Meaning & use
accordingly
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Meanings
adverbnot comparable
In a way that matches or is appropriate to what has just happened, been said, or been decided.
Grammar: Usually follows the verb it modifies: act accordingly.
Patterns
- act accordingly
- change accordingly
- respond accordingly
- plan accordingly
The forecast predicted rain, so we planned accordingly.
She asked for quiet, and the children behaved accordingly.
Costs have risen; prices will be adjusted accordingly.
adverbnot comparableformal
As a result; therefore, used to state a logical consequence of the previous statement.
Grammar: Often begins a clause after a semicolon or full stop: the road was closed; accordingly, traffic slowed.
Patterns
- something; accordingly, something
- accordingly, a decision followed
The data were incomplete; accordingly, the committee delayed its decision.
Demand fell sharply, and accordingly production was reduced.
He had no ticket; accordingly, he was not allowed to enter.
Common combinations
- act accordingly
- When the alarm sounds, leave the building and act accordingly.
- plan accordingly
- The train may be late, so plan accordingly.
- change accordingly
- If the rules change, the timetable will change accordingly.
- respond accordingly
- The team reviewed the feedback and responded accordingly.
Synonyms and how they differ
- appropriately
- Fits the first sense of matching the situation, but not the result-connecting use of accordingly.
- correspondingly
- Suggests a parallel change in degree, whereas accordingly can simply mean a suitable response.
- therefore
- Matches the result sense and is more common in argument; it cannot modify a verb like behave.
- consequently
- Strongly marks a consequence, while accordingly can also stress an appropriate reaction.
Opposites
Word family
- accord verb
- To give or grant something, often formally; historically linked to agreement.
- accordance noun
- Agreement or conformity, as in in accordance with.
- accordant adjective
- Rare adjective meaning agreeing or conforming.
Commonly confused: accordingly or according to?
accordingly vs according to
According to reports a source or standard; accordingly shows a fitting response or result.
Practice
Choose the best sentence using accordingly.
Choose one answer.
Option 1 uses accordingly as a formal connector meaning therefore, with correct punctuation. Options 2 and 3 misuse according to/to, and option 4 ends with an unnecessary to.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “accordingly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.