What is result? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "result" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and grammatical functions. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Noun (the most common use)

• Meaning: The outcome or consequence of something. It's what happens because of something else.
• Examples:
  • "The result of the storm was widespread flooding." (The flooding was a consequence of the storm.)
  • "What’s the result of the experiment?" (What was the outcome?)
  • "He studied hard and the result was a good grade." (A good grade was the outcome of his studying.)
  • "The result of the negotiations was a peace treaty." (The peace treaty was the outcome of the negotiations.)

2. As a Verb (meaning "to lead to" or "to bring about")

• Meaning: To cause something to happen; to produce something as a consequence.
• Examples:
  • "The heavy rain resulted in a landslide." (The rain caused the landslide.)
  • "Poor communication resulted in misunderstandings." (Poor communication led to misunderstandings.)
  • "His actions resulted in his dismissal from the company." (His actions brought about his dismissal.)
  • "The new policy resulted in increased sales." (The policy led to increased sales.)

3. "Result in" – A Common Phrase

• Meaning: To cause something to happen, as described above.
• Examples:
  • "Smoking results in serious health problems."
  • "Lack of sleep results in fatigue."
  • "Investing in education results in better job opportunities."

4. "Result from" – Often Used with Causes

• Meaning: To be caused by something. It emphasizes the source of the outcome.
• Examples:
  • "The damage resulted from a structural fault." (The damage was caused by a structural fault.)
  • "The rising crime rate resulted from economic inequality." (The crime rate was caused by economic inequality.)
  • "The delay resulted from a technical malfunction."

5. “Result of” (prepositional phrase)

• Meaning: Used to describe the outcome specifically in relation to a particular event or situation.
• Examples:
  • “The result of the election was a landslide victory.”
  • “The result of the meeting was a new proposal.”

Important Notes & Distinctions:

• "Result" vs. "Outcome": "Result" and "outcome" are often used interchangeably, but "outcome" can sometimes feel a bit more formal.
• "Effect" vs. "Result": “Effect” and “result” are frequently confused. Generally:
  • Result describes a direct consequence (you can usually substitute "consequence" for it).
  • Effect often implies a more gradual or widespread impact. It’s often used in a more abstract sense. (Example: "The effect of the new law is still unknown.")

Let's test your understanding! Can you use "result" in a sentence?

Would you like me to:

• Give you some practice sentences?
• Explain a specific nuance of its usage?
• Help you differentiate between "result" and "effect"?