Consequence: the result of an action

The idea

Use a consequence of to name the cause and consequences for to name the people or things affected. The noun is countable: a consequence, several consequences.

Examples

• A consequence of the storm was a long power cut.
• The new bus route had positive consequences for older residents.
• Mina considered the consequences before changing jobs.
• Missing one rehearsal had an unexpected consequence: the band changed its set.
• As a consequence of saving water, the garden needed less irrigation.
• The council discussed the possible consequences of closing the library.

Watch out

Do not assume a consequence must be negative: a change can have positive consequences too.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct form. The delay had serious consequences ___ passengers. (for / of)

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   for

   For introduces the passengers, the people affected by the delay.

2. Choose the correct form. One consequence ___ the decision was higher rent. (of / for)

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   of

   Of connects the higher rent to its cause, the decision.

3. Choose the correct form. There were several unexpected ___. (consequence / consequences)

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   consequences

   Consequences is plural because several results are being discussed.

Use it today

Think of a decision and describe one consequence of it and its effect on someone.