What is subsequently? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of subsequently

subsequentlyadverb

/ˈsʌbsɪkwəntli//ˈsʌbsɪkwəntli/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "subsequently." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown, with emphasis on the key sounds:

1. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

  • /səbˈsekwen(t)ʃi/

2. Breaking it Down Word by Word:

  • sub: Like the word "sub" as in submarine. (Pronounced: /sʌb/)
  • sequent: This is the really challenging part. It's almost like "sek-wen" with a little twist.
    • sek: Pronounced like "sek" as in "septic." (Pronounced: /ˈsek/)
    • wen: Pronounced like "wen" as in "when." (Pronounced: /wen/)
    • -i: This is a slight lengthening of "wen," making it sound a bit stretched out and ending with a short ‘i’ sound as in “it.” (Pronounced: /-i/)
  • ly: This is just like the “ly” at the end of many adjectives. (pronounced /li/)

3. Putting it Together (with emphasis):

  • səb - (like "sub")
  • ˈsek - (stress on this syllable - "sek")
  • wen - (pronounced “wen”)
  • -i – (a quick, short ‘i’ sound)
  • li – (like “ly”)

Putting it all together, it sounds roughly like: "Sub-sek-wen-ee-ly"

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • The “sequent” sound is key: Many people drop the "u" when saying it, which isn't correct. Focus on getting the "sek-wen" part right.
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable ("sek").
  • Practice: The best way to improve is to listen to native speakers pronounce it. You can find examples on:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Provide more examples of how to use the word in a sentence?

Usage and examples with the word subsequently in English

Let's break down how to use the word "subsequently" effectively in English. It's a somewhat formal word, so it's best used when you want to show a clear sequence of events and emphasize that one thing happened as a result of something else.

1. Meaning of "Subsequently"

  • Essentially: It means "later," "afterward," or "as a result." It indicates that something happened after another event.
  • Formal Tone: It’s a more sophisticated way to say “after” or “then.”

2. How to Use It Correctly

  • Connect Two Events: "Subsequently" always connects two events in time. You need a clear preceding event to establish the reason for the following one.

    • Example: “The rain began to fall. Subsequently, the streets flooded.” (The flooding is a direct result of the rain.)
    • Example: “He finished his presentation. Subsequently, he received a standing ovation.” (The ovation happened because of the presentation.)

  • Using it with “because”: You can often replace "subsequently" with "because" and still maintain the meaning, but "subsequently" often adds a slightly stronger sense of chronological and causal link.

    • Example (with "because"): “The rain began, so the streets flooded.”
    • Example (with "subsequently"): “The rain began, subsequently, the streets flooded.” (The "subsequently" just emphasizes the direct consequence.)

  • Using it with "therefore": You can also use "therefore" to show a consequence, but "subsequently" often feels more formal.

    • Example: “The ground was wet. Therefore, the grass grew quickly.”
    • Example: “The ground was wet, subsequently, the grass grew quickly.”

3. Grammatical Points

  • Placement: "Subsequently" typically appears at the beginning of a sentence to introduce the later event. However, it can sometimes be placed within a sentence, especially if it’s a more complex sentence.

    • Beginning of Sentence: "After the announcement, subsequently, many people left the room."
    • Within a Sentence: "The company announced record profits; subsequently, they raised salaries."

  • Comma Usage: A comma usually precedes "subsequently."

    • Incorrect: “Subsequently the meeting was cancelled.”
    • Correct: “Subsequently, the meeting was cancelled.”

4. Examples in Different Contexts

  • Legal Documents: "The defendant was found guilty. Subsequently, he was sentenced to five years in prison.”
  • Scientific Reports: “The experiment showed a decrease in temperature. Subsequently, the reaction slowed.”
  • Narrative Writing (Used Sparingly): "He felt a twinge of pain. Subsequently, he realized he’d twisted his ankle." (In a story, you wouldn't use this too often, as it can sometimes sound a bit stiff.)

5. Words That Can Be Used Instead

  • Afterward: (More common and generally less formal)
  • Then: (Very common and simple)
  • Later: (Simple and straightforward)
  • As a result: (Emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship)
  • Consequently: (Similar to “as a result,” but can sometimes imply a more complex chain of events)

Tips for Using "Subsequently"

  • Don't overuse it: It’s a formal word. Use it when it genuinely fits the tone and emphasizes a clear sequence of events.
  • Ensure clarity: Make sure the connection between the preceding event and the subsequent event is clear to the reader.
  • Consider your audience: If you're writing for a casual audience, simpler words like "afterward" or "then" might be more appropriate.

Do you want me to:

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  • Explain how it differs from other words like "afterward" or "then"?

Synonyms for the word subsequently

Practice with vocabulary subsequently

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project proposal was initially approved by the board, and the necessary funds were ________________ allocated.
  2. She presented her findings at the conference; ________________, several researchers expressed interest in collaborating.
  3. The team encountered numerous obstacles during the development phase, but they ________________ delivered a fully functional prototype.
  4. The company decided to invest heavily in renewable energy sources; ________________, their profit margins have shown a steady increase.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The initial investigation revealed some inconsistencies. The committee decided to review the entire process ________________. a) simultaneously b) previously c) subsequently d) coincidentally

  2. After completing her master's degree, she applied for several positions. She was ________________ offered a lead research role at a prominent institution. a) in parallel b) concurrently c) subsequently d) at the same time

  3. The software update was rolled out in phases. A small group of users received it first, and it was ________________ released to the broader user base. a) immediately b) subsequently c) at once d) later

  4. Despite facing significant budget cuts, the department managed to achieve its quarterly targets ________________. a) consequently b) nevertheless c) moreover d) therefore

  5. The new regulations aim to improve data privacy. ________________, all employees must complete mandatory training by the end of the month. a) As a result b) In contrast c) However d) For example

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team submitted their final report. A week later, they received positive feedback from the client. (Rewrite using "subsequently")

  2. The company implemented new security protocols. This led to a significant decrease in data breaches. (Rewrite using "subsequently")

  3. The storm caused widespread power outages. Because of this, many flights were cancelled. (Rewrite without using "subsequently", using a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. subsequently
  2. subsequently
  3. eventually
  4. consequently

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) subsequently
  2. c) subsequently
  3. b) subsequently, d) later
  4. b) nevertheless
  5. a) As a result

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team submitted their final report; subsequently, they received positive feedback from the client a week later.
  2. The company implemented new security protocols, which subsequently led to a significant decrease in data breaches.
  3. The storm caused widespread power outages; consequently, many flights were cancelled.

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