Difference Between Consequently and Subsequently

The main difference between consequently and subsequently is that consequently is an adverb meaning “as a result”, whereas subsequently is an adverb meaning “later” or “afterwards”.

Consequently and subsequently are two adverbs we often use interchangeably. Although both these indicate the sense that something happening later, there is a distinct difference between consequently and subsequently.

Key Areas Covered

1. What Does Consequently Mean
     – Definition, Meaning, Usage
2. What Does Subsequently Mean
     – Definition, Meaning, Usage
3. What are the Similarities Between Consequently and Subsequently
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Consequently and Subsequently
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Adverbs, Consequently, Subsequently

Consequently – Definition, Meaning and Usage

Consequently is an adverb that forms from the word consequence. This adverb has the meaning “as a result” or “therefore”. We use this adverb when referring to the results of the preceding sentence. Let’s look at an example.

Jake was 15 minutes late; consequently, he missed the train.

Here, the second sentence indicates the results of the first. The adverb consequently, thus, acts as a connection between the two sentences. Moreover, this adjective indicates the connection between a cause and effect. That is, 

Cause: John was 15 minutes late.     Effect: He missed the train.

Example 1: She studied hard and consequently passed the test.

Let’s look at some more examples of this adverb to understand its meaning and usage more clearly.

• These words are often confused and are consequently misused.
• She failed three exams; consequently, she lost the scholarship.
• There is a great demand for qualified and experienced workers, and consequently, they earn high salaries.

Subsequently – Definition, Meaning and Usage

Subsequently is also an adjective we commonly use. However, it has a different meaning from consequently. Subsequently has the meaning “afterwards” or “later”. Therefore, it means at a later time or following closely in time or order. For example,

Rogan graduated from college and subsequently moved to Paris.

If we look at the above sentence carefully, Rogan’s graduation is followed by his move to Paris. Here, the adverb subsequently indicates the order of things, i.e., his move to Paris happened after graduation.

Example 2: The offender was subsequently arrested by the police.

Given below are some more examples of this adverb.

• All his findings were subsequently proven inaccurate.
• I realized that my actions hurt her deeply; subsequently, I apologized.
• The detectives made a case against him and subsequently arrested him for the murder of Mr Gupta.
• She was badly injured in the accident and subsequently died.
• They met in college, fell madly in love and subsequently got married. 

Similarities Between Consequently and Subsequently

• Consequently and subsequently are both adverbs we commonly use.
• Both indicate a sense of something occurring later.

Difference Between Consequently and Subsequently

Definition

Consequently is an adverb meaning “as a result” or “therefore” whereas subsequently is an adverb meaning “later” or “afterwards”.

Usage

Moreover, consequently indicates that second clause or sentence happens because of the first; for example, she studied hard and consequently passed the test. In contrast, subsequently indicates that occurrence in the first phrase is preceded by the occurrence in the second. For example, Miriam got a new job, and subsequently, she moved to India. 

Function

Consequently indicates the cause and effect between two clauses or sentences whereas subsequently indicates that something happens after something else.

Conclusion

Consequently and subsequently are both adverbs we commonly use. Although most of us use these two words interchangeably, there is a clear difference between consequently and subsequently. The main difference between consequently and subsequently is that consequently is an adverb meaning “as a result” whereas subsequently is an adverb meaning “later” or “afterwards”.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Exam” By Alberto G. (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “1379713” (CC0) via Pxhere