Cool MateConsequently vs That's why
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Consequently
Top 3,000 (common)B2adverb
That's why
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most common: That's why
| Consequently | That's why | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːnsɪkwentli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæts waɪ//🇺🇸 //ðæts waɪ// |
| Meaning | As a result or effect of something. | This is the reason. |
| Example | This poses a threat to agriculture and the food chain, and consequently to human health. | The project was delayed. That's why we need an extension. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | consequently, the outcome, consequently, we decided, used consequently in a sentence, consequently, it appears, the plan failed; consequently | that's why I, that's why we, that's why she, that's why they, that's why he |
| Antonyms | inconsequently, independently, unrelatedly | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'consequently' in informal spoken English too often., Confusing 'consequently' with 'consequent' — the former is an adverb, the latter is an adjective., Placing 'consequently' at the beginning of a sentence without a clear prior context. | 'That's why' is sometimes confused with 'that's because', which has a slightly different use., Learners often forget to follow 'that's why' with a clear explanation., Some may use 'that's why' in overly formal contexts, where a more precise term is needed. |
| Usage notes | Use 'consequently' to show a direct result of something previously mentioned. It's suitable for writing and formal speech, but less common in everyday conversations. | Use 'that's why' to explain or justify a statement. It's suitable for conversation and informal writing, but may be less formal in essays. |
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Frequently asked questions: Consequently vs That's why
What's the difference between Consequently and That's why?
Consequently: As a result or effect of something. That's why: This is the reason.
Which is more common: Consequently and That's why?
That's why is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Consequently: This poses a threat to agriculture and the food chain, and consequently to human health. That's why: The project was delayed. That's why we need an extension.
Can I use Consequently and That's why interchangeably?
Not always. Consequently and That's why are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.