20 Other Ways to Say “As a Result”

“As a result” is a commonly used transitional phrase that links an action or situation with its outcome. For instance, if someone says, “He forgot to set his alarm, and as a result, he was late for work,” it shows that one event directly caused another. While this phrase is clear and effective, English offers many expressive alternatives that can enrich your writing or speech depending on tone, setting, and intent.

This article explores 20 different ways to say “as a result,” each with detailed examples and descriptions, so you can expand your vocabulary and use more precise transitions in professional, casual, or academic contexts.

Other Ways to Say “As a Result”

1. Therefore

Example: “She studied hard for weeks; therefore, she passed the exam with top marks.”
Meaning: Indicates a logical consequence or conclusion. It directly connects cause and effect in formal writing.
Usage: Ideal for academic writing, professional documents, or any situation requiring a tone of logic and formality.

2. Consequently

Example: “The factory reduced its waste emissions. Consequently, its environmental rating improved.”
Meaning: Emphasizes the chain reaction between two events. It’s a polished, formal way to indicate outcome.
Usage: Suited for business reports, official statements, or analytical writing where you want to stress cause-effect relationships.

3. Hence

Example: “The roads were icy; hence, the delay in deliveries.”
Meaning: Suggests immediate consequence with a succinct tone.
Usage: Often used in academic, scientific, or older formal styles of English; rarely used in casual conversation.

4. Thus

Example: “He misunderstood the instructions, thus completing the task incorrectly.”
Meaning: Expresses a logical result with a smooth, formal flow.
Usage: Common in academic or scholarly writing where logical clarity is essential.

5. Accordingly

Example: “The team exceeded their targets. Accordingly, they received a bonus.”
Meaning: Indicates that an action or decision aligns with what came before it.
Usage: Formal tone, often found in reports, business communications, and legal writing.

6. As a consequence

Example: “The storm damaged power lines; as a consequence, the entire area was without electricity.”
Meaning: Highlights the seriousness or weight of a result.
Usage: Suitable for both written and spoken contexts, especially when you want to emphasize the impact.

7. Because of this

Example: “He forgot to lock the door. Because of this, his bike was stolen.”
Meaning: Clarifies that a specific cause led to a specific effect.
Usage: Conversational, clear, and often used in storytelling or casual explanation.

8. Due to this

Example: “The company restructured its leadership. Due to this, employee satisfaction improved.”
Meaning: Indicates that the cause directly triggered a measurable result.
Usage: Works in formal documents, presentations, or written analysis where the chain of events needs emphasis.

9. For this reason

Example: “The app failed to load properly. For this reason, users left negative reviews.”
Meaning: Emphasizes rationale behind an outcome or decision.
Usage: Flexible for essays, blogs, presentations, or even instructions where justifications are provided.

10. In turn

Example: “She inspired her team, who in turn pushed themselves to do better.”
Meaning: Suggests a ripple effect or a response action resulting from a previous cause.
Usage: Well-suited for narrative storytelling, speeches, and professional analysis.

11. As such

Example: “He didn’t meet the qualifications. As such, he was not considered for the role.”
Meaning: Used to introduce a result or logical consequence that stems directly from the previous statement.
Usage: Ideal in formal settings where you want a smooth, professional transition between cause and effect.

12. This led to

Example: “The company cut back on customer service staff. This led to longer response times and complaints.”
Meaning: Clearly shows the cause and resulting issue in sequence.
Usage: Common in explanatory writing and everyday speech where the process or outcome needs emphasis.

13. With that

Example: “He announced his retirement. With that, the entire team paused in silence.”
Meaning: Informal way of marking a moment of change or a consequence.
Usage: Suitable for storytelling or casual speech, especially when narrating emotional or dramatic sequences.

14. Thereby

Example: “The team simplified their workflow, thereby increasing productivity.”
Meaning: Implies that one action directly contributes to a specific effect.
Usage: Common in formal, legal, or academic writing where you need to show direct contribution to an outcome.

15. Resulting in

Example: “He left the door open, resulting in the dog running away.”
Meaning: Shows how a specific situation produced an outcome.
Usage: Appropriate for both writing and speech when narrating causal events, especially in news or educational content.

16. On that account

Example: “He failed to submit the form. On that account, his application was denied.”
Meaning: A formal phrase used to show that the reason provided led directly to the result.
Usage: Rare but effective in high-level writing or speeches that require classic or old-fashioned tone.

17. In effect

Example: “They blocked all communication. In effect, the negotiation fell apart.”
Meaning: Indicates that the result, while perhaps indirect, was effectively caused by the stated event.
Usage: Works well in analytical or policy-based writing where consequences may not be immediate but are still real.

18. Thusly

Example: “He declined the invitation, thusly ending the conversation.”
Meaning: A somewhat archaic or stylistic version of “thus” that also signals outcome.
Usage: Rarely used in modern English, but may be included for stylistic or humorous effect.

19. So

Example: “She was feeling unwell, so she stayed home from school.”
Meaning: A direct and very common way to express cause and effect.
Usage: Informal and widely used in everyday conversation; ideal for simplicity and clarity.

20. That’s why

Example: “It started raining unexpectedly. That’s why the event was canceled.”
Meaning: Indicates the cause of a specific result in a very conversational and clear tone.
Usage: Excellent for dialogues, explanations, and storytelling in informal contexts.

When to Use Different “As a Result” Alternatives

In Professional Settings

When you’re writing business reports, giving presentations, or drafting official communication, it’s better to lean toward more formal alternatives like therefore, consequently, accordingly, or as such. These options convey a clear sense of logic and professionalism, making your writing sound more refined and intentional, which is often expected in corporate or institutional environments.

In Everyday Conversations

During casual chats with friends, storytelling, or even explaining something to a child, simpler terms like so, that’s why, or because of this work better. They feel natural, are easy to understand, and help keep the conversation flowing without sounding too stiff or overcomplicated for everyday use.

In Academic or Research Contexts

In essays, research papers, or scholarly discussions, you need to express cause and effect clearly and with authority. Words like thus, hence, thereby, and in effect offer that precision and formal tone, allowing you to link ideas and findings logically without ambiguity, which is essential in academic communication.

Conclusion

The phrase “as a result” is a reliable and frequently used way to express outcomes, but it’s not your only option. By understanding the nuances of other phrases, you can tailor your message to fit any audience, context, or tone—from casual chats to formal reports. With these 20 alternatives in your toolkit, your communication will become more dynamic, polished, and intentional.

If you’re interested in exploring even more language alternatives to enrich your writing and speaking skills, consider checking out resources like Thesaurus.com or style guides that emphasize clear communication.

FAQs

What does “as a result” mean?

“As a result” connects a cause to its effect, showing that something happened because of something else.

Is “as a result” formal or informal?

It’s neutral, so it works in both formal and informal settings. However, many people choose more specific alternatives to better suit their tone.

Can “so” and “as a result” be used interchangeably?

In many everyday situations, yes—but “as a result” often sounds more formal, while “so” is more conversational.

Which alternatives to “as a result” are best for essays?

Use formal phrases like “therefore,” “thus,” “hence,” or “consequently” in essays to keep your tone academic and precise.