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REFERENCE

consequently

adv.
US //ˈkɑnsəˌkwɛntɫi// UK //kˈɒnsɪkwəntli// con·se·quent·ly
  1. 1 as a result (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Formal

    as a result of something that was just mentioned.

    as a logical consequence or result of a previously stated fact or event.

    Example

    The company lost a lot of money last year; consequently, they had to close three offices.

    Example

    The region experienced an unprecedented drought throughout the summer; consequently, crop yields were significantly lower than the five-year average.

    Usage

    Typically functions as a conjunctive adverb, placed at the beginning of a second clause or sentence to show causality.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a high-register word. In casual conversation, native speakers almost always prefer 'so' or 'as a result'.

    Pitfall
    The weather was bad consequently the flight was cancelled.
    The weather was bad; consequently, the flight was cancelled.

    When connecting two independent sentences, use a semicolon before 'consequently' and a comma after it.

Origin

From Middle English consequentely, consequentliche, consequently; equivalent to consequent + -ly.

Word family

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