How to use "subsequent to"

What Does "subsequent to" Mean?

• Grammatical function: It expresses a temporal relationship, indicating that one event or action happens after another. It implies a sequence of events.
• Typical sentence position: Can be used in the initial or medial position within a sentence.
• Register: Formal

How to Use It

• Syntactic patterns: "Subsequent to" is typically followed by a noun phrase or a gerund phrase (a phrase beginning with a verb ending in -ing). It's often preceded by a main clause or a comma.
• Punctuation rules: When "subsequent to" begins a sentence, it's generally followed by a comma. When it appears mid-sentence, a comma might be used before it, depending on the sentence's flow and complexity.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can start a sentence. It can be moved, but this might affect the emphasis. It is not typically negated directly; instead, one would rephrase the sentence using "prior to" or "before."
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using "subsequent to" in very informal contexts can sound overly formal. Avoid using it when a simpler word like "after" would suffice.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from subsequent to on Ludwig.guru.

"§ 1822.273 Actions subsequent to loan approval." — Cornell University

"However, they become cytotoxic subsequent to internalization." — Biochemical Pharmacology

"Subsequent to my jokes, the evening took a peculiar turn." — The Guardian

"(3)Information to be provided subsequent to investment." — Cornell University

"But subsequent to its publication this week, the credibility of the sourcing was shredded." — The New York Times - Books

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/subsequent+to

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
after	Most common and versatile alternative, suitable for informal and formal contexts.
following	Similar to "after," but can also imply a direct consequence.
later	Indicates a time difference, but without necessarily implying direct causation.
thereafter	More formal synonym for "afterward," often used in legal or official documents.
in the wake of	Suggests a more significant or impactful event that follows another.
pursuant to	Used in legal contexts to mean "in accordance with" or "as a result of" a law or regulation.
succeeding	Emphasizes the order or sequence of events, often used in narrative or historical writing.

Common Mistakes

• Using "subsequent to" in overly informal situations can sound pretentious.
• Confusing it with phrases that indicate the opposite order, such as "prior to" or "preceding."
• Omitting the comma after "subsequent to" when it begins a sentence can make the sentence harder to read.
• Learners often confuse "subsequent to" with similar phrases like "prior to" or use it in informal contexts where a simpler word like "after" would be more appropriate.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
Subsequent to	Indicates a temporal sequence; one event happens after another	Formal	Sentence-initial or medial

FAQs

Where can "subsequent to" be placed in a sentence?

"Subsequent to" can appear at the beginning of a sentence, often followed by a comma, or in the middle of a sentence. When it starts a sentence, it introduces the earlier event; when it's in the middle, it connects the earlier event to the later one. So, it can be in sentence-initial or mid-clause position.

---

How does "subsequent to" differ from "after"?

While both indicate a temporal sequence, "subsequent to" is more formal than "after." "After" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, while "subsequent to" is typically reserved for formal writing and speech, such as legal documents or academic papers.

---

How can I avoid misusing "subsequent to"?

To avoid misuse, remember that "subsequent to" is a formal expression. If you're writing or speaking in an informal context, a simpler word like "after" is usually more appropriate. Also, be careful not to confuse it with phrases that indicate the opposite order, such as "prior to."