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Meaning & use

as a result

phrase·Everyday

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UK/əz ə rɪˈzʌlt/
US/əz ə rɪˈzʌlt/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Used to introduce what happens because of something just mentioned.

    Grammar: Stands alone as a linking phrase, often at the start of a sentence or after a comma before the consequence.

    Patterns

    • as a result, ...
    • as a result of something

    The road was closed, and as a result we had to take a longer route.

    She missed the deadline, and as a result, the client canceled the order.

    Heavy rain fell all night; as a result, the match was called off.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    Because of a particular event or situation, when the cause is named after 'of'.

    Grammar: Followed by 'of' plus a noun or noun phrase, not by a full clause: 'as a result of the storm', not 'as a result of it stormed'.

    Patterns

    • as a result of something

    As a result of the new law, drivers must now wear seat belts.

    Thousands lost power as a result of the ice storm.

    Prices rose as a result of higher fuel costs.

Common combinations

as a result of something
As a result of the merger, two offices closed.
and as a result
He trained every day, and as a result he won the race.
as a direct result
The shortage was a direct result of the strike.
as a result, prices rose
Demand increased; as a result, prices rose.

Synonyms and how they differ

consequently
More formal and slightly heavier; good in essays and reports, while 'as a result' fits both speech and writing.
therefore
Focuses on logical reasoning rather than a simple chain of events, so it often sounds more academic.
so
Much more informal and shorter; use 'so' in casual speech and 'as a result' when you want a clearer, more formal link.

Word family

result noun
the outcome or effect of something
result verb
to happen or exist because of something, usually followed by 'from'

Commonly confused: as a result or as a result of? as a result or in result?

as a result vs as a result of

This is the same phrase with 'of' added; remember that 'of' must be followed by a noun, not a clause.

as a result vs in result

Not standard English; learners sometimes invent it. Use 'as a result' or 'as a result of'.

Practice

The flight was delayed, ______ we arrived at the hotel after midnight.

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