unintended effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unintended effect" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a consequence or result that was not planned or anticipated. Example: The new policy had an unintended effect on the company's budget, causing unexpected financial strain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Your article may have the unintended effect of encouraging families to seek unproven therapies and possibly reject proven, effective therapies.

The New York Times - Magazine

The delay had an unintended effect.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's an unintended effect of bringing people together".

The Guardian

Yet Mr. Wilson's downfall had an unintended effect.

The New York Times

Nigel Farage wears exactly the same kind of coat to the same unintended effect.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The swift removal of Saddam Hussein's regime last spring had an unintended effect," Mr. Bush said.

The New York Times

The swift removal of Saddam Hussein's regime last spring had an unintended effect.

The New York Times

One unintended effect of Iraq's liberation from Baathist tyranny has been the widespread dispersal of violence.

The New Yorker

Finally, there is another unintended effect of Sept. 11 that is worth mentioning.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's also had the unintended effect of driving rural pharmacies out of business.

The New Yorker

But in this case, ending Mary's life would be a deliberate decision, not an unintended effect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing causality, clearly differentiate between intended and unintended effects to avoid ambiguity in your writing. Use "unintended effect" to specifically highlight results that were not initially planned or anticipated.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "unintended effect" with "unwanted effect". The former simply means unplanned, while the latter means undesirable. An effect can be unintended without necessarily being unwanted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unintended effect" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It describes a consequence that arises without being planned or directly caused. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unintended effect" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes a consequence or result that was not initially planned or anticipated. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its common usage spans various contexts, predominantly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's crucial to differentiate it from similar terms like "unwanted effect" and to ensure clarity in causal relationships. Alternatives such as "unforeseen consequence" or "unexpected result" can be employed for variety. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "unintended effect" allows for more precise and effective communication regarding the impacts of actions and decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen consequence

Focuses on the lack of anticipation of the outcome.

unexpected result

Emphasizes the surprise element of the outcome.

unplanned outcome

Highlights that the result was not part of any design.

accidental repercussion

Indicates that the effect happened by chance as a consequence.

inadvertent outcome

Stresses that the result occurred without intention or negligence.

secondary effect

Highlights that the effect is not the primary or direct outcome.

ancillary consequence

Suggests that the outcome is a supporting or additional result.

collateral impact

Implies that the effect is indirect and potentially damaging.

byproduct

Refers to something produced in the making of something else.

side effect

Commonly used in medical contexts, but applicable more broadly to indicate an additional, often negative, result.

FAQs

How to use "unintended effect" in a sentence?

The phrase "unintended effect" is used to describe a result or consequence that was not planned or predicted. For example: "The policy change had an "unintended effect" of reducing employee morale."

What can I say instead of "unintended effect"?

You can use alternatives like "unforeseen consequence", "unexpected result", or "unplanned outcome" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "unintended effect" or "intentional effect"?

"Unintended effect" refers to an outcome that was not planned, while "intentional effect" refers to a result that was specifically aimed for. They are opposites and used in different situations.

What's the difference between "unintended effect" and "side effect"?

"Side effect" often implies a secondary or less important consequence, frequently in medical or technical contexts. "Unintended effect" is a more general term for any unplanned outcome, regardless of its significance or context. For example, a "side effect" might be a symptom of a medicine, while an "unintended effect" of a new law could be increased bureaucracy.