weighing the consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weighing the consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of considering the potential outcomes or effects of a decision or action. Example: "Before making a final decision, it's important to spend some time weighing the consequences of each option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

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

Weighing the consequences of one of the most extraordinary social experiments on earth is not an easy venture.

The Economist

"Now we've reached a stage when they are saying, 'We want honest rules of the game.' People are weighing the consequences of their actions.

The New York Times

The book's life flows largely from the youthful Sapolsky's penchant for throwing himself at the world and weighing the consequences later.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

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

Debate gestures, the president's popularity, and death have eclipsed policy positions as strategists weigh the consequences of unpredictable events.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "weighing the consequences", consider both short-term and long-term impacts to make a well-informed decision.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the immediate and obvious effects. Ensure you also explore potential unintended or secondary consequences before making a decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weighing the consequences" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the act of carefully considering the potential results or effects of a decision or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weighing the consequences" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that signifies the act of carefully considering the potential outcomes of a decision or action. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts, particularly in news and media and academic writing. To ensure effective communication, it's crucial to consider both short-term and long-term impacts and to avoid overlooking unintended consequences. Related phrases, such as "assessing the repercussions" or "evaluating the implications", offer alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering the ramifications

Focuses on the broader and more complex effects of a decision.

assessing the repercussions

Highlights the potentially negative outcomes of a decision.

evaluating the implications

Emphasizes a thorough examination of what might happen as a result.

thinking through the effects

Suggests a careful and deliberate consideration of possible results.

contemplating the outcomes

Implies a thoughtful reflection on potential results.

forecasting the results

Focuses on predicting what will happen based on a specific choice.

calculating the impact

Stresses a more quantitative approach to understanding potential results.

pondering the upshot

Uses a less common term to refer to the eventual result or conclusion.

deliberating on the aftermath

Specifically considers the period following an event or decision.

considering the pros and cons

Highlights a balanced evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages.

FAQs

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

You can use "weighing the consequences" to describe the process of considering the potential outcomes of an action. For example: "Before launching the new product, the team spent weeks "weighing the consequences" of each possible marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "weighing the consequences"?

Some alternatives include "assessing the repercussions", "evaluating the implications", or "considering the ramifications".

Is it better to say "weighing the consequences" or "considering the consequences"?

"Weighing the consequences" and "considering the consequences" are very similar. "Weighing" implies a more deliberate and careful evaluation, while "considering" is a more general term.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "weighing the consequences"?

The phrase "weighing the consequences" is appropriate in any situation where a decision needs to be made and the potential outcomes need to be carefully considered, whether in business, politics, or personal life.