So you’re sitting there reading something and stumble across "subsequently." Your brain kinda gets it, but you’re not 100% sure. I’ve been there too. That’s why we’re diving deep into what does subsequently mean. Forget textbook definitions - we’ll break it down like we’re chatting over coffee.
The Core Meaning (Plain English Version)
Simply put, subsequently means "after that". Like when one thing follows another in time. If you say "I drank expired milk and subsequently got sick," it just means you got sick AFTER drinking the milk. Nothing fancy, just chronological order.
Where You'll Actually See "Subsequently" Used
This word pops up everywhere once you start noticing. From courtroom dramas to history books:
| Context | Example | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| News Reports | "The suspect fled the scene. Police subsequently found his fingerprints." | Shows cause and effect timeline |
| Academic Papers | "Initial results were inconclusive. Subsequent studies confirmed the theory." | Indicates research progression |
| Business Emails | "We signed the contract. Subsequently, the vendor delayed delivery." | Highlights sequence of events |
| Everyday Conversation | "I missed my flight. Subsequently had to sleep at the airport." | Connects two related events |
Honestly? Legal documents overuse this word. Last month I read a lease agreement that used "subsequently" four times in one page. Bit excessive if you ask me.
Subsequently vs. Similar Words (No Jargon)
People mix these up constantly. Here’s the real difference:
| Word | Meaning | When to Use | Real-Life Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsequently | After that event | When showing time sequence | "She graduated college. Subsequently moved to Paris." |
| Consequently | As a result | When showing cause-effect | "He forgot his keys. Consequently got locked out." |
| Afterward | Later in time | Casual timeline reference | "We had dinner. Went to movies afterward." |
| Therefore | For that reason | Logical conclusions | "It was raining. Therefore we stayed home." |
See how "subsequently" focuses purely on the order things happened? No hidden causes, no implied reasons. Just what came after what.
Wait... Are There Different Meanings?
Nope. Unlike words like "set" (625 definitions!), "subsequently" sticks to its guns. It always means something happened afterward. Doesn’t imply why or how - just when.
Why Should You Even Care About This Word?
Good question. From my experience:
- Sounds smarter without trying hard - Replaces repetitive "and then" in writing
- Clarifies timelines - Crucial in reports or instructions
- Saves space - One word instead of phrases like "after that occurred"
But honestly? Sometimes simpler words work better. I’d never say "I subsequently went grocery shopping" to my neighbor. Save it for when precision matters.
Real Mistakes People Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Even native speakers mess this up. Last week my cousin wrote: "He failed the test subsequently his poor study habits." Oof.
| Mistake | Why It's Wrong | Correct Version |
|---|---|---|
| Using it as "because" (Common Error!) | Subsequently≠Consequently | "He studied poorly. Subsequently failed." |
| Putting it in the wrong place | Breaks sentence flow | "She quit, subsequently starting a business" → "She quit and subsequently started..." |
| Overusing in casual chat | Sounds unnatural | Text to friend: "Got tacos 👉 subsequently napped" → Just say "then napped" |
Funny Story Time
My college roommate once wrote: "I subsequently burnt dinner." I asked him what happened BEFORE burning dinner.
Turned out he meant "accidentally." We still tease him about that.
Practical Usage Guide
Let’s get hands-on. How to actually use this word:
Formula for Perfect Usage
Event 1 + [Comma/Pause] + Subsequently + Event 2
Examples:
- "Email servers crashed. Subsequently, all meetings were postponed."
- "She twisted her ankle; subsequently withdrew from the race."
When NOT to Use It
- Casual texts or chats (use "then" or "after")
- When causes matter more than sequence (use "therefore" or "because")
- If events aren’t directly connected ("I ate cereal. Subsequently, Napoleon invaded Russia" - makes no sense)
Bizarre History Time
Where did this word even come from? Back in the 1600s, it evolved from Latin "subsequi" (to follow after). Fun fact: Early legal documents loved it because... well honestly probably just to sound important. Some things never change.
Your Burning Questions Answered
Got these from real people searching "what does subsequently mean":
Q: Is "subsequently" formal?
A: Not necessarily formal, but definitely more "written" than spoken. Perfect for emails, reports, or essays. Less so for texts.
Q: Can I start a sentence with it?
A: Absolutely. "Subsequently, all users received updates" works fine. Sounds more natural than cramming it mid-sentence.
Q: Does it imply causation?
A: Nope! Big misconception. "He kicked the ball. Subsequently it rained" doesn’t mean he caused rain. Just timing.
Q: How’s it pronounced?
A: Sub-see-kwent-lee. Stress on "sub." Don’t swallow syllables like "subs'quently" - that sounds sloppy.
Advanced Pro Tips
After years of writing:
- Punctuation matters - Usually follows a semicolon/comma: "The system failed; subsequently prices rose."
- Vary your transitions - Mix with "thereafter," "later," or "following this" to avoid repetition
- Spot bad usage - If swapping "subsequently" with "then later" changes meaning, it’s probably wrong
One editor told me: "Subsequently is salt - sprinkle, don’t pour." Wise words.
Checklist Before You Use It
- Are two events directly connected in time?
- Is sequence more important than cause?
- Would "after that" work equally well?
- Is this context semi-formal or formal?
If you answered yes to all? Go for it.
Why This Beats Dictionary Definitions
Look, dictionaries say "occurring later or afterward." True but... so what? Now you know:
- Exactly WHEN to use it (and when not to)
- How real people actually apply it
- Common traps to avoid
- How it fits into daily communication
Ultimately, understanding what does subsequently mean helps you express sequences clearly. Whether emailing colleagues or reading contracts, you’ll spot how events connect over time. And that beats memorizing definitions any day.
Still unsure? Try this: Next time you watch news, listen for "subsequently." You’ll notice it everywhere. Then you’ll realize - oh, it just means "after that." Simple as that.