Consequently vs. Subsequently: Know the Difference
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By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Consequently means 'as a result,' showing cause and effect, while subsequently means 'afterward,' indicating a sequence in time.
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Key Differences
Consequently is used to indicate a direct result or outcome of a previous action, showing cause and effect. In contrast, Subsequently refers to something happening after a certain point in time, without implying a causal relationship.
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Nov 22, 2023
When using Consequently, it implies that one event is the direct result of the preceding one, emphasizing a logical sequence. Subsequently, however, simply denotes that one event follows another chronologically.
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An example of Consequently would be, "It rained heavily, consequently, the streets were flooded." This shows a clear cause-effect relationship. Conversely, using Subsequently as in "He graduated, and subsequently got a job," indicates a sequence but not necessarily a direct cause-and-effect link.
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Consequently is often used in arguments or explanations that require a demonstration of consequences. Subsequently is more neutral, often used in narratives or reports to describe the order of events.
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Nov 22, 2023
The choice between Consequently and Subsequently depends on whether the speaker wants to emphasize a causal relationship or simply the order of events. While Consequently conveys a stronger, more direct connection, Subsequently is more about timing and sequence.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Signifying a result or effect of an action
Referring to something happening afterward
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Typical Context
Explanations, arguments, cause-effect scenarios
Narratives, timelines, historical events
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Connotation
Implies a direct link between cause and effect
Simply denotes the order of events, not a direct link
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Example Use
"He didn't study; consequently, he failed the exam."
"The treaty was signed, and subsequently, peace was restored in the region."
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Consequently and Subsequently Definitions
Consequently
As a result of something.
The road was blocked, consequently, we had to take a detour.
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Subsequently
Happening or coming after another event or action.
The policy was implemented, and subsequently, the market stabilized.
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Consequently
Following as an effect or result.
She worked hard and, consequently, achieved great success.
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Subsequently
After a particular thing or time.
The novel was published in 1980, and subsequently adapted into a film.
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Consequently
Used to show the cause-and-effect relationship.
The company downsized, and consequently, many employees lost their jobs.
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Subsequently
Coming after something in sequence.
The first attempt failed, but subsequently, they succeeded.
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Consequently
Therefore or thus.
He was the only candidate, consequently, he was elected by default.
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Subsequently
Following in time; later.
He joined the company as an intern and was subsequently promoted.
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Consequently
Leading to a conclusion or inference.
The evidence was inconclusive, consequently, the jury acquitted him.
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Subsequently
Later or afterward.
The law was passed, and subsequently, changes were seen in the industry.
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Consequently
(conjunctive) As a result or consequence of something; subsequently.
He didn't wake up early. Consequently, he was late to work.
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Subsequently
Accordingly, therefore (implying a logical connection or deduction), consequently.
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Consequently
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given;
Consequently, he didn't do it
Continued to have severe headaches and accordingly returned to the doctor
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Subsequently
Happening at a time subsequent to a reference time;
He apologized subsequently
He's going to the store but he'll be back here later
It didn't happen until afterward
Two hours after that
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Consequently
As a consequence;
He had good reason to be grateful for the opportunities which they had made available to him and which consequently led to the good position he now held
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does 'consequently' always imply causation?
Yes, it typically implies a cause-and-effect relationship.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Are 'consequently' and 'subsequently' interchangeable?
No, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
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Does 'consequently' need a preceding cause?
Yes, it should be used where there is a clear preceding cause.
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Can 'subsequently' indicate a cause?
No, it only indicates a sequence in time, not causation.
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Can 'consequently' indicate positive outcomes?
Yes, it can be used for both positive and negative outcomes.
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Can 'subsequently' be used in legal documents?
Yes, it's used in legal contexts to discuss sequences of events.
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Is 'consequently' used in formal writing?
Yes, it's often used in formal writing to show causation.
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Shumaila Saeed
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How does 'subsequently' relate to past events?
It is used to describe events that happened after a referenced past event.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Can 'subsequently' be used to start a sentence?
Yes, it can start a sentence when narrating a sequence of events.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Is 'subsequently' appropriate in academic writing?
Yes, it's commonly used in academic writing to denote sequence.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Does 'consequently' always follow an action?
Generally, it follows an action or event to indicate its result.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Can 'subsequently' be used in storytelling?
Absolutely, it's useful in narrating events in the order they occurred.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can 'subsequently' imply immediate succession?
Not necessarily immediate, but it does indicate following in time.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is 'consequently' used in mathematical contexts?
It can be, to show a result or effect of a mathematical operation.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is 'consequently' a synonym for 'therefore'?
Yes, it can be used similarly to 'therefore' in indicating a conclusion.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
How does 'consequently' function in a sentence?
It functions as a connective adverb linking cause and effect.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Does 'subsequently' always refer to the immediate next event?
No, it refers to any event that follows, not necessarily the immediate next one.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can 'consequently' be used in everyday conversation?
Yes, though it's more formal, it can be used in everyday causal explanations.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is 'subsequently' related to chronology?
Yes, it's closely related to the chronological order of events.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Does 'consequently' imply logical conclusions?
Yes, it's often used to draw logical conclusions based on previous statements.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
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