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DM Lesson 2: Cause & Effect - Consequently & Therefore

DISCOURSE MANAGEMENT

6/24/2026

Cause and effect connectors help us explain:

  • Why something happens (cause)

  • What happens as a result (effect)

Today's connectors:

  • Consequently = shows the result of a previous situation

  • Therefore = shows the logical conclusion or result

Warm-up

Answer using full sentences.

  1. What is a skill you have improved recently?

  2. What is something that helps you work efficiently?

  3. Have you ever made a difficult decision?

  4. What are the benefits of learning English?

  5. What is something you would like to achieve this year?

Target Language

Consequently

Use consequently to show the result of a situation or action.

Structure

Cause. Consequently, Effect.

Examples

  • The company invested heavily in staff training. Consequently, employee performance improved.

  • She practised speaking every day. Consequently, her confidence increased.

  • The weather conditions worsened overnight. Consequently, the event was cancelled.

  • They reduced unnecessary expenses. Consequently, profits increased.

  • He followed the study plan consistently. Consequently, he achieved his target score.

Therefore

Use therefore to show a logical conclusion or outcome.

Structure

Cause. Therefore, Effect.

Examples

  • The evidence was insufficient. Therefore, the case was dismissed.

  • Demand has increased significantly. Therefore, we need to hire more staff.

  • She met all the requirements. Therefore, she was offered the position.

  • The project exceeded expectations. Therefore, the budget was increased.

  • We have limited time. Therefore, we need to prioritise our tasks.

Same Idea, Different Focus

Both connectors introduce a result, but the emphasis is slightly different.

Consequently = result of a situation

  • The team communicated poorly. Consequently, several mistakes occurred.

  • He neglected his health. Consequently, his energy levels declined.

  • Customer demand increased rapidly. Consequently, production expanded.

Therefore = logical conclusion

  • The team communicated poorly. Therefore, improvements were necessary.

  • He neglected his health. Therefore, he needed to change his habits.

  • Customer demand increased rapidly. Therefore, the company expanded production.

Activation

Combine the ideas using consequently.

  1. The company launched a successful marketing campaign. Sales increased significantly.

  2. She completed additional training. Her responsibilities expanded.

  3. The road was closed. Traffic increased in nearby areas.

  4. The team worked efficiently. The project finished ahead of schedule.

  5. He ignored the warning signs. The problem became more serious.

Combine the ideas using therefore.

  1. Sales increased significantly. The company decided to expand.

  2. Her responsibilities expanded. She received a promotion.

  3. Traffic increased in nearby areas. Drivers needed alternative routes.

  4. The project finished ahead of schedule. The client was satisfied.

  5. The problem became more serious. Immediate action was required.

Practice

Choose consequently or therefore.

  1. The data was inaccurate. __________, the report had to be revised.

  2. She exceeded all her targets. __________, she received a bonus.

  3. Several suppliers experienced delays. __________, deliveries arrived late.

  4. The evidence supports the proposal. __________, we should proceed.

  5. He failed to prepare adequately. __________, his presentation was ineffective.

  6. The market has changed considerably. __________, the company must adapt.

  7. The team lacked clear leadership. __________, productivity declined.

  8. Costs have increased substantially. __________, prices will need to rise.

Language Support

Consequently

  • Consequently, ...

  • As a consequence, ...

  • Consequently, this led to ...

  • Consequently, the result was ...

Therefore

  • Therefore, ...

  • Therefore, it was necessary to ...

  • Therefore, we decided to ...

  • Therefore, the logical outcome was ...

Personal Questions

Try to answer using consequently and therefore.

  1. What is a skill you have improved recently?

  2. What habits have helped you succeed?

  3. Have you ever made a decision that changed your life?

  4. What are the consequences of poor communication?

  5. Why is learning English valuable today?

  6. What happens when people do not plan effectively?

  7. What qualities make a good leader?

  8. What are the benefits of regular exercise?

  9. What happens when companies ignore customer feedback?

  10. What is an important lesson you have learned recently?

  11. What are the consequences of spending too much time online?

  12. What makes a team successful?

  13. What changes would improve education?

  14. What goal are you currently working towards?

  15. What achievement are you most proud of, and what led to it?