this only leads

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this only leads" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a consequence or result of a particular action or situation. Example: "If we continue down this path, this only leads to more confusion and frustration among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In the immediate future, this only leads us directly to what David Cameron is thinking.

The Guardian

This only leads one to wonder which were and which weren't.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But this only leads to another paradox; those investors who are buying equities and property can't really be expecting such returns, can they?* Yes, some stocks pay no dividend at all.

The Economist

This only leads to problems.

Forbes

This only leads us all down a path of playing not to lose – where complacency ensues.

Forbes

Perversely, in turn, this only leads to greater social and political instability precisely the elements that corrode the investment environment for both domestic and foreign businesses.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This only lead up to the equally-impressive "Cocaine," which closed out the planned set for the evening with a bang.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But this only led to more abuse, with angry shouts he was faking his disabilities and exaggerating his problems to get benefits.

The Guardian - Opinion

The impact of this lack of accountability was highlighted in the report of the UN fact-finding mission on the Gaza conflict in 2009 arguing that this only led to further crimes.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, this only led to minor changes in the results, and for sake of brevity, we only report the results for deterministic greedy search.

Computational Social Networks

So I said the same thing to every one of them: "There are no silver bullets for this, only lead bullets".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this only leads", ensure the connection between the initial action or situation and the resulting outcome is clear and logical to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "this only leads" when the consequence is not directly and strongly linked to the initial action; using it loosely can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this only leads" functions as a causal connector, indicating a cause-and-effect relationship. As confirmed by Ludwig, the structure is grammatically sound and serves to link a preceding action or situation to its predictable outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this only leads" functions as a grammatically correct causal connector, frequently used to highlight a predictable outcome or consequence. As Ludwig AI indicates, its use spans diverse contexts including news, science, and academia, demonstrating its versatility across various registers. While the phrase is deemed acceptable for both formal and informal communication, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain clarity and logical consistency. Related phrases such as "this merely results in" or "this simply causes" can offer nuanced alternatives to suit the intended context. The examples analyzed showcase the phrase's ability to connect actions with their respective outcomes, whether in a warning, predictive, or explanatory manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this merely results in

Emphasizes the outcome as a simple consequence.

this simply causes

Highlights the action as a direct cause.

this invariably causes

Adds a sense of inevitability to the outcome.

this inevitably results in

Similar to 'invariably causes', but focuses on the result.

this necessarily entails

Indicates a logical consequence that cannot be avoided.

this directly contributes to

Focuses on the contribution to a specific outcome.

this ultimately produces

Emphasizes the final result of a process.

this predictably leads to

Highlights the expected nature of the consequence.

this gives rise to

Suggests the start of a new situation or problem.

this fosters

Implies a nurturing or encouraging effect toward a certain development.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this only leads" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "this merely results in", "this simply causes", or "this inevitably results in" depending on the context.

Is "this only leads" formal or informal?

The phrase "this only leads" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though its impact can be amplified in formal writing by carefully considering the strength of the link between cause and effect.

What's the difference between "this only leads" and "this can lead"?

"This only leads" suggests a more direct and certain outcome, whereas "this can lead" implies a possibility but not a certainty. The former is more assertive.

Can "this only leads" be used with negative consequences?

Yes, "this only leads" is frequently used to point out undesirable outcomes or potential problems. For instance, "Ignoring the warning signs this only leads to further complications".