Prepositions with nouns

In consequence vs. of consequence

In consequence is a formal phrase meaning as a result. Of consequence means important or significant.

Quick answer

How are these expressions used?

Use in consequence to mean therefore or as a result, usually in formal writing. Use of consequence after a noun or pronoun to mean important.

Several flights were delayed, and in consequence passengers missed connections.
The error was minor and not of consequence.
Nothing of consequence was discussed at the meeting.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

in consequence

Showing a result

Use in consequence in formal English to introduce a result or effect.

The road was closed, and in consequence traffic increased elsewhere.

Costs rose sharply; in consequence the project was delayed.

of consequence

Describing importance

Use of consequence after a noun or pronoun to mean important or significant.

No issue of consequence was identified.

She became a writer of consequence in her field.

as a consequence of + noun

Giving the cause of a result

Use as a consequence of to explain why something happened.

The match was cancelled as a consequence of heavy rain.

Several jobs were lost as a consequence of the merger.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction

Example

Meaning

in consequence

The factory closed, and in consequence many workers moved away.

As a result; therefore.

of consequence

The disagreement was not of consequence.

Important or significant.

as a consequence of

Flights were cancelled as a consequence of the storm.

Because of a particular cause.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of consequence to mean result

Of consequence means important, not therefore.

✕ The prices increased, of consequence sales fell. ✓ The prices increased, and in consequence sales fell.

Using in consequence before a noun

In consequence functions as an adverbial phrase, not an adjective.

✓ It was not a matter of consequence.

Overusing formal phrasing

In everyday English, as a result is often more natural than in consequence.

✓ The train was cancelled, and as a result we arrived late.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The river flooded, and ___ several roads were closed.

2. The error was not ___ consequence.

3. The delay happened as a consequence ___ bad weather.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

Is in consequence common in modern English?

It is mainly formal or literary. Many speakers prefer as a result.

What does of consequence mean?

It means important, significant, or worthy of attention.

Can I say consequence on?

Usually no. English normally uses consequence of or consequence for depending on the meaning.

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account