Words / B2

KONS-ikw-uh-nt/ˈkɒnsɪkwənt/

Consequent means happening as a result of something (formal): consequent damage; the consequent closures. Consequently is the adverb (already in the dictionary); subsequent means later, not always caused. Flooding and the consequent closures featured in the case. Mix-up: subsequent / consecutive (already in the dictionary). Do not write consequent for “the next day” with no causal link.

Meaning

Happening as a result of something (formal).

Examples

• “Flooding and the consequent closures featured in the case study.”
• “Subsequent is later; consequent is caused, which is the methods distinction.”

Good to know

consequent + noun; the consequent + noun. Adverb: consequently. Trap: subsequent / consecutive. Essays, news, and geography. Resulting (formal), not merely “later”.

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