consequence
A result or effect of an action, choice, or situation.
ExampleOne consequence is that students may have less free time.
ExampleA possible consequence of poor planning is unnecessary stress.
Usage Scenarios
Explaining a choice
Use consequence when you describe what may happen after someone makes a decision.
ExampleOne consequence of studying late at night is that students may feel tired the next day.
Discussing a problem
Use it to connect a problem with its effect in one clear sentence.
ExampleA serious consequence of too much screen time is reduced concentration.
Usage Guide
Use consequence when you want to name the result of an action or situation. DET prompts often ask you to explain opinions quickly, and consequence gives you a compact way to connect cause and effect.
The most useful patterns are one consequence is that, as a consequence, and a negative consequence of. These phrases help organize a short answer without making the sentence too complicated.
Consequence is often more formal than result. It can sound serious, especially with words like negative, serious, or long-term. Use it when the result matters.
Word Forms & Word Building
Consequence belongs to the con- + sequence word family: sequence is order, and a consequence is what follows in the order of cause and effect.
Consequent is the adjective, and consequently adds the adverb suffix -ly. Both keep the follow-after idea, but consequence is the most useful DET form.
Build the word through cause-and-effect chunks: consequence of, as a consequence, negative consequence, and one consequence is that.
Meaning Boundaries
Consequence vs result
Result is broad and neutral. Consequence often feels more serious and is useful when the outcome matters.
Consequence vs reason
A reason explains why something happens. A consequence explains what happens afterward.
Register
Consequence is neutral to formal. It is safe for DET writing and clear enough for speaking if the sentence is short.
Best contexts
Use consequence with choices, habits, technology, education, health, environment, and time management topics.
Memory Tricks
Think cause -> consequence. If your sentence explains what happens after the cause, consequence is a strong option.
Memorize one flexible frame: One consequence is that + sentence. It works in many DET short writing answers.
Use negative consequence and positive consequence when you need to show your opinion clearly.
Common Traps
Do not confuse consequence with sequence. Sequence means order; consequence means result.
Use of after consequence when naming the cause: a consequence of online learning.
Do not make every result a consequence. For small neutral facts, result may sound more natural.