Consequently: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：as a result (consequently)

consequently 🔊

/ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/

adv.

It connects a cause and its effect. You use it to show that the second thing is a direct result of the first thing.

Consequently meaning illustrated with a cause and effect diagram showing an alarm clock causing a person to wake up.

as a result 🔊

➕

/æz ə rɪˈzʌlt/

adv.

It is used to indicate that one event or situation is the direct outcome of another, showing a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'consequens' (following after), with con- (together) + sequi (to follow) + -ly suffix.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'consequence' means result; add '-ly' to make the adverb form.

📖 Example

I studied very hard for the exam; consequently, I got a good grade. 🔊 As a result of diligent studying, I achieved a high score on the exam.

🔗 Collocations

and consequently – used to add a clause that expresses a result

consequently, the – introduces a sentence or phrase indicating an effect

so consequently – emphasizes the causal connection between events

🔄 Synonyms

therefore (adv.) – introduces a logical conclusion based on previous information

thus (adv.) – indicates a result or consequence in a formal context

hence (adv.) – formal adverb used to show a result or inference

🌱 Derivatives

consequent (adj.) – following as an effect or result

consequence (n.) – the result or effect of an action or condition

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'consequentia', meaning 'a following after'. It entered English in the late Middle Ages and is commonly used in formal writing to denote logical results.