"was a consequence of" vs "were a consequence of"

Question

"was a consequence of" vs "were a consequence of"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Were a consequence of' is used when referring to plural subjects, while 'was a consequence of' is used with singular subjects. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the subject being discussed.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Use 'was a consequence of' when the subject is singular, indicating that a single factor led to the consequence.

Examples:

The accident was a consequence of negligence.
The decision was a consequence of careful consideration.
The success was a consequence of hard work.

Alternatives:

resulted from
stemmed from
arose from
was the result of
was caused by

Use 'were a consequence of' when the subject is plural, indicating that multiple factors led to the consequence.

Examples:

The economic crisis were a consequence of several factors.
The protests were a consequence of widespread dissatisfaction.
The accidents were a consequence of poor safety measures.

Alternatives:

resulted from
stemmed from
arose from
were the result of
were caused by

Answer 1

was a consequence of

This phrase is correct when referring to singular subjects.

Answer 2

were a consequence of

This phrase is correct when referring to plural subjects.

"was a consequence of" vs "were a consequence of"

was a consequence of

were a consequence of

Related Comparisons