to handle the consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to handle the consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need to deal with the results or outcomes of an action or decision. Example: "If you choose to take that risk, be prepared to handle the consequences of your actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Our culture doesn't yet have the infrastructure — educational, medical, moral, the whole shebang — to handle the consequences of the recent revolution in genetic testing.

The New York Times

But the incident has added to uneasiness about whether society is prepared to handle the consequences of science that may eventually reveal appreciable differences between races in the genes that influence socially important traits.

The New York Times

AS the Microsoft Corporation assesses the implications of the breakup ordered yesterday by Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson, the advice from professional communicators on how the company ought to handle the consequences is being offered almost as quickly as the "I Love You" computer worm infested e-mail in-boxes.

The New York Times

[Page A1.] As Microsoft assesses the implications of the breakup order, the advice from professional communicators on how the company ought to handle the consequences is being offered almost as quickly as the "I Love You" computer worm infested e-mail in-boxes.

The New York Times

A lot. Self-esteem is having confidence in yourself, your ability to make informed choices, and to handle the consequences.

Huffington Post

I'm a pro-choice advocate who waited until college to have sex because I knew I wasn't ready to handle the consequences if I had an accidental pregnancy--which I later did, and which I aborted.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It is up to local bishops to handle the pastoral consequences: the distress felt by Catholics and their partners in ecumenical and interreligious activities.

The New York Times

He said: "The problem is, children aren't emotionally mature enough to handle the potential consequences.

BBC

Being the "adult" in the situation, ready to be in control and handle the consequences, is impressive to others.

WikiHow

Economic and financial literacy is becoming increasingly important at all stages of education as well as of professional and social life, not least because of the need to better understand and handle the consequences of momentous economic events such as the recent financial crisis (Blinder 2015; Council for Economic Education [CEE] 2011).

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

It is a multifaceted concept consisting of individual characteristics such as the adolescent's mental, emotional and physical development, age, and social maturity; in essence, it suggests one's preparedness to engage in sex and handle the consequences that may arise.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to handle the consequences", ensure the context clearly defines what actions led to those consequences, providing a complete picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "to handle the consequences" when there's no realistic plan or capacity to manage the outcomes. It can create a false sense of security or competence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to handle the consequences" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a verb complement or expressing purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes the capacity or preparedness to manage the outcomes of an action or decision. For example, "Our culture doesn't yet have the infrastructure [...] to handle the consequences of the recent revolution in genetic testing."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to handle the consequences" is a grammatically sound and relatively common infinitive phrase used to express the ability or necessity of managing the results of actions or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its relevance in both general discussions and formal reporting. While it implies responsibility and preparedness, be sure that its usage accurately reflects the actual capacity to manage those outcomes. Consider alternative phrases such as "to face the repercussions" or "to deal with the aftermath" to vary your expression and avoid overstating readiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to face the repercussions

Replaces "handle" with "face" and "consequences" with "repercussions", focusing on directly confronting the negative outcomes.

to deal with the aftermath

Shifts the focus to managing the situation following an event, emphasizing the period after the consequences occur.

to manage the results

Replaces "consequences" with "results", providing a more neutral and less negative connotation.

to bear the responsibility

Emphasizes the acceptance of accountability for the outcomes of actions, highlighting the moral aspect.

to shoulder the burden

Focuses on the act of carrying the weight or difficulty associated with the consequences.

to accept the outcome

Highlights the acceptance of whatever results from a decision or action, whether positive or negative.

to take accountability

Stresses the acknowledgment and acceptance of responsibility for the consequences.

to mitigate the effects

Focuses on reducing the negative impacts or severity of the consequences.

to navigate the fallout

Emphasizes the skillful management and maneuvering through the difficult circumstances resulting from an event.

to weather the storm

Suggests enduring and surviving a period of difficulty or crisis caused by the consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "to handle the consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "to handle the consequences" to describe the ability or preparedness to manage the results of a decision or action. For example, "If you choose to take that risk, be prepared to handle the consequences".

What are some alternatives to "to handle the consequences"?

Alternatives include "to face the repercussions", "to deal with the aftermath", or "to manage the results", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to handle the consequences" or "to manage the consequences"?

Both "to handle the consequences" and "to manage the consequences" are grammatically correct and acceptable. "Handle" suggests a more direct and active approach, while "manage" implies a more controlled and strategic approach. Choose the one that best fits the context.

What does it mean to be able "to handle the consequences"?

To be able "to handle the consequences" means having the resources, skills, and preparedness to manage the outcomes of your actions, particularly when those outcomes are challenging or negative.