Subsequently
/ˈsʌbsɪkwəntli/
adverbB2
Definition
Subsequently is a word used to show that one thing happens after another thing, often in a sequence or order. It tells us that something happens later or as a result of a previous event.
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See It in Action
Happening after something else in time
- •She missed the bus and subsequently arrived late to work.
- •The company changed its policy and subsequently improved customer satisfaction.
- •He studied hard and subsequently passed the exam.
Happening as a result or consequence, but focusing on time order
- •The river flooded, and subsequently, many homes were damaged.
- •The team lost their best player and subsequently struggled to win games.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "subsequently" like "then" (A1 word), but a bit more formal and used to connect events in a clear time order.
- ✓Picture a timeline where one event happens, and then, after it, another event follows—subsequently means "after that."
- ✓It's the feeling when you finish your homework and then, subsequently, you can play outside.
- ✓Sounds like "sub-see-kwent-ly" → imagine a submarine (sub) following a path in the sea, moving step by step after the first.
- ✓Remember stories where something happens first, and subsequently, something else changes because of it.
- ✓NOT like "because" (which shows cause), "subsequently" shows time order, not reason.
- ✓NOT like "before" (which means earlier), "subsequently" means later or after.
Try Other Words
- •Afterwards: meaning "after that time" (Use in informal contexts to show something happens later)
- •Later: meaning "at a time after" (Use when focusing just on time, less formal)
- •Thereafter: meaning "from that time on" (Use in formal or written English, similar to subsequently)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "sub-" (under, after) + "sequ-" (from Latin "sequi," meaning to follow) + "-ently" (adverb ending)
- •Etymology: From Latin "subsequentem," meaning "following closely after"
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 15th century, used to describe events following others in time or order
- •Modern usage: Common in formal writing, reports, and speeches to show sequence of events
Reflect & Connect
•How can using "subsequently" help make your writing clearer when you tell a story or explain events?
•Can "subsequently" be used to show both time order and cause? How do you tell the difference?
Fill in the blanks
1.She forgot her keys and subsequently had to ___ back home to get them.
2.The team lost the first game; subsequently, their confidence ___.
3.Unlike "because," "subsequently" shows what happens ___ an event, not why it happens.
4.In formal reports, "subsequently" is often used ___ to connect steps clearly.
5.After the meeting ended, they subsequently ___ a plan to improve the project.
6.When someone says "he failed the test and subsequently dropped the class," we can infer the dropping happened ___ the failure.
7."Subsequently" usually pairs well with words like "arrived," "changed," or "occurred" to show ___ in time.