far-reaching consequences — wide effects
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
Describes results or effects that have a significant and lasting impact on many areas or people, often beyond what was originally expected.
Say it like a native
Textbook The decision will precipitate extensive ramifications.
Native The decision could have far-reaching consequences.
'Precipitate extensive ramifications' is dense; 'far-reaching consequences' is the readable phrase.
Pattern: far-reaching consequences (of something) / (for someone/something)
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ It had far-reaching consequence.
✓ It had far-reaching consequences.
Plural — 'consequences'.
Common collocations
far-reaching consequences— have, potentially, with, serious
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.