When to Use ‘as a result’ as a Linking Phrase
The linking phrase ‘as a result’ is used to show that one thing happens because of another. It connects a cause to its effect, making your writing clearer and more logical. You should use it when you want to explain the outcome of an action, event, or situation. It works well in formal essays, business emails, and everyday conversation, but the tone changes depending on the context. This guide explains exactly when and how to use ‘as a result’, with practical examples and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer: When to Use ‘as a result’
Use ‘as a result’ to introduce the consequence of something you have just mentioned. It replaces simpler words like ‘so’ or ‘because’ when you want a more formal or structured link. For example: “The company lost its main supplier. As a result, production stopped for two weeks.” The phrase always comes after the cause and before the effect. It can appear at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle, but it is most common at the start of a new sentence.
Formal vs. Informal Use
‘As a result’ is generally considered a formal linking phrase. However, it is also used in informal speech and writing, especially when the speaker wants to sound clear or slightly serious. Understanding the tone helps you choose the right context.
Formal Contexts
In academic essays, business reports, and official documents, ‘as a result’ is a standard choice. It signals a clear cause-and-effect relationship without sounding casual. For example:
- “The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions. As a result, the data showed a consistent pattern.”
- “The board approved the new policy. As a result, employee training sessions will begin next month.”
Informal Contexts
In everyday conversation or casual emails, ‘as a result’ can sound a little stiff. Native speakers often use ‘so’ or ‘that’s why’ instead. However, you can still use ‘as a result’ to emphasize the consequence. For example:
- “I forgot to set my alarm. As a result, I was late for the meeting.” (This sounds more deliberate than ‘so I was late’.)
- “She didn’t study for the test. As a result, she failed.” (This is clear but slightly formal for conversation.)
Comparison Table: ‘as a result’ vs. Other Linking Phrases
| Linking Phrase | Meaning | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| As a result | Shows a direct consequence | Formal to neutral | It rained heavily. As a result, the match was cancelled. |
| Therefore | Shows a logical conclusion | Very formal | The evidence was clear. Therefore, the jury reached a verdict. |
| So | Shows a result in casual speech | Informal | It rained heavily, so the match was cancelled. |
| Consequently | Shows a result, often negative | Very formal | The funding was cut. Consequently, the project ended. |
| Thus | Shows a result or conclusion | Very formal | The company expanded. Thus, new jobs were created. |
Natural Examples of ‘as a result’
Here are examples from different situations to show how ‘as a result’ works naturally.
In Academic Writing
- “The participants were not given clear instructions. As a result, the survey results were inconsistent.”
- “The temperature rose significantly over the decade. As a result, the polar ice caps began to melt at an accelerated rate.”
In Business Emails
- “We have received your complaint about the delayed shipment. As a result, we are issuing a full refund.”
- “The server experienced a technical failure. As a result, all online orders were delayed by 24 hours.”
In Everyday Conversation
- “I missed the bus this morning. As a result, I had to take a taxi to work.”
- “He ate too much cake at the party. As a result, he felt sick for the rest of the evening.”
Common Mistakes with ‘as a result’
Even advanced learners make mistakes with this phrase. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using ‘as a result’ without a clear cause
Incorrect: “I was tired. As a result.” (This is incomplete. The result is missing.)
Correct: “I was tired. As a result, I went to bed early.”
Mistake 2: Confusing ‘as a result’ with ‘as a result of’
‘As a result’ is followed by a comma and a new clause. ‘As a result of’ is followed by a noun or noun phrase. Compare:
Correct: “The flight was delayed. As a result, we missed our connection.”
Correct: “We missed our connection as a result of the flight delay.”
Mistake 3: Overusing ‘as a result’ in one paragraph
Using the same linking phrase repeatedly makes writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with ‘therefore’, ‘consequently’, or ‘so’ where appropriate.
Mistake 4: Using ‘as a result’ for unrelated ideas
Incorrect: “I like coffee. As a result, I have a cat.” (There is no logical cause-and-effect relationship.)
Correct: “I like coffee. As a result, I drink three cups every morning.”
Better Alternatives to ‘as a result’
Depending on your context, you can replace ‘as a result’ with other phrases to change the tone or emphasis.
| Context | Alternative | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Very formal writing | Consequently | The budget was reduced. Consequently, staff were laid off. |
| Casual conversation | So | The budget was reduced, so staff were laid off. |
| Emphasizing a logical step | Therefore | The budget was reduced. Therefore, we must cut costs. |
| Showing an unexpected result | As a consequence | The budget was reduced. As a consequence, the project was cancelled. |
When to Use ‘as a result’ in Emails
In professional emails, ‘as a result’ is useful for explaining outcomes clearly. Use it when you need to justify a decision or inform someone of a change. For example:
- “We have reviewed your application. As a result, we are pleased to offer you the position.”
- “The payment was not received on time. As a result, your account has been temporarily suspended.”
Avoid using ‘as a result’ in very short or friendly emails where ‘so’ feels more natural. For example, “I was sick, so I stayed home” is better than “I was sick. As a result, I stayed home.”
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding of ‘as a result’ with these four questions. Write your answers, then check them below.
Question 1
Complete the sentence: “The store ran out of stock. __________, customers had to wait for the next shipment.”
Question 2
Is this sentence correct? “As a result of the rain, the picnic was cancelled.”
Question 3
Rewrite this sentence using ‘as a result’: “She practiced every day, so she won the competition.”
Question 4
Choose the correct option: “He forgot his wallet. (As a result / As a result of), he couldn’t pay for dinner.”
Answers
Answer 1: “As a result” (or “As a result, customers had to wait for the next shipment.”)
Answer 2: Yes, it is correct. ‘As a result of’ is followed by the noun phrase ‘the rain’.
Answer 3: “She practiced every day. As a result, she won the competition.”
Answer 4: “As a result” (because it is followed by a comma and a new clause, not a noun.)
FAQ: Common Questions About ‘as a result’
1. Can I start a sentence with ‘as a result’?
Yes, starting a sentence with ‘as a result’ is very common and correct. It helps to clearly show the consequence of the previous sentence. For example: “The team worked overtime. As a result, the project was completed early.”
2. What is the difference between ‘as a result’ and ‘as a result of’?
‘As a result’ is followed by a comma and a complete clause (subject + verb). ‘As a result of’ is followed by a noun or noun phrase. Compare: “The flight was delayed. As a result, we missed the meeting.” vs. “We missed the meeting as a result of the flight delay.”
3. Is ‘as a result’ formal or informal?
‘As a result’ is generally considered formal, but it is also used in neutral and informal contexts. In casual conversation, ‘so’ or ‘that’s why’ are more common. In academic or business writing, ‘as a result’ is a safe and professional choice.
4. Can I use ‘as a result’ in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, but it is less common. When used in the middle, it is usually set off by commas. For example: “The company, as a result, decided to change its policy.” However, placing it at the beginning of a sentence is clearer and more typical.
Final Tips for Using ‘as a result’
To use ‘as a result’ correctly, remember these key points:
- Always ensure there is a clear cause before the phrase.
- Use a comma after ‘as a result’ when it starts a sentence.
- Do not confuse it with ‘as a result of’.
- Vary your linking phrases to avoid repetition.
- Choose ‘as a result’ when you want a formal or neutral tone.
For more help with linking words, explore our Linking Words by Purpose section or check out Transition Word Examples for additional practice. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us. You can also read our Editorial Policy to understand how we create our guides.
