Subsequently, the word that often goes overlooked in our everyday language. But when used correctly, it can add clarity and precision to any situation. So, when can you use subsequently? Allow me to explain.
Subsequently is the perfect word to use when you want to describe a chain of actions or events that happen one after the other. For instance, you could say “I went to bed late last night, subsequently, I overslept this morning and was late for work.” It tells the listener that the oversleeping happened because you went to bed late. Subsequently is also great for describing the outcome of a decision or action. “We decided to invest in that new technology, and subsequently, our sales increased by 20%.” In this context, it shows how one decision led to a specific outcome.
In summary, subsequently is a versatile and useful word that you can use in a variety of situations. Whether you’re telling a story or making a point, using subsequently can add a layer of clarity to your language that might otherwise be missing. So, don’t underestimate the power of subsequently in your writing or speech – it might be just the word you need to convey the exact meaning you’re looking for.
Synonyms for “Subsequently”
When writing, it’s essential to use a variety of words to keep your audience engaged and interested. Otherwise, you run the risk of sounding repetitive, unoriginal, and uncreative. Instead of using “subsequently” numerous times in your content, sprinkle in some synonyms to add flavor and depth to your writing.
- Eventually
- Afterward
- Then
- Following that
- Next
- Later
- Subsequent
- After
You can also use related phrases such as “in due course,” “in the end,” and “over time.” It doesn’t matter which words you choose as long as they convey the same meaning and add value to your content.
If you’re uncertain about whether to use “subsequently” or one of its synonyms, consider the context and tone of your content. If you’re writing a formal piece, “subsequently” might be the best option. However, if you’re writing informally or creatively, feel free to play around with different words to make your writing stand out.
Differences between “subsequently” and “afterward”
Both “subsequently” and “afterward” are adverbs that denote an event happening later in time. However, there are some significant differences between the two.
- Usage: “Afterward” tends to be used in more casual settings, while “subsequently” is often used in more formal or academic writing.
- Timing: “Afterward” is typically used to refer to a relatively short period of time after an event has occurred, while “subsequently” can refer to a longer or more distant time frame.
- Sequence of events: “Subsequently” is often used to describe a causal relationship between two events, with the first event leading directly to the second. “Afterward” does not carry the same connotation and can be used to describe any event that occurs after another.
Overall, while both words can be used to describe events that happen later in time, “subsequently” is typically used in more formal and academic contexts and carries a stronger implication of causality.
An example of the formal use of “subsequently” can be seen in the following sentence:
“After the economic crisis in 2008, many banks were forced to increase their capital reserves. Subsequently, the financial industry saw a significant drop in profits.”
Here, “subsequently” is used to indicate a causal relationship between the two events – the increase in capital reserves and the drop in profits.
| Word | Usage | Timing | Sequence of Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsequently | Formal or academic contexts | Can refer to a longer or more distant time frame | Strongly implies causality between events |
| Afterward | More casual settings | Typically refers to a relatively short period of time after an event | No strong implication of causality between events |
On the other hand, “afterward” can be used more colloquially, as in the following example:
“I finished my work, and afterward, I went to the gym.”
Here, “afterward” simply indicates that going to the gym came after finishing work, without any necessary causal relationship between the two events.
Common Phrases Using “Subsequently”
When writing or speaking, “subsequently” is a versatile word that can be used to imply a cause-and-effect relationship between events. It is commonly used in academic, business, and legal contexts to indicate that one event follows another in a sequence. Here are some phrases that use “subsequently” and what they mean:
1. Subsequently, it was found that…
This phrase suggests that after a particular event occurred, something else was discovered or revealed. It’s often used in scientific research papers or investigative reports.
2. He was subsequently fired from his job.
This phrase indicates that someone lost their job after a particular event. It’s often used in legal contexts, such as when someone is fired for misconduct.
Common Phrases Using “Subsequently”
- 3. The company subsequently went bankrupt.
- 4. Subsequently, the defendant plead guilty.
- 5. She took time off from work and subsequently returned with renewed energy.
This phrase suggests that after a particular event, such as a financial crisis or loss of revenue, a company was unable to continue operating. It’s often used in business and financial contexts.
This phrase implies that after a particular event occurred, such as a trial or hearing, the defendant admitted guilt. It’s often used in legal contexts.
This phrase suggests that after a particular event, such as a break or vacation, someone returned with more energy or enthusiasm. It’s often used in personal contexts or workplace settings.
6. The committee subsequently met to discuss the issue.
This phrase indicates that after a particular event, such as a decision or executive order, a committee convened to discuss the issue. It’s often used in political or organizational contexts.
When using “subsequently,” it’s important to remember the intended meaning of the phrase and how it relates to the events at hand. Using the word correctly can help clarify the relationship between events and contribute to clear communication.
Examples of using “subsequently” in writing
Subsequently is a word that can add clarity and precision to your writing. It is often used to show the cause-and-effect relationship between two events or actions. Here are some examples of proper usage.
- She failed the exam; subsequently, she had to repeat the course.
- The company’s stock price fell sharply after the CEO announced his resignation. Subsequently, the board appointed a new CEO.
- The scientists conducted a series of experiments and subsequently published their findings in a scholarly journal.
In each of these examples, subsequently is used to show the connection between two events. In the first example, failing the exam leads to repeating the course. In the second example, the CEO resigning causes the stock price to fall, which leads to the board appointing a new CEO. In the third example, conducting the experiments leads to publishing the findings.
It’s important to note that subsequently should only be used when there is a clear causal relationship between the two events or actions. If there is no cause-and-effect connection, another word or phrase should be used instead.
Here are a few more examples of how subsequently can be used in different contexts:
| Context | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Business | The company lost its largest client and subsequently had to lay off several employees. |
| Politics | The president signed the bill into law and subsequently faced backlash from his supporters. |
| Academia | The historian uncovered new evidence about the Civil War and subsequently revised his book on the subject. |
Overall, subsequently is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to show a causal relationship between two events or actions. When used correctly, it can make your writing clearer and more concise.
How to Properly Use “Subsequently” in a Sentence
Subsequently is a transitional word often used in writing to connect events or actions that occur in a logical sequence. If you want to use subsequently in a sentence, it’s important to use it correctly to convey your message accurately. Below are some tips on how to use subsequently in a sentence:
- Use subsequently to show a cause and effect relationship between two events. For example: “I missed my bus, subsequently, I was late for work.”
- Use subsequently to denote the order of events. For example: “He finished his homework, subsequently, he watched television.”
- Use subsequently to indicate that something happened at a later time. For example: “She broke her arm and subsequently missed six weeks of school.”
It’s essential to understand the proper context of subsequently to prevent misusing it. As a transitional word, it should only link logically related concepts. Avoid using subsequently to convey a temporal relationship if there is no logical connection between the events.
Furthermore, subsequently is a more formal term than words such as “then” and “next.” Thus, it’s better suited for academic or professional writing where the tone is serious and dignified.
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| “I finished my lunch, subsequently, I went running.” | “I finished my lunch and subsequently went running.” |
| “She slept for ten hours. Subsequently, she felt relaxed.” | “She slept for ten hours and subsequently felt relaxed.” |
| “I forgot my book at home, subsequently, I arrived at school.” | “I forgot my book at home, so subsequently, I arrived at school unprepared.” |
When used correctly, subsequently can enhance the structure of your writing and make your ideas more cohesive. Keep the above tips in mind and incorporate this transitional word in your writing in the correct context.
Alternatives to using “subsequently” in writing
When used too frequently, the word “subsequently” can become monotonous and hinder your writing’s flow. Fortunately, there are a plethora of alternatives you can use instead:
- Later: Use this word to indicate that something will happen or occur after a certain event or time period. For example, “Later in the afternoon, we went for a walk.”
- Afterward: This word is useful when you want to give a sense of events happening sequentially. For instance, “We finished cleaning the house, and afterward, we went out for dinner.”
- Then: A versatile word that refers to anything that comes after a given point in time or event. For example, “We went to the beach, then spent the rest of the day lounging in the sun.”
However, it’s crucial to remember that the list of alternatives to “subsequently” is almost endless. As a writer, take some time to experiment with different transition words and phrases to find the ones that best suit your voice and style. Here are a few more options you may want to consider:
- Soon: Use this word to indicate that something is likely to happen shortly, as in “I’ll soon be finished with this project.”
- Eventually: A word used to indicate that something will happen at some indefinite point in the future. For example, “I eventually want to travel the world.”
- Next: This word is useful when you want to give the reader a sense of what is coming up next. For instance, “Next, let’s discuss the implications of this study.”
Other Considerations
In addition to using different transition words, varying sentence structures and keeping the content of your writing engaging can help to break up the use of “subsequently” and create natural flow. For instance, you can try starting a sentence with a noun or describing an action in more detail to reduce the reliance on transition words like “subsequently.”
If you’re still struggling, it can be helpful to read your writing out loud and identify any areas that feel clunky or repetitive. By doing so, you may notice the overuse of certain words and create an opportunity to replace them with more concise and varied alternatives.
Examples of Alternatives to “Subsequently”
| Word/Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Later | “I plan to finish this project later in the week.” |
| Then | “We went to the park, then grabbed lunch.” |
| Afterward | “We finished the game, and afterward, went for a swim.” |
| Eventually | “I eventually want to start my own business.” |
| Next | “Next, we’ll talk about the importance of goal-setting.” |
By using a combination of these alternatives, you can avoid relying too heavily on “subsequently” and create a more engaging and varied piece of writing.
Common mistakes made when using “subsequently”
Using the word “subsequently” may seem simple, but it can actually be tricky. Here are some common mistakes that people make when using this word.
- Using it incorrectly: One of the main mistakes people make with “subsequently” is using it incorrectly. Many people use it as a replacement for “consequently,” but it actually means “afterwards” or “later.” So, if you say something like “I went to the store, subsequently, I walked the dog,” it doesn’t make sense.
- Overusing it: Another mistake people make is overusing “subsequently.” While it’s a useful word, using it too much can make your writing sound repetitive and awkward. Make sure to vary your language and use other words and phrases to convey the same meaning.
- Using it unnecessarily: Sometimes people use “subsequently” when it’s not really necessary. For example, if you say “The weather was bad, subsequently, I stayed inside all day,” you could just say “The weather was bad, so I stayed inside all day” and convey the same idea.
Confusing it with other words
Another mistake people make with “subsequently” is confusing it with other words that are similar in meaning but not quite the same. Here are some examples:
- Consequently: As mentioned earlier, “consequently” means “as a result” or “therefore.” Don’t use “subsequently” as a replacement for this word.
- Subsequent: “Subsequent” is an adjective that means “following in time or order.” It’s not a synonym for “subsequently.” You might say “the subsequent events,” but not “I went to the store, subsequent, I walked the dog.”
- Successively: “Successively” means “in a row” or “one after another.” It’s not a synonym for “subsequently,” although the two words are related.
Using “subsequently” in a sentence
If you want to use “subsequently” correctly in a sentence, think about its meaning and make sure it fits. Here’s an example:
“I applied for the job, and subsequently, I received an email about the interview.”
| Incorrect: | “I applied for the job, and consequently, I received an email about the interview.” |
|---|---|
| Correct: | “I applied for the job, and subsequently, I received an email about the interview.” |
Remember, “consequently” wouldn’t make sense here because the email isn’t a result of applying for the job. “Subsequently” works because it means “afterwards” and fits with the sequence of events.
FAQs: When Can You Use Subsequently?
1. What does subsequently mean?
Subsequently is an adverb that means afterwards or later.
2. Can I use subsequently at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, it is grammatically correct to use subsequently at the beginning of a sentence. For example, “Subsequently, we left the party.”
3. Can I use subsequently to indicate an action that happened concurrently?
No, subsequently refers to actions that happened afterwards, not at the same time.
4. Can subsequently be used in formal writing?
Yes, subsequently is appropriate to use in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports.
5. Can I use subsequently in spoken language?
Yes, subsequently is commonly used in spoken language.
6. Is subsequently interchangeable with “thereafter” or “then”?
Yes, subsequently can be used interchangeably with thereafter or then to indicate an action that happened afterwards.
7. Can I use subsequently to indicate cause and effect?
No, subsequently only refers to an action that happened afterwards, not the cause of the action.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for reading this article about when to use subsequently. We hope these FAQs have clarified any confusion you may have had about this adverb. Don’t hesitate to visit us again for more helpful tips on English language usage!