Result Connectors: Therefore, Consequently & As a Result

Level B2 · Conjunctions & Linking Words

so joins a cause and a result inside one sentence in everyday speech and writing: It was raining, so we stayed home. In more formal or written English, the same idea is usually expressed with a different set of words — therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, hence — that don't just replace so in the same slot; they work as separate sentences (or clauses joined by a semicolon), not as a mid-sentence conjunction. therefore is the most common and neutral of these: The evidence was inconclusive. Therefore, the case was dismissed. consequently is a close synonym, slightly more formal and more common in careful written English: The flight was delayed by six hours; consequently, many passengers missed their connections.

As a result works exactly like therefore and consequently, connecting two clauses as a result-connector, but as a result of is a different word entirely — a preposition that takes a noun or an -ing form, never a full clause:

• as a result — a connector, just like therefore: The company cut costs. As a result, profits improved.
• as a result of — a preposition, followed directly by a noun or gerund, never a subject-plus-verb clause: As a result of the delay, we missed our connection. As a result of cutting costs, profits improved.
• thus and hence — more literary and academic, often introducing a summarizing conclusion rather than a strict cause-and-effect link: The report found no evidence of fraud; thus, the investigation was closed. thus can also mean simply "in this way," introducing a method rather than a result: You fold the corner, thus creating a crease.

Unlike so, which sits mid-sentence right after a comma (X, so Y), therefore/consequently/as a result/thus/hence join two independent clauses either as two separate sentences or with a semicolon — never with just a comma joining two full clauses. It rained, therefore we stayed home is a comma splice and is considered an error in careful writing; the correct forms are two sentences (It rained. Therefore, we stayed home.) or a semicolon (It rained; therefore, we stayed home.). A second frequent error is putting a full clause straight after as a result of, since it's a preposition and needs a noun or gerund: as a result of it rained is wrong; it must be as a result of the rain (noun), or, if a full clause is really needed, restructured with the plain connector: it rained, and as a result we stayed home.

Look for a full stop or semicolon — never just a comma — immediately before therefore/consequently/as a result/thus/hence, and a comma immediately after the connector itself. Check whether of follows as a result: if it does, expect a noun or an -ing form next, not a full clause; if there's no of, treat as a result exactly like therefore.

Practice

Therefore, Consequently & As a Result · Punctuation & Preposition vs Connector