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Grammar fix

far-reaching consequences

wide effects

Describes results or effects that have a significant and lasting impact on many areas or people, often beyond what was originally expected.

collocationC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The new law is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the education system.society
  • If governments fail to address climate change, the far-reaching consequences could affect not only the environment but also the global economy and public health.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: far-reaching consequences (of something) / (for someone/something)

WrongIt had far-reaching consequence.

RightIt had far-reaching consequences.

Plural — 'consequences'.

Patternfar-reaching consequences (of something) / (for someone/something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The decision will precipitate extensive ramifications.

Natural The decision could have far-reaching consequences.

'Precipitate extensive ramifications' is dense; 'far-reaching consequences' is the readable phrase.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • far-reaching consequences
    havepotentiallywithserious

Don't confuse it

Unlike 'serious consequences', which focuses on how bad the result is, 'far-reaching consequences' highlights how widely the effects spread, possibly affecting many people, places, or aspects of life.

Try it in Daily Speak →