Accordingly vs. Subsequently

Attribute	Accordingly	Subsequently
Meaning	As a result of something	Afterwards or later on
Usage	Used to introduce a conclusion or a consequence	Used to introduce something that happens after a previous event
Connection	Shows a direct relationship between cause and effect	Indicates a chronological sequence of events

When it comes to writing, choosing the right transitional words can make a significant difference in the clarity and flow of your sentences. Two commonly used transitional words are "accordingly" and "subsequently." While they may seem similar at first glance, there are key differences between the two that writers should be aware of. In this article, we will compare the attributes of "accordingly" and "subsequently" to help you understand when and how to use each effectively.

Definition and Usage

Firstly, let's define the two terms. "Accordingly" is an adverb that means in a way that is appropriate to the particular circumstances or in a way that is suitable or proper. It is often used to indicate a logical consequence or a result of something. On the other hand, "subsequently" is an adverb that means following in time or order; afterward. It is used to show a sequence of events or actions.

Usage in Sentences

When using "accordingly" in a sentence, you are indicating that the information that follows is a direct result of the information that came before it. For example, "She forgot her umbrella, and accordingly, she got soaked in the rain." In this sentence, the word "accordingly" shows the cause and effect relationship between forgetting the umbrella and getting soaked.

On the other hand, when using "subsequently" in a sentence, you are showing that the action or event mentioned comes after another action or event. For instance, "She forgot her umbrella, and subsequently, she caught a cold." Here, "subsequently" indicates that catching a cold happened after forgetting the umbrella.

Formality and Tone

Another aspect to consider when choosing between "accordingly" and "subsequently" is the formality and tone of your writing. "Accordingly" is often used in more formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, to show a clear and logical connection between ideas. It conveys a sense of professionalism and precision.

On the other hand, "subsequently" can be used in both formal and informal writing, but it tends to be slightly less formal than "accordingly." It is more commonly used in storytelling or narrative writing to indicate a chronological sequence of events. It can add a sense of flow and coherence to your writing.

Placement in a Sentence

One important difference between "accordingly" and "subsequently" is their placement in a sentence. "Accordingly" is typically used at the beginning or middle of a sentence to introduce a logical consequence or result. For example, "She forgot her umbrella; accordingly, she got soaked in the rain."

On the other hand, "subsequently" is usually placed at the beginning of a sentence to indicate the order of events. For instance, "She forgot her umbrella. Subsequently, she caught a cold." In this case, "subsequently" sets the stage for what happened next.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "accordingly" and "subsequently" are both useful transitional words that can help improve the clarity and coherence of your writing, they serve slightly different purposes. "Accordingly" is used to show a cause and effect relationship, often in a formal context, while "subsequently" is used to indicate a chronological sequence of events, both in formal and informal writing.

By understanding the nuances of these two transitional words and knowing when and how to use them effectively, you can enhance the flow and organization of your writing. So, next time you are deciding between "accordingly" and "subsequently," consider the context, tone, and placement in your sentence to make the best choice for your writing.