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9 Powerful Business Expressions That Show Results and Consequences
Effective Language Choices for Reports, Proposals, and Formal Emails
Iain Shirlaw
May 21, 2025
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Welcome to Business Fluency - a newsletter designed to enhance your understanding of essential business terms and concepts and provide you with practical strategies to boost your business and career prospects.
In today’s newsletter:
9 Powerful Business Expressions That Show Results and Consequences
Quote of the day: Colin Wright
What I’m Watching: Conjunctions
Word of the day: Accordingly
Business English: Test Your Knowledge
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9 Powerful Business Expressions That Show Results and Consequences
Effective Language Choices for Reports, Proposals, and Formal Emails
Last week, we continued our exploration of contrasting expressions with 'however', 'nonetheless', 'but', and 'yet'. This week, we'll examine formal business expressions that show results, consequences, and cause-effect relationships.
On Account Of
'On account of' introduces a reason or cause in a more sophisticated way than simply saying "because." It's particularly effective in formal business contexts.
"The project timeline was extended on account of unexpected regulatory changes."
"Production targets will be revised on account of the supply chain disruptions."
In View of the Fact That
'In view of the fact that' is a highly formal expression that introduces a reason or justification. It's especially useful in official communications, reports, and formal presentations.
"In view of the fact that market conditions have deteriorated, we are postponing our expansion plans."
"We have increased our quality control measures in view of the fact that customer complaints rose by 12% last quarter."
Owing To
'Owing to' is a more formal alternative to "because of" and is appropriate for professional business writing. Unlike "due to," it can correctly appear at the beginning of a sentence.
"Owing to increased production costs, we must adjust our pricing strategy."
"The acquisition was delayed owing to regulatory compliance requirements."
Accordingly
'Accordingly' indicates that an action or decision logically follows from what was previously stated. It suggests careful consideration and appropriate response.
"The audit revealed several compliance issues. Accordingly, we've updated our internal procedures."
"Client requirements have become more complex. We have accordingly expanded our service offerings."
As a Result Of
'As a result of' introduces the consequence of a specific action or situation. It's very useful when you need to clearly connect cause and effect in formal communication.
"As a result of implementing the new CRM (customer relationship management) system, customer retention has improved by 18%."
"Staff morale has significantly improved as a result of the revised compensation package."
Consequently
'Consequently' is an adverbial linking word that shows a direct result or outcome. It's effective when you want to emphasise how one business situation directly leads to another.
"Supply costs increased by 15%. Consequently, we need to renegotiate vendor contracts."
"Our marketing strategy wasn't reaching the target demographic; consequently, we've pivoted to a digital-first approach."
In Consequence
'In consequence' is a more formal version of "consequently" and adds weight to business writing. It's particularly useful in formal reports and high-level communications.
"Several key team members resigned. In consequence, the project deadline has been extended."
"Market share declined in the third quarter. In consequence, the board has requested a comprehensive strategy review."
Thus
'Thus' efficiently indicates a direct consequence or result in a concise, professional manner. It's particularly useful when brevity is important.
"We've streamlined our approval process, thus reducing turnaround time by 40%."
"The potential liability was identified early; thus, we were able to implement appropriate risk mitigation measures."
Therefore
'Therefore' indicates a logical conclusion based on previously stated information. It's commonly used in business reasoning and formal communications.
"Operating costs have exceeded our budget projections. Therefore, we must implement immediate cost-containment measures."
"The current vendor cannot meet our quality standards. Therefore, we recommend initiating the procurement process for an alternative supplier."
Proper Punctuation in Professional Writing
In formal business writing, correct punctuation with these expressions is important:
When connecting two complete sentences with adverbial linkers such as "consequently" or "thus":
Use a period/full stop: "Costs increased. Therefore, we adjusted the budget." ✅
Or use a semicolon: "Costs increased; therefore, we adjusted the budget." ✅
Never just a comma: "Costs increased, therefore we adjusted the budget." ❌
When these expressions appear at the beginning of a sentence, they are typically followed by a comma:
"Consequently, we need to revise our strategy."
"As a result of the merger, redundant positions will be eliminated."
Strategic Placement for Emphasis
The placement of these expressions can strategically emphasise different elements:
"Consequently, our approach needs to change." (Emphasises the result itself)
"Our approach, consequently, needs to change." (Emphasises "our approach")
"Our approach needs to change consequently." (Emphasises the direct causation)
Quote of the Day: Colin Wright
ou have exactly one life in which to do everything you will ever do. Act accordingly.
What I’m Watching: Conjunctions
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Word of the day: Accordingly
Accordingly - adverb - indicating that something happens as a result of or in line with what was previously stated
The development team discovered critical security vulnerabilities and accordingly revised their release schedule to address these issues before deployment.
Adverb: As an adverb, "accordingly" signals a logical consequence or appropriate response to previously mentioned information. In business English, it creates clear cause-and-effect relationships between statements and demonstrates thoughtful consideration of circumstances.
Common Adverbial Uses:
Indicating consequence: "Requirements changed; accordingly, we adjusted our timeline" (= as a result)
Showing conformity: "Please review the guidelines and proceed accordingly" (= in line with them)
For proportional response: "Demand has increased; we'll scale production accordingly" (= in proportion)
Formal transitions: "The proposal was rejected. Accordingly, we need to develop alternatives" (= therefore)
With instructions: "Assess the situation and respond accordingly" (= appropriately)
Common Business Collocations:
Act accordingly - to take appropriate action based on information or circumstances
Plan accordingly - to make arrangements that account for known factors or constraints
Budget accordingly - to allocate financial resources in an appropriate manner
Business English: Test Your Knowledge
Which of the following is the most formal way to express “because”? |
Which two expressions best complete this sentence?“_________ the audit findings, we will revise our processes. ________, new controls will be added.” |
Which expression would be LEAST formal in a business report? |
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Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The information contained herein is generic and does not take into account your individual financial circumstances. You should always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions.
Additionally, the authors and/or publishers of this newsletter may hold investments in securities or other financial instruments mentioned herein. These are included for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell such securities or financial instruments.