Result

B1 · IntermediateConjunctions & Linking Words

It rained, so we stayed in. It rained. Therefore, we stayed in. Same meaning, two different punctuation patterns.

What you'll learn

  • So is a coordinating conjunction — it joins two clauses with just a comma before it
  • Therefore, as a result, consequently, thus, and hence are linking adverbs — they need a period or semicolon before them, and usually a comma after
  • All of these express the same basic idea: one thing caused another
  • For the intensity pattern 'so tired that...' or 'such a mess that...', see So vs. Such — this lesson is about connecting two separate ideas, not intensifying one

Same meaning, different grammar

So, therefore, as a result, consequently, thus, and hence all show that one thing is the result of another. The difference between them isn't meaning — it's grammar and formality.

"It rained, so we stayed in."
"It rained. Therefore, we stayed in."

'So' — coordinating conjunction

So joins two independent clauses inside one sentence, with just a comma before it. It's the most common, everyday choice.

"The store was closed, so we went home."
"She missed the bus, so she called a taxi."

Therefore / as a result / consequently / thus / hence — linking adverbs

These more formal words work like the linking adverbs in Linking Words: they need a period or semicolon before them, not just a comma, and usually a comma right after.

"Sales dropped sharply; therefore, the store closed."
"The bridge was closed. As a result, traffic was terrible."

Real English

"He didn't train enough, so he lost the race."
"The flight was delayed; consequently, we missed our connection."
"Demand increased sharply. As a result, prices went up."
"The evidence was weak; thus, the case was dismissed."

Watch out

✗Sales dropped sharply, therefore the store closed.
✓Sales dropped sharply; therefore, the store closed.

'Therefore' is a linking adverb, not a conjunction — it needs a semicolon or period before it, not just a comma.

✗The store was closed; so we went home.
✓The store was closed, so we went home.

'So' is a coordinating conjunction — it only needs a comma before it, not a semicolon.

✗As a result traffic was terrible.
✓As a result, traffic was terrible.

A comma usually follows a linking adverb like 'as a result' at the start of a sentence.

Real life — Explaining a decision

"Why did you switch banks?"

"The fees kept increasing, so I started looking elsewhere."

"Makes sense. Did you find somewhere better?"

"Yes — the new bank has no fees at all. As a result, I'm saving quite a bit each month."

Practice

Exercise 1 · Choose the correctly punctuated sentence

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

Exercise 2 · Choose the correctly punctuated sentence

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

Exercise 3 · Choose the coordinating conjunction

Which word is a coordinating conjunction (comma only)?

Exercise 4 · Choose the linking adverb

Which word needs a period or semicolon before it, not just a comma?

Exercise 5 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence.

Exercise 6 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence.

Exercise 7 · Choose the formal linking word

Which formal linking word means the same as 'so' but needs a semicolon or period?

Exercise 8 · Choose the correctly punctuated sentence

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

Exercise 9 · Join with 'so'

Join with 'so': 'The store was closed. We went home.'

Exercise 10 · Rewrite with correct punctuation

Rewrite correctly punctuated: 'The team lost the game consequently morale was low.'

Exercise 11 · Sort into groups

so
therefore
as a result
consequently
thus
hence

0 / 6 sorted

Quick challenge

Five quick questions to check what stuck.

Question 1 / 5

Score: 0/0

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

You learned

  • 'So' is a coordinating conjunction — comma only.
  • Therefore, as a result, consequently, thus, and hence are linking adverbs — period or semicolon, then usually a comma.
  • All of them express result, differing in grammar and formality, not meaning.
  • The 'so...that' / 'such...that' intensity pattern is covered in So vs. Such.

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