How to use "as a consequence"

What Does "as a consequence" Mean?

• Grammatical function: expresses a cause-and-effect relationship, specifically indicating a result or outcome.
• Typical sentence position: initial, but can also appear medially.
• Register: formal to neutral. While usable in everyday speech, it is more common in written and professional contexts.

How to Use It

• Syntactic patterns: Typically followed by a clause expressing the result. Preceded by a clause or sentence describing the cause.
• Punctuation rules: When used at the beginning of a sentence, it is followed by a comma. When used medially, it is usually set off by commas or semicolons.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can start a sentence. It can be moved to a medial position, although this is less common. It cannot be directly negated, but the clause it introduces can be negated.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Placing it awkwardly within a clause can sound unnatural. Using it in very informal contexts might seem overly formal.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from as a consequence on Ludwig.guru.

"As a consequence, N.Y.U." — The New Yorker

"As a consequence, we got downgraded." — The New York Times

"As a consequence, he is not hired." — The Economist

"We are all diminished as a consequence." — The Guardian - Sport

"As a consequence, prices skyrocketed." — Forbes

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/as+a+consequence

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
as a result	More neutral; widely applicable in both formal and informal contexts.
consequently	Slightly more formal; emphasizes a logical deduction.
therefore	Stronger logical implication; typical of academic and argumentative writing.
thus	More formal and concise; often used in academic or technical writing.
hence	Formal and somewhat archaic; implies a logical connection.
accordingly	Suggests an action is taken in response to a prior event.
for this reason	Clearly states the cause before presenting the effect.

Common Mistakes

• Missing the comma after "as a consequence" when it starts a sentence. This can make the sentence appear to run-on.
• Using it in very informal contexts where simpler alternatives would be more appropriate. This can sound overly formal or stilted.
• A common mistake is using it interchangeably with similar phrases like 'as a result' without considering the subtle difference in emphasis on the directness of the cause-and-effect relationship, or misplacing it within the sentence.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
as a consequence	Indicates a direct result or effect	Formal to neutral	Sentence-initial, occasionally medial

FAQs

Where can "as a consequence" appear in a sentence?

As a consequence typically begins a sentence, followed by a comma, to clearly introduce the result of a previous action or situation. While it can appear mid-sentence, it's less common and often requires commas or semicolons to set it off for clarity, making the sentence structure more complex.

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What's the difference between "as a consequence" and "as a result"?

Both phrases indicate a cause-and-effect relationship, but "as a consequence" often implies a more direct or significant outcome. "As a result" is a more general term, while "as a consequence" suggests that the outcome is a notable or important effect of the initial cause.

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How can I avoid misusing "as a consequence"?

To avoid misuse, ensure that the relationship between the cause and effect is clear and direct. Remember to use a comma after "as a consequence" when it begins a sentence. Also, consider whether a more informal phrase might be more suitable if the context is casual, and be mindful of the subtle difference in emphasis compared to similar connectives like "as a result."