Spanish Result Connectors: Therefore, As a Result, Consequently
Learn to express results in Spanish with por lo tanto, como resultado, and en consecuencia. Intermediate lesson with examples and dialogue.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
In Spanish, to show that one action or fact is the result of another, you use connectors like por lo tanto (therefore), como resultado (as a result), and en consecuencia (consequently). These are different from contrast connectors like sin embargo (however), which introduce an opposing idea. This lesson teaches you how to use these result connectors accurately in Latin American Spanish, with notes on regional variation and register.
By the end, you can…
- use por lo tanto, como resultado, and en consecuencia to connect a cause and its result.
- distinguish result connectors from contrast connectors like sin embargo.
- choose the appropriate connector based on formality and region.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Llovió; por lo tanto, nos quedamos en casa.
It rained; therefore, we stayed home.
yoh-VYOH; por loh TAHN-toh, nohs keh-DAH-mohs ehn KAH-sah
Por lo tanto is the most common and neutral way to say 'therefore' in both speech and writing.
Estudió mucho; como resultado, aprobó el examen.
She studied a lot; as a result, she passed the exam.
ehs-too-DYOH MOO-choh; KOH-moh reh-sool-TAH-doh, ah-proh-BOH el ehk-SAH-mehn
Como resultado emphasizes the outcome and is slightly more formal than por lo tanto.
No llegó el pedido; en consecuencia, cancelamos la orden.
The order didn't arrive; consequently, we canceled the order.
noh yeh-GOH el peh-DEE-doh; en kohn-seh-KWEN-syah, kahn-seh-LAH-mohs lah OHR-dehn
En consecuencia is formal and common in business or academic contexts.
Perdimos el vuelo; así que tomamos el siguiente.
We missed the flight; so we took the next one.
pehr-DEE-mohs el BWEH-loh; ah-SEE keh toh-MAH-mohs el see-GYEHN-teh
Así que is a more colloquial alternative meaning 'so' or 'therefore'.
La carretera estaba cerrada; por eso tuvimos que desviarnos.
The road was closed; that's why we had to detour.
lah kah-reh-TEH-rah ehs-TAH-bah seh-RRAH-dah; por EH-soh too-VEE-mohs keh des-VYAR-nohs
Por eso means 'that's why' and is very common in everyday speech.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Result connectors typically join two independent clauses. The first clause states the cause, and the second states the result. You can use a semicolon or a period before the connector, and a comma after it. For example: 'No había comida; por lo tanto, pedimos pizza.' (There was no food; therefore, we ordered pizza.) 'Como resultado' and 'en consecuencia' work the same way: 'Estudió poco; como resultado, reprobó.' (He studied little; as a result, he failed.) 'No firmó; en consecuencia, el contrato no es válido.' (He didn't sign; consequently, the contract is not valid.)
When to use it
Use por lo tanto in neutral, everyday contexts, both spoken and written. Use como resultado to highlight a direct outcome, often in explanations or reports. Use en consecuencia in formal writing, such as business emails, academic essays, or legal documents. In casual conversation, así que and por eso are more common. For example, with friends you might say: 'Se nos hizo tarde, así que no fuimos.' (We were late, so we didn't go.) In a formal report: 'La empresa no cumplió; en consecuencia, se aplicaron sanciones.' (The company did not comply; consequently, sanctions were applied.)
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
No pude encontrar el libro en la biblioteca.
I couldn't find the book in the library.noh POO-deh ehn-kohn-TRAR el LEE-broh ehn lah bee-blyoh-TEH-kah¿Y qué hiciste? ¿Lo compraste?
And what did you do? Did you buy it?ee keh ee-SEES-teh? loh kohm-PRAS-teh?No, estaba muy caro; por lo tanto, decidí pedirlo prestado.
No, it was very expensive; therefore, I decided to borrow it.noh, ehs-TAH-bah moo-ee KAH-roh; por loh TAHN-toh, deh-see-DEE peh-DEER-loh prehs-TAH-dohBuena idea. Así que ahora tienes que devolverlo pronto.
Good idea. So now you have to return it soon.BWEH-nah ee-DEH-ah. ah-SEE keh ah-OH-rah TYEH-nehs keh deh-bohl-VEHR-loh PROHN-tohA little context goes a long way
In Latin American Spanish, por lo tanto and por eso are widely used in everyday speech, while en consecuencia is reserved for formal registers. In Spain, por consiguiente is also common in formal contexts, but in Latin America, en consecuencia is more typical. Using the right connector shows awareness of register and region.
One thing to watch for
Using sin embargo (however) to show a result, as in: 'Llovió; sin embargo, nos quedamos en casa.'
Try this instead: Sin embargo introduces a contrast, not a result. For a result, use por lo tanto: 'Llovió; por lo tanto, nos quedamos en casa.' If you want to contrast, say: 'Llovió; sin embargo, salimos.' (It rained; however, we went out.)
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Choose the correct connector: 'No estudió; ______, reprobó el examen.' (therefore)
Show a sample answer
por lo tanto
Por lo tanto correctly shows the result of not studying. Como resultado or en consecuencia would also be correct, but por lo tanto is the most neutral.
2Translate: 'She was tired; as a result, she went to bed early.'
Show a sample answer
Estaba cansada; como resultado, se acostó temprano.
Como resultado directly translates 'as a result'. You could also use por lo tanto or en consecuencia, but como resultado emphasizes the outcome.
3Which connector is more formal: así que or en consecuencia?
Show a sample answer
en consecuencia
En consecuencia is formal and used in business or academic writing. Así que is colloquial and common in speech.
Use por lo tanto for neutral 'therefore', como resultado for 'as a result', and en consecuencia for formal 'consequently'. Remember they show results, not contrasts like sin embargo.
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