercussion

Implies a negative or undesirable consequence.

the ensuing development

Highlights the sequential nature of the consequence, what follows next.

the subsequent effect

Similar to 'ensuing development', but emphasizes the timing of the effect.

the resultant event

Focuses on the event that occurs as a result.

the logical conclusion

Highlights the reasoning and predictability of the consequence.

FAQs

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

Use "the probable consequence" to indicate a likely outcome or result of a particular action or situation. For example: "The probable consequence of ignoring safety protocols is an increased risk of accidents."

What are some alternatives to "the probable consequence"?

You can use alternatives such as "the likely result", "the expected outcome", or "the foreseeable effect" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "probable consequence" or "possible consequence"?

"Probable consequence" suggests a higher likelihood than "possible consequence". Use "probable" when the outcome is reasonably predictable based on available information. Use "possible consequence" when the outcome is just one of several potential results.

What is the difference between a 'consequence' and an 'effect'?

While often used interchangeably, "consequence" often implies a logical or natural result, whereas "effect" can be a broader term for any kind of result or impact. In many cases, using "effect" might be more appropriate if you want to emphasize the impact rather than the logical follow-up.