We often hear phrases that sound a bit formal, a bit old-fashioned, and one of those is definitely 'in consequence.' It pops up in older texts, legal documents, and sometimes even in more formal speeches. But what does it really mean, and why do we still encounter it?
At its heart, 'in consequence' is a way of saying 'as a result' or 'therefore.' Think of it as a slightly more elaborate way to connect a cause with its effect. For instance, if someone was consistently late for work, you might say, 'She was often tardy, and in consequence, her boss had a serious talk with her.' It’s that direct link, that logical follow-through.
The phrase itself has roots stretching back to the late 1600s, a time when language often favored more elaborate constructions. It stems from the word 'consequence,' which itself comes from the Latin 'consequi,' meaning 'to follow after.' So, literally, something that follows after an event or action.
Interestingly, the reference material points out that 'in consequence of' is a closely related prepositional phrase, meaning 'as a result of.' So, you might see something like, 'In consequence of the heavy rain, the game was postponed.' It’s the same idea, just framed slightly differently.
Now, you might wonder about words that sound similar but have different meanings. We see 'inconsecutive' and 'inconsequent' mentioned. 'Inconsecutive' means not following in a regular sequence, like skipping pages in a book. 'Inconsequent,' on the other hand, means not following as a logical conclusion, or illogical. These are distinct from 'in consequence,' which firmly establishes a logical, causal link.
'Inconsequence,' the noun form, refers to a lack of logical connection or importance. So, if something happens without a clear reason or follow-through, it might be described as an 'inconsequence.'
But back to our main phrase, 'in consequence.' While it might sound a bit stiff in casual conversation, understanding it unlocks a deeper appreciation for older writing and more formal discourse. It’s a reminder that language evolves, but the fundamental need to express cause and effect remains constant. It’s not just about saying 'so'; it’s about acknowledging the ripple effect, the logical unfolding of events that shapes our world, one consequence at a time.
