So, you’re in the middle of writing what the outcomes of an action are. However, you’re repeatedly using “as a result,” and you’re worried it’ll put a downer on your writing.
Fret not!
In this article, we’ll help you mix up your writing by showing you what to say instead of “as a result.”
Other Ways to Say “As a Result”
- Therefore
- Consequently
- Accordingly
- For this reason
- In consequence
- So
- In light of this
- Because of this
- In response
- In turn
- Due to this
- Subsequently
- In summary
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “As a result” is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in academic writing and formal emails.
- “Therefore” works well as a synonym for academic writing to help you explain a result.
- Try “consequently” when writing a formal email and exploring how one thing led to another.
Keep reading to find a formal term for “as a result.” It’s great to have a few options ready to help you mix things up when the time comes.
Also, the final section will explain whether it’s correct to say “as a result.” So, if you’re more interested in learning about this, read ahead to find out when it works.
Therefore (Academic Writing)
An alternative word for “as a result” is “therefore.” It actually happens to be one of the most common words to include in academic writing when explaining cause and effect.
Generally, “therefore” explains an outcome to the reader. It’s a very clear way to demonstrate how one thing might lead to another.
Essay readers prefer things to be streamlined. The easier it is to interpret your writing, the better your essay will appear (and the better grade it will receive).
“Therefore,” being a one-word alternative, is one of the best options for streamlined. It gets to the point quickly and works well as an introductory clause on its own.
Check out these essay samples to see how it works:
We had many options to consider before we could continue. Therefore, we had to find a way to make the best choice.
It wasn’t going to be an easy fix. Therefore, I did everything I could to ensure I had a plan in place.
Consequently (Email)
It’s not just academic writing that uses phrases like “as a result.” You can include “consequently” in a formal email as another way to say “as a result.”
Actions have consequences. The things we do create results that can change things drastically in the workplace.
Therefore, it’s worth using “consequently” when writing an email to an employee. It shows that their actions are always reviewed, and it’s likely one of their actions led to a specific consequence.
It’s quite a professional term to include. That’s why we think it works so well in an email.
Here’s a great example to show you how it works:
Dear Adam,
I’m afraid this isn’t going to work as well as you thought it would. Consequently, we’ve had to change our plans.
All the best,
Aimee Woodhouse
Is It Correct to Say “As a Result”?
It is correct to say “as a result.” It’s useful to include in academic writing because it shows how one thing can lead to another.
Here’s a great example showing you how to use “as a result” in a sentence:
We settled on the solution together. As a result, we were the quickest team to finish the task.
“As a result” is a very common choice in academic writing. It allows the reader to follow the narrative and find out how one thing can result in another.
However, you should only use it with “a” rather than “the.” If you write “as the result” on its own, it makes no sense.
For instance;
- Correct: As a result, we had to change our plan.
- Incorrect: As the result, this was all we could do.
“The result” would only be correct if there is only one result to base your facts on. However, to make this work, you would need a verb directly after “result.” For instance;
- As the result suggests, this is the only outcome.
- As the result confirms, we can work on this.
In most cases, “as a result” on its own is the better choice.