C2 adverb Formal

consequently

/ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/

Used as a logical connector to indicate that something happens as a direct result or effect of a preceding event or situation. It establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship, typically within formal or academic discourse.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I missed the last bus home; consequently, I had to take an expensive taxi.

I missed the last bus home; consequently, I had to take an expensive taxi.

2

The witness failed to provide a consistent testimony; consequently, the jury found it difficult to reach a verdict.

The witness failed to provide a consistent testimony; consequently, the jury found it difficult to reach a verdict.

3

He didn't study for the exam and, consequently, failed it quite badly.

He didn't study for the exam and, consequently, failed it quite badly.

Word Family

Noun
consequence
Adverb
consequently
Adjective
consequent
Related
consequentiality
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Memory Tip

Focus on the root 'sequence.' A consequence is the next thing in the 'sequence' caused by the first thing.

Quick Quiz

The company failed to innovate; ________, they lost their lead in the market.

Correct!

The correct answer is: consequently

Examples

1

I missed the last bus home; consequently, I had to take an expensive taxi.

everyday

I missed the last bus home; consequently, I had to take an expensive taxi.

2

The witness failed to provide a consistent testimony; consequently, the jury found it difficult to reach a verdict.

formal

The witness failed to provide a consistent testimony; consequently, the jury found it difficult to reach a verdict.

3

He didn't study for the exam and, consequently, failed it quite badly.

informal

He didn't study for the exam and, consequently, failed it quite badly.

4

The study's methodology was flawed; consequently, the findings were deemed unreliable by the scientific community.

academic

The study's methodology was flawed; consequently, the findings were deemed unreliable by the scientific community.

5

Our quarterly revenue has decreased; consequently, we must implement cost-cutting measures immediately.

business

Our quarterly revenue has decreased; consequently, we must implement cost-cutting measures immediately.

Word Family

Noun
consequence
Adverb
consequently
Adjective
consequent
Related
consequentiality

Common Collocations

and consequently and consequently
was consequently forced was consequently forced
consequently resulted in consequently resulted in
consequently lead to consequently lead to
acted consequently acted consequently

Common Phrases

as a consequence

as a consequence

of little consequence

of little consequence

suffer the consequences

suffer the consequences

Often Confused With

consequently vs subsequently

Subsequently refers only to the order of time (happening after), whereas consequently implies a causal link (happening because of).

📝

Usage Notes

Consequently is highly effective in academic writing to link complex ideas. It is usually placed at the beginning of a sentence followed by a comma, or after a semicolon.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'consequently' in very casual speech where 'so' would be more appropriate. They also frequently forget to use a semicolon when joining two independent clauses.

💡

Memory Tip

Focus on the root 'sequence.' A consequence is the next thing in the 'sequence' caused by the first thing.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'consequentia', meaning 'a following after' or 'to follow closely'.

Grammar Patterns

Used as a conjunctive adverb. Often follows a semicolon and is followed by a comma. Can be placed between the subject and the main verb for emphasis.
🌍

Cultural Context

Essential for mastery of formal English logic and rhetoric, especially in standardized testing like the GRE or IELTS academic modules.

Quick Quiz

The company failed to innovate; ________, they lost their lead in the market.

Correct!

The correct answer is: consequently

Related Words

proceed

C1

The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.

individual

C1

Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.

appropriately

B2

To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.

region

B2

A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.

resource

B2

A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.

hypothesis

B1

A hypothesis is a tentative statement or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence. it serves as a starting point for further investigation and must be testable through scientific methods.

ozone

B2

Ozone is a colorless gas found in the upper atmosphere that protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. It is also produced at ground level as a pollutant when sunlight reacts with industrial emissions.

layer

B2

A layer is a single thickness, sheet, or level of a material that covers a surface or is placed between other things. It can refer to physical substances like paint and geological strata, or abstract levels of complexity and meaning.

around

C2

As an adverb at a C2 level, it denotes presence, availability, or existence within a specific vicinity or context. It is also used to indicate approximate values or to describe movement or positioning that encircles a point or lacks a specific direction.

climate

B2

Climate refers to the long-term patterns of weather conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, in a particular region over many years. It can also describe the prevailing mood, conditions, or social atmosphere of a specific time or place.

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