What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impact
Example
The new policy will have a significant impact on the company's profits. [impact: noun]
Example
The car accident impacted both drivers and caused significant damage. [impacted: past tense verb]
consequence
Example
The consequence of not studying for the exam was a failing grade. [consequence: noun]
Example
The company faced serious consequences for violating environmental regulations. [consequences: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Consequence is more commonly used than impact in everyday language. Consequence is a more general term that covers a wider range of contexts, while impact is more specific and often used in technical or scientific writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impact and consequence?
Both impact and consequence are commonly used in formal writing and speech. However, impact is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts, while consequence is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
