The word “consequence” means the result or effect of an action, decision, or situation.
Usually, it refers to something that happens after something else.
Simple Meaning
If you do something, a consequence is what happens because of it.
Structure:
Action → Consequence
Example:
You study hard → Good grades
You don’t sleep enough → You feel tired
The good grades and tired feeling are the consequences.
Two Main Types of Consequences
1. Positive Consequence
A good result.
Examples:
Exercising every day improves your health.
Saving money helps you in the future.
Sentence:
Hard work has positive consequences.
Meaning:
Working hard brings good results.
2. Negative Consequence
A bad result.
Examples:
Driving too fast can cause accidents.
Ignoring safety rules may lead to injuries.
Sentence:
Smoking has serious consequences.
Meaning:
Smoking can cause harmful results later.
Easy Real-Life Examples
At School
If a student studies → better scores
If a student cheats → punishment
Both are consequences.
At Work
Finishing work on time → boss trusts you
Being late every day → warning from manager
In Construction
Since you work in construction as a GC:
Example:
Poor site safety → accidents and project delays
Good planning → smooth workflow and profit
These are project consequences.
Difference Between “Result” and “Consequence”
Both are similar, but consequence is often more serious or important.
Result
Neutral/general:
The result of the test was good.
Consequence
Usually more serious:
Unsafe work can have deadly consequences.
Common Expressions
“Face the consequences”
Meaning:
Accept what happens because of your actions.
Example:
If you break the rules, you must face the consequences.
“Consequences of”
Used to talk about effects.
Example:
The consequences of poor communication can be expensive.
Pronunciation
Consequence
/ˈkɒn.sɪ.kwəns/ (British)
/ˈkɑːn.sə.kwens/ (American)
Sound like:
KON-si-kwens
Khmer Meaning
Consequence = ផលវិបាក / លទ្ធផលដែលកើតឡើងដោយសារអ្វីមួយ
Examples:
Good consequence = លទ្ធផលល្អ
Bad consequence = ផលវិបាកអាក្រក់
Easy Sentences for Practice
Every action has a consequence.
Bad decisions lead to bad consequences.
Safety mistakes can have serious consequences.
Discipline brings positive consequences.
He faced the consequences of his actions.
Fear of consequences means:
You feel worried or afraid because you think something bad may happen after your action or decision.
Consequence = the result after something happens.
Fear of consequences = fear of the result.
Example:y
“I want to tell the truth, but I have fear of consequences.”
Meaning:
“I am afraid that after I tell the truth, someone may be angry, punish me, reject me, or blame me.”
More examples:
“I did not speak in the meeting because I had fear of consequences.”
Meaning: I was afraid people might judge me.
“He hides his mistake because of fear of consequences.”
Meaning: He is afraid of punishment or losing trust.
In simple words:
Fear of consequences = fear of what will happen next.
Good sentence:
“Many people avoid making difficult decisions because they have a fear of consequences.”