What's the main difference between an outcome, a result, and a consequence? Are they all interchangeable?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

These three are similar in meaning! However, the situations in which they are usually used do differ. "Result" and "consequence" both refer to the end, final product, or result of an action or condition, but "consequence" is usually only used in the negative sense. An "outcome" is the information, conclusion, or object that is produced after some process or action has occurred. They are not always interchangeable, so sometimes it is better to use the more neutral term "result[s]" when you are not sure! Ex: I'm excited to hear the outcome of the vote. Ex: The results are in! Blue team wins! Ex: The consequence of waking up late was that we missed our flight.

How do native speakers use this expression?

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Popular Q&As

12/22

1
Does "A be after B" mean "A is chasing B"? What does it mean?
Yes, "after" in this context means to chase, to look for, or to try to get. So to have something or someone "after" someone in this case means that they are looking to find that person or trying to capture them. Ex: You'd better hide. The whole city is after you.

2
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3
Is it okay to say ”arm wrestling” instead? Is ”arm wrestle” a more common expression?
Both the word "arm wrestle" and "arm wrestling" are correct. "Arm wrestle" is the simple present verb for the term, as well as being the acceptable noun. "Arm wrestled" would be the acceptable past tense, unless used in a question form with "did". "Arm wrestling", however is present participle verb and gerund to show the ongoing act. Therefore changing this statement to "arm wrestling" would sound a little bit strange. Ex: Why are they arm wrestling? Ex: Why did they arm wrestle? Ex: They arm wrestled? Ex: I will arm wrestle you and win.

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What's "walk the walk, talk the talk" mean?
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Is the word "zillion" used commonly?
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