there will be consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "There will be consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the potential results of an action or decision. For example: "If you decide to skip class, there will be consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As long as the virus is somewhere in the world there will be consequences".

Independent

"There will be consequences," he said.

The Guardian

"There will be consequences," Mr. Deal said.

The New York Times

There will be consequences, though.

The New York Times

Eventually, there will be consequences.

The New York Times - Sports

There will be consequences both ways.

The Guardian

There will be consequences for those companies.

The New York Times

"If you ever come back, there will be consequences.

The New Yorker

"If the [shooting] was not justified there will be consequences".

Independent

"In America, if they take liberties, there will be consequences".

The New York Times

It will rupture the relations and there will be consequences.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there will be consequences" to clearly communicate that actions have repercussions, ensuring that your message is direct and easily understood.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "there will be consequences" in very casual conversations. Consider using more informal alternatives to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there will be consequences" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that specific actions or decisions will inevitably result in repercussions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there will be consequences" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that warns or cautions about the repercussions of actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears across a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media, though it's versatile enough for informal settings as well. When writing, consider the specific context to ensure the tone is appropriate. While alternatives exist for both formal and informal usage, "there will be consequences" remains a straightforward and effective way to communicate that actions have repercussions. The consistent appearance of this phrase in authoritative sources highlights its reliability and acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeds have consequences

This alternative highlights that the results (of action) are natural and connected to the action.

actions have repercussions

This alternative focuses on the direct link between actions and their resulting effects, emphasizing responsibility.

a price will be paid

This alternative emphasizes the cost or sacrifice that will result from a particular action or decision.

effects will be felt

This alternative highlights the impact or influence of an action, often on a broader scale.

actions will not go unpunished

This alternative is more assertive, suggesting a punitive outcome for certain actions.

the chickens will come home to roost

This idiom means that one will eventually have to face the consequences of their actions, especially negative ones.

the piper must be paid

Similar to "a price will be paid", this idiom suggests that obligations or debts must eventually be settled.

you'll face the music

This is an idiomatic expression implying that one must confront the negative results of their actions.

there will be a reckoning

This phrase suggests a time when actions will be judged and consequences enforced.

retribution will follow

This phrase suggests a more formal or severe form of consequence, often implying revenge or justice.

FAQs

How can I use "there will be consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "there will be consequences" to indicate that certain actions or decisions will lead to specific repercussions. For example, "If you violate the terms of the agreement, "there will be consequences"".

What's a more formal way to say "there will be consequences"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "actions have repercussions" or "a price will be paid" to maintain a professional tone. These alternatives offer a similar meaning while sounding more sophisticated.

Are there less serious alternatives to "there will be consequences"?

For less severe situations, you might say "effects will be felt" or imply the consequences indirectly. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of impact.

Is "there will be consequence" grammatically correct?

No, it should be "there will be consequences" (plural). "Consequences" is used because actions typically lead to multiple repercussions rather than just one.