Common Mistakes with ‘as a result’ in Academic Writing
The phrase as a result is one of the most useful linking words in academic writing, but it is also one of the most frequently misused. The core mistake is using it to show a simple sequence of events rather than a clear cause-and-effect relationship. In academic writing, as a result must connect a specific cause to a specific effect, not just one thing that happened after another. This guide explains the most common errors, shows you how to fix them, and gives you practical alternatives for formal and informal contexts.
Quick Answer: When to Use ‘as a result’
Use as a result only when you want to say that something happened because of something else. It is a formal linking phrase that signals a direct consequence. If you can replace it with therefore or consequently without changing the meaning, you are using it correctly. If you are just listing two events in time, choose a different word like then or next.
Mistake 1: Using ‘as a result’ for Time, Not Cause
The most common error is treating as a result like a simple time connector. Learners often write sentences where the second event follows the first in time, but the first event does not cause the second.
Incorrect Example
The experiment began at 9 a.m. As a result, the lab assistant prepared the samples.
This sentence is wrong because the time of the experiment did not cause the assistant to prepare samples. The two actions are related in sequence, but not in cause and effect.
Corrected Version
The experiment required precise measurements. As a result, the lab assistant prepared the samples in advance.
Now the cause (the need for precise measurements) directly leads to the effect (preparing samples in advance).
Mistake 2: Using ‘as a result’ with Weak or Unclear Causes
Another frequent mistake is using as a result when the cause is vague or not clearly stated. The reader should immediately understand what caused the result.
Incorrect Example
The company faced financial difficulties. As a result, the team worked harder.
This is confusing. Did the financial difficulties cause the team to work harder? Possibly, but the connection is not direct or logical. A better sentence would explain the direct consequence.
Corrected Version
The company faced financial difficulties. As a result, management reduced the marketing budget.
Now the cause (financial difficulties) leads to a clear, logical effect (budget reduction).
Mistake 3: Overusing ‘as a result’ in Informal Writing
As a result is a formal phrase. In emails to colleagues, everyday conversation, or informal notes, it can sound stiff or unnatural. Learners sometimes use it in contexts where a simpler word works better.
Informal Context Example
I missed the bus. As a result, I was late for the meeting.
While grammatically correct, this sounds too formal for a casual conversation. A native speaker would likely say: I missed the bus, so I was late for the meeting.
When to Use It
Save as a result for academic essays, formal reports, business proposals, and official emails. In everyday speech or informal writing, use so, that is why, or because of that.
Comparison Table: ‘as a result’ vs. Common Alternatives
| Phrase | Formality | Best Used In | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| As a result | Formal | Academic writing, reports, formal emails | Funding was cut. As a result, the project ended. |
| Therefore | Formal | Academic writing, logical arguments | The data was inconclusive. Therefore, we repeated the test. |
| Consequently | Very formal | Research papers, legal documents | The error was not corrected. Consequently, the system failed. |
| So | Informal | Conversation, emails to friends, notes | It started raining, so we stayed inside. |
| That is why | Neutral | Everyday writing, explanations | She studied hard. That is why she passed. |
| Hence | Very formal | Academic writing, formal arguments | The theory was flawed. Hence, the hypothesis was rejected. |
Natural Examples of ‘as a result’ in Academic Writing
Here are examples that show correct, natural use of as a result in different academic contexts.
Example 1: Essay on Climate Change
Global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era. As a result, polar ice caps are melting at an accelerated rate.
Example 2: Research Paper on Economics
The central bank raised interest rates to curb inflation. As a result, consumer spending decreased significantly in the following quarter.
Example 3: Lab Report
The solution was heated to 80°C. As a result, the chemical reaction occurred three times faster than at room temperature.
Example 4: Business Case Study
The company invested heavily in automation. As a result, production costs dropped by 15% within one year.
Common Mistakes with ‘as a result’ in Detail
Mistake 4: Using ‘as a result’ without a Clear Cause
Sometimes learners write a sentence where the cause is missing or implied. The reader has to guess what caused the result.
Incorrect: The team missed the deadline. As a result, the client was unhappy.
Why it is weak: The cause of the missed deadline is not stated. Was it poor planning? Lack of resources? The sentence is acceptable but could be stronger.
Better: The team underestimated the project scope. As a result, they missed the deadline and the client was unhappy.
Mistake 5: Using ‘as a result’ with Multiple Causes
When there are several causes, as a result can confuse the reader about which cause led to which effect.
Incorrect: The economy slowed down and the company lost a major client. As a result, profits fell.
Why it is confusing: Did the economy cause the profit fall, or did losing the client? Or both?
Better: The economy slowed down. As a result, the company lost a major client, which caused profits to fall.
Better Alternatives to ‘as a result’
Depending on your context, you may want to use a different linking word. Here are the best alternatives and when to choose them.
For Formal Academic Writing
- Therefore – Use when you are drawing a logical conclusion. Example: The sample size was too small. Therefore, the results were not statistically significant.
- Consequently – Use for a direct, often negative, outcome. Example: The server crashed. Consequently, all unsaved data was lost.
- Thus – Use to show a logical result, often in mathematical or scientific writing. Example: The equation simplifies to zero. Thus, no solution exists.
For Neutral or Informal Writing
- So – The most common and natural choice. Example: She forgot her password, so she could not log in.
- That is why – Good for explanations. Example: The roads were icy. That is why the school closed.
- Because of this – A slightly more formal alternative to so. Example: The flight was delayed. Because of this, we missed the connection.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Rewrite each sentence by adding as a result or choosing a better alternative. Answers are below.
Question 1
The internet connection was unstable. The video call kept dropping.
Question 2
She finished her homework. She watched a movie.
Question 3
The government increased taxes on sugary drinks. Sales of soda fell by 20%.
Question 4
I woke up late. I missed the bus.
Answers
Answer 1: The internet connection was unstable. As a result, the video call kept dropping. (Correct cause-effect)
Answer 2: She finished her homework. Then she watched a movie. (Use then because finishing homework does not cause watching a movie; it is just a sequence.)
Answer 3: The government increased taxes on sugary drinks. As a result, sales of soda fell by 20%. (Clear cause-effect)
Answer 4: I woke up late, so I missed the bus. (Use so for informal context. As a result is too formal here.)
FAQ: Common Questions About ‘as a result’
1. Can I start a sentence with ‘as a result’?
Yes, you can. It is common and correct to start a sentence with as a result when you want to emphasize the consequence. Example: As a result, the company decided to restructure. However, do not overuse this structure in one paragraph.
2. What is the difference between ‘as a result’ and ‘as a result of’?
As a result is a linking phrase that begins a new clause or sentence. As a result of is a prepositional phrase that introduces the cause. Example: As a result of the storm, the event was cancelled. They are not interchangeable.
3. Is ‘as a result’ too formal for a university essay?
No, it is appropriate for most academic essays. However, if you use it too many times, your writing will sound repetitive. Vary your linking words with therefore, consequently, and thus.
4. Can I use ‘as a result’ in a conclusion paragraph?
Yes, it works well in conclusions to summarize the main effect of your argument. Example: The evidence shows that pollution levels have risen. As a result, immediate policy changes are necessary.
Final Tips for Using ‘as a result’ Correctly
To avoid common mistakes, always ask yourself two questions before using as a result:
- Does the first event directly cause the second event?
- Is the cause clearly stated in the previous sentence or clause?
If the answer to both is yes, you can use as a result confidently. If not, choose a different linking word. For more help with linking words, explore our Essay Starters and Transition Word Examples sections. If you have further questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
