to be of consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be of consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is important or significant in a particular context. Example: "In the grand scheme of things, the minor details may not be of consequence to the overall outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But its strategic value was still zero, because it is not enough for a secret to be of consequence; it must also be understood by those who receive it to be of consequence.

The New Yorker

So they canceled their primary on March 9, which was too late to be of consequence in the nominating process.

The New York Times

Even if the Bush administration's reform package is as anti-environmental as some critics claim -- a highly debatable assertion -- the impact, given the other provisions on power plants, is unlikely to be of consequence.

The New York Times

Spitz's characterization — oblique, muted, hazy at the edges — which at first seems an imaginative underachievement, turns out to be apposite: his averageness makes him the perfect Everyman Survivor, sufficiently attached to the lost mores to lament them but dull enough to bear their loss: "Beauty could not thrive, and the awful was too commonplace to be of consequence.

The New York Times - Books

The difference between the three laboratory methods on both the IBT and COM stages of tu were negligible, and in this instance were unlikely to affect either groundwater monitoring decisions, or to be of consequence from a policy perspective.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

The New York Times Co. strives mightily to be of consequence (it says in a press release that its "core purpose is to enhance society"), but the revenue of this corporation is scarcely half the collective revenue of the country's weekly newspapers.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In isolation, any single SNP is likely to be of little consequence.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the researchers emphasize that the added genes appear to be of no consequence.

The New York Times

Cost seems to be of little consequence for customers who consider their pools the heart of their summer homes.

The New York Times - Travel

Styron's relationship with Baldwin was his first with a black American, and it proved to be of enduring consequence.

The Guardian

The first is the proposed merger between Chuo Trust and Mitsui Trust, two weak banks that the FSA considers to be of little consequence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be of consequence" when you want to emphasize that something has importance or significant effects, especially in formal writing or when discussing potential outcomes.

Common error

While "to be of consequence" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Vary your language by using synonyms like "to be important" or "to matter" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be of consequence" typically functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state of a subject, indicating its importance or significance. As Ludwig AI highlights, it expresses that something has importance or impact in a given context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be of consequence" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote importance or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's not overly common, appearing primarily in News & Media and Science contexts, it’s a valuable addition to formal vocabulary. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding stilted, and consider using synonyms like "to be important" or "to matter" for more general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be important

A more direct and simpler way of stating that something matters.

to matter

A concise way of saying something is important or has an effect.

to be significant

Similar to 'important', but often suggests a broader or more lasting impact.

to hold significance

Replaces 'consequence' with 'significance', focusing on the importance something holds.

to be relevant

Highlights the connection or pertinence of something to a particular situation.

to carry weight

Emphasizes the importance or influence something has.

to be noteworthy

Emphasizes that something is deserving of attention or recognition.

to have implications

Focuses on the potential effects or results of something.

to be considerable

Suggests that something is substantial or significant in size or impact.

to have bearing on

Indicates that something has an influence or connection to a particular issue or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "to be of consequence" in a sentence?

You can use "to be of consequence" to indicate that something is important or significant. For example, "The decision is unlikely "to be of consequence" in the nominating process."

What are some alternatives to "to be of consequence"?

Some alternatives include "to be important", "to matter", or "to be significant". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "to be of consequence" than "to be important"?

Yes, "to be of consequence" is generally considered more formal than "to be important". The former is often used in academic or professional settings, while the latter is more common in everyday conversation.

In what situations should I avoid using "to be of consequence"?

Avoid using "to be of consequence" in informal settings or when writing for a general audience, as it may sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to matter" or "to be relevant".