this could backfire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could backfire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a potential negative outcome or unintended consequences of an action or decision. Example: "While the new marketing strategy seems promising, I have concerns that this could backfire if we don't consider our target audience's preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

This could backfire".

The New York Times

But this could backfire.

The Economist

For hints of how this could backfire, read on.

The New York Times

And this could backfire on them if financial conditions in Europe deteriorate further.

The New York Times

If the company is no longer supporting the cause, this could backfire on it".

The New York Times

A Florida sheriff has advised people not to shoot at the hurricane as this could backfire.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

This move could backfire as opponents could use this quote to apply the "elitist" tag on him.

The Guardian - Sport

This analogy could backfire if not carefully implemented, and instructors who use this type of example should stress that the process giving rise to family members (i.e., mating between two individuals) differs from that which gives rise to evolutionary relationships (i.e., cladogenesis).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

But perhaps even this attack could backfire.

The Washington Post

However, some critics argue that this provision could backfire.

The New Yorker

Recent work by researchers in MIT's Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems, however, shows that this policy could backfire.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this could backfire", ensure the context clearly identifies what 'this' refers to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "this could backfire" in situations where the potential negative consequences are already obvious or minor, as it can sound overly dramatic. Choose more nuanced language to reflect the actual level of risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could backfire" functions as a warning or caution about a potential negative outcome. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used to express concern that a plan or action may have unintended adverse consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could backfire" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express concern about potential negative consequences. As noted by Ludwig, it’s a straightforward way to caution against actions that may yield unintended adverse outcomes. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, it serves as a warning, urging careful consideration. While versatile, it's best used when the risk is proportionate to the context to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Related phrases, such as ""this might boomerang"" or ""this could lead to adverse effects"", offer nuanced alternatives for expressing similar concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might boomerang

Replaces 'backfire' with 'boomerang', emphasizing a return of negative consequences to the originator.

this could have repercussions

Substitutes 'backfire' with 'have repercussions', highlighting broader and more lasting consequences.

this could lead to adverse effects

Replaces 'backfire' with 'lead to adverse effects', focusing on the negative impact that may result.

this could create problems

Emphasizes the potential for the situation to generate difficulties or issues.

this could prove counterproductive

Indicates that the action might yield the opposite of the intended result.

this action may be self-defeating

Highlights the possibility that the action will undermine one's own goals.

this plan may go awry

Implies that the plan could deviate from its intended course and encounter difficulties.

this strategy might misfire

Replaces 'backfire' with 'misfire', suggesting a failure in execution or outcome.

this move could be self-destructive

Highlights the potential for the action to cause harm to oneself or one's interests.

this carries significant risk

Shifts focus to the inherent danger associated with the action.

FAQs

How can I use "this could backfire" in a sentence?

You can use "this could backfire" to warn about potential negative consequences of an action or decision. For example: "Implementing this new policy is risky; "this could backfire" if employees don't understand it".

What are some alternatives to saying "this could backfire"?

You can use alternatives like "this might boomerang", "this could have repercussions", or "this could lead to adverse effects" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "this could backfire"?

Yes, "this could backfire" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a subject ("this"), a modal verb ("could"), and a verb ("backfire").

What does "this could backfire" mean?

"This could backfire" means that a particular action or decision might have unintended and negative consequences, potentially harming the person or entity that initiated it.