What is accordingly? Pronunciation and usage in English

accordingly means . Learn how to pronounce and use accordingly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of accordingly

accordinglyadverb

/əˈkɔːdɪŋli//əˈkɔːrdɪŋli/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "accordingly." It's a tricky word for many English speakers! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to hear it:

1. The Breakdown:

  • Accord: This part sounds like "uh-kort" (rhymes with "sort"). The 'c' is pronounced as a 'k' sound.
  • -ly: This is just the typical "-ly" suffix, which adds the word to an adjective to make an adverb. It’s pronounced "lee.”

2. The Full Pronunciation:

The complete word is pronounced: uh-KUHR-duhn-lee

Let's break that down further:

  • uh: A short, unstressed "uh" sound – like the "a" in "about."
  • KUHR: This is the key part. The 'c' in "accord" changes to a 'k' sound, and the 'o' is fairly open. Think of it like "coor," but slightly shorter. It's a throaty ‘k’ sound.
  • duhn: This is like “duh” but with a slightly “n” sound at the end.
  • lee: As in "see" but said quickly.

3. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overemphasize the "c": Many people pronounce the 'c' too strongly, almost like a "kuh" sound. It should be softer and blended into the 'o'.
  • The "d" is silent: Don't pronounce it.
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable ("KUHR").

4. Resources to Hear It:

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Usage and examples with the word accordingly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "accordingly" effectively in English. It can be a tricky word because it's often misused, but it's a valuable one to understand.

What does "accordingly" mean?

"Accordingly" means "in a way that is appropriate or suitable to something." It essentially means "as a result" or “in line with.” It connects a previous statement or action to a subsequent one, indicating a logical consequence or adjustment.

Here's how to use it:

  1. After a Rule, Instruction, or Statement: This is the most common usage. It indicates that something should be done as a result of a preceding instruction or established rule.

    • Example: "The weather forecast predicts rain. Accordingly, we should bring umbrellas." (The bringing of umbrellas is the consequence of the rain forecast.)
    • Example: "Students must wear shoes in the library. Accordingly, all shoes should be brought with them."
    • Example: "The traffic light is red. Accordingly, you must stop."

  2. Referring to a Method or Procedure: It can be used to indicate that something should be done in a specific way.

    • Example: “The report needs to be formatted according to the company’s guidelines.” (Meaning: format it in accordance with the guidelines.)
    • Example: “The data will be analyzed accordingly to the established protocol.”

Key Points & Nuances:

  • Formal Tone: "Accordingly" has a more formal and slightly old-fashioned tone than words like "so," "therefore," or "as a result." It's generally suitable for formal writing (academic papers, business reports, legal documents) and speech where you want to sound precise and deliberate.

  • Not a Simple Synonym for “So” or “Therefore”: Don’t just swap "so" or "therefore" for "accordingly" willy-nilly. It needs a specific connection to a preceding rule or statement.

  • Can be followed by a prepositional phrase: Sometimes, "accordingly" is followed by a phrase that further clarifies the action.

    • Example: “The project's timeline has been adjusted accordingly to the new deadline.” (The adjustment is in accordance with the new deadline).

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Using it without a clear preceding statement: "Accordingly, we should go to the store" doesn't make sense without a previous statement about where to go.
  • Overusing it: While useful, relying heavily on "accordingly" can make your writing sound stiff and overly formal. Vary your sentence structure.

Here's a comparison to show the difference:

  • Incorrect: “It’s raining, accordingly, we should take an umbrella.”
  • Correct: “It’s raining, therefore we should take an umbrella.” (More natural and common)
  • Correct: “It’s raining. Accordingly, we should take an umbrella.” (Formal and precise, but can sound slightly stilted)

Resources for More Examples:

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  • Explain how "accordingly" differs from similar words like "thus" or "hence"?

Synonyms for the word accordingly

Practice with vocabulary accordingly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project requirements changed unexpectedly, and the team had to adjust their timeline ___________.
  2. She worked ___________ on her research proposal, ensuring every detail was accurate and well-supported.
  3. Upon reviewing the latest market trends, the marketing department decided to revise their campaign strategy ___________.
  4. The company implemented new guidelines to ensure all employees were treated ___________, regardless of their role or seniority.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The scientific committee recommended a revised protocol; the laboratory technicians needed to modify their experimental procedure ___________. A) consequently B) subsequently C) accordingly D) moreover

  2. Due to the unforeseen technical malfunction, the system update was delayed, and network services resumed only ___________ in the evening. A) belatedly B) latterly C) presently D) subsequently

  3. When the client provided new specifications for the software, the development team had to adjust the project scope and allocate resources ___________. A) appropriately B) consequently C) accordingly D) suitably

  4. The team's extensive preparation for the presentation culminated in a flawless delivery, ___________ impressing the board members. A) thereby B) whereas C) despite D) however

  5. The operational manual provided clear instructions for maintenance; please proceed with the inspection and repairs ___________. A) regardless B) nonetheless C) accordingly D) meanwhile

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Given the new data privacy regulations, all customer information systems must be updated to ensure compliance.
    • Rewrite:
  2. Because of the unexpected surge in demand, the manufacturing plant had to accelerate its production schedule significantly.
    • Rewrite:
  3. The board reviewed the quarterly financial performance data and then decided on the necessary strategic adjustments to the budget.
    • Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. accordingly
  2. meticulously
  3. accordingly
  4. equitably

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) accordingly
  2. A) belatedly
  3. A) appropriately, C) accordingly, D) suitably
  4. A) thereby
  5. C) accordingly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. New data privacy regulations have been introduced, and all customer information systems must be updated accordingly to ensure compliance.
  2. The unexpected surge in demand required the manufacturing plant to accelerate its production schedule; consequently, output increased significantly.
  3. The board reviewed the quarterly financial performance data and made strategic adjustments to the budget accordingly.

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