the ultimate consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the ultimate consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the final or most significant result of an action or event. Example: "If we continue to ignore climate change, the ultimate consequence could be catastrophic for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The ultimate consequence of this appears to be the immediate end of Pete's marriage.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If you accept this analysis, the ultimate consequence of tolerating bubbles was ruinous.

The New Yorker

Rather, it was the ultimate consequence of the modern global economy.

The New York Times

Whether death will remain the ultimate consequence of growing old remains to be seen.

The Economist

The extinction of as many as 150 species per day is absolutely heartbreaking — the ultimate consequence of humanity's collective insanity.

The New York Times

"The ultimate consequence of trying to contain Iran has little to do with Iran itself," he argues.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Were the ultimate consequences, on balance, beneficial for the United States?

The New York Times

No one yet knows what the ultimate consequences may be".

The New York Times

Together, the two scenes represent the ultimate consequences of the wrath of Achilles.

The New Yorker

Nor did his unseen observer anticipate the ultimate consequences of his intrusion.

The New York Times - Magazine

Superintendent George MacDonald from Police Scotland said: "Today's sentence highlights the ultimate consequences of Mutch's deplorable conduct.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the ultimate consequence" when you want to emphasize the final, most important, or most severe outcome of a series of events or actions.

Common error

Avoid using "the ultimate consequence" to describe minor or insignificant outcomes. Reserve it for situations where the result is truly final and of major importance. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the ultimate consequence" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the final or most significant result of a process or situation. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the ultimate consequence" is a grammatically sound phrase frequently employed to denote the final and most significant outcome of a situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and formal contexts, serving to emphasize the importance or severity of the result. While applicable in both formal and informal settings, it is particularly effective in formal writing due to its emphatic tone. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the described outcome is truly the most important in order to retain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the final outcome

This alternative focuses on the conclusion of a process or event, emphasizing the end result.

the end result

Similar to "the final outcome", this phrase highlights the concluding state or effect of something.

the inevitable result

This suggests that the consequence was unavoidable or predictable given the circumstances.

the eventual outcome

Focuses on the consequence occurring at a later time.

the last effect

Emphasizes the finality of the impact or influence.

the concluding effect

Highlights that the consequence serves as a conclusion or wrap-up.

the terminal effect

The alternative has a more technical connotation, suitable for medical or scientific contexts.

the culminating effect

Highlights that the consequence represents a high point or climax.

the supreme result

It uses "supreme" to emphasize the highest degree or importance of the result.

the resulting fate

Emphasizes the role of destiny or chance in the consequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "the ultimate consequence" to describe the final result or outcome of a situation. For example: "If we continue to pollute the environment, "the ultimate consequence" will be irreversible damage to the planet".

What are some alternatives to using "the ultimate consequence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the final outcome", "the end result", or "the inevitable result".

When is it appropriate to use "the ultimate consequence"?

"The ultimate consequence" is best used when referring to the most significant, final, or severe result of a series of events. It implies a sense of finality and importance.

Is "the ultimate consequence" a formal or informal phrase?

"The ultimate consequence" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in formal writing and speech due to its serious and emphatic tone.