weigh the consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weigh the consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're talking about the negative results that may come from a certain decision or action. For example, "Before I agree to anything, I need to weigh the consequences. I don't want to suffer any negative repercussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

They can be broadly categorised as follows: (a) lack of response inhibition (RI) defined by Verbruggen and Logan (2008, p. 418) as 'the suppression of no-longer required or inappropriate actions'; (b) inability to delay gratification defined by Arce and Santisteban (2006, p. 214) as 'the inability to weigh the consequences of immediate and future events and, consequently, delay gratification'.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

One also has to weigh the consequences.

The New York Times

I told her that she has to weigh the consequences.

Harvard Business Review

But, he added, "You have to weigh the consequences for the rest of the world".

The New York Times

It is they who have had to weigh the consequences and they have the awesome responsibility.

The Guardian

He blamed Palestinian attacks for the bloodshed, though he urged the Sharon government to weigh the consequences of its actions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

If bombs are in play for your level, weigh the consequence of targeting them versus getting your points up.

WikiHow

Weighing the consequences of war with Iraq, businesses and investors are dealing with uncertainty, not risk.

The New Yorker

He appeared to be weighing the consequences of speaking his mind.

The New Yorker

Daniel Koretz has spent a career studying educational assessment and testing policy, weighing the consequences of high-stakes accountability tests.

Harvard University

Now, as he returned to his job as a customer-assistance representative in Braintree, Mass., he weighed the consequences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, emphasize the importance of "weighing the consequences" to promote responsible decision-making and accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "weigh the consequences" as a delaying tactic to avoid making decisions altogether. The goal is to be thoughtful, not paralyzed by fear of potential negative outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weigh the consequences" functions as an idiomatic expression used to advise careful consideration of potential outcomes before making a decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weigh the consequences" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to advocate for careful consideration of potential outcomes before taking action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, and also prevalent in scientific and formal business contexts, the phrase encourages thoughtful and responsible decision-making. When using this phrase, remember that the goal is not to induce paralysis, but to encourage informed choices. Alternatives include ""evaluate the consequences"" and "assess the consequences".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evaluate the consequences

Emphasizes a thorough assessment of potential outcomes.

assess the consequences

Focuses on judging the importance or value of the outcomes.

consider the ramifications

Highlights the far-reaching and complex effects of a decision.

contemplate the repercussions

Stresses the possible negative effects that might occur.

think through the implications

Focuses on understanding the broader effects of a decision.

ponder the outcomes

Suggests a more thoughtful and reflective consideration of results.

gauge the potential impact

Focuses on measuring the likely effect or influence.

deliberate on the effects

Implies careful and lengthy discussion about the effects.

take into account the results

Focuses on the act of including possible results in the decision-making process.

foresee the results

Highlights the importance of predicting the possible results.

FAQs

How can I use "weigh the consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "weigh the consequences" to emphasize the importance of considering the potential outcomes before making a decision. For example: "Before launching the new product, we need to "evaluate the consequences".".

What's a more formal way to say "weigh the consequences"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "assess the consequences" or "consider the ramifications" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it better to "weigh the consequences" or "ignore the consequences"?

It is generally advisable to "weigh the consequences" before making important decisions. Ignoring potential outcomes can lead to unforeseen problems and negative impacts.

When is it appropriate to "weigh the consequences" of an action?

It is appropriate to "weigh the consequences" whenever you are faced with a decision that could have significant impacts, whether positive or negative, on yourself or others.