Cool MateConsequently vs Thus
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Consequently
Top 3,000 (common)B2adverb
Thus
FormalTop 2,000 (common)B2adverb
Most formal: ThusMost common: Thus
| Consequently | Thus | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːnsɪkwentli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ðʌs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ðʌs/"]/ |
| Meaning | As a result or effect of something. | for this reason; therefore |
| Example | This poses a threat to agriculture and the food chain, and consequently to human health. | Many scholars have argued thus. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Collocations | consequently, the outcome, consequently, we decided, used consequently in a sentence, consequently, it appears, the plan failed; consequently | thus it follows, thus far, thus far into, thus we conclude |
| Antonyms | inconsequently, independently, unrelatedly | therefore, consequently |
| 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. | Using 'thus' in casual conversations where 'so' is more appropriate., Confusing 'thus' with 'that' in terms of meaning., Using 'thus' incorrectly as a conjunction instead of an adverb. |
| 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. | Used primarily in writing or formal speech. It can sound too stiff or old-fashioned in casual conversation. Avoid using it in everyday chat. |
Frequently asked questions: Consequently vs Thus
What's the difference between Consequently and Thus?
Consequently: As a result or effect of something. Thus: for this reason; therefore
Which is more formal: Consequently and Thus?
Thus is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Consequently and Thus?
Thus is the most common in everyday English.
Are Consequently and Thus the same CEFR level?
Consequently: B2, Thus: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Consequently and Thus interchangeably?
Not always. Consequently and Thus 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.