What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
then
Example
I woke up early, then I went for a run. [then: adverb]
Example
She forgot her keys, then she had to go back home to get them. [then: conjunction]
consequently
Example
He didn't study for the exam, consequently, he failed it. [consequently: adverb]
Example
The company lost money last quarter, consequently, they had to lay off some employees. [consequently: conjunction]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Then is more commonly used than consequently in everyday language, as it is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between then and consequently?
Consequently is generally considered more formal than then, and is often used in academic or professional writing to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship.