accordingly
gb/əkˈɔɹdɪŋli/ us/əkˈɔɹdɪŋli/
B2
English
~ 6800
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
B2
relation
1
as a result; therefore
Used to mean ‘for this reason’ or ‘because of this’ when you say what happens next.
Usage pattern:
[statement]; accordingly, [result]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use *accordingly* in very casual speech where *so* or *because of that* sounds more natural, for example, saying *I was tired, accordingly I went to bed early* in conversation. In everyday spoken English, *so* is usually preferred: *I was tired, so I went to bed early.* Also, some confuse this sense with the ‘in a suitable way’ sense, using it where *appropriately* would be better.
Synonyms
therefore (Very close in meaning; slightly more common and a bit more neutral in tone.)
|
consequently (Emphasizes a clear cause–effect relationship and is also quite formal.)
|
thus (More formal and literary; often used in academic or technical writing.)
Antonyms
however (Introduces contrast or opposition instead of a logical result.)
Collocations
and accordingly
|accordingly, the court
|accordingly, the company
|accordingly, we decided
Themes
logic
|writing
|business
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The report was not finished and accordingly could not be presented to the board.
- Her responsibilities increased and accordingly her salary was raised.
- The data are incomplete; accordingly, the findings must be interpreted with caution.
- The company made a loss last year and accordingly reduced its investment plans.
- He failed to submit the required documents and was accordingly denied a visa.
Learner examples
- It was raining; accordingly, we stayed at home.
- She was sick and accordingly did not go to work.
- The train was late, and accordingly our meeting started late.
- The price went up; accordingly, fewer people bought the product.
adverb
B2
relation
2
in a way that fits the situation
In a way that is right for the situation or matches what was said before.
Usage pattern:
to [act/behave/treat/pay/adjust] accordingly
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes mix this sense with the ‘as a result’ sense and place *accordingly* at the start of a sentence when they really mean ‘in a suitable way’. For example, *Accordingly, he acted* can sound like ‘for that reason he acted’, not ‘he acted in a suitable way’. To express this sense clearly, it is often safer to say *act accordingly* or *behave accordingly* after mentioning the situation.
Synonyms
appropriately (Very close in meaning; a bit more general and slightly more formal or careful in tone.)
|
suitably (Emphasizes being suitable or fitting; often sounds slightly formal.)
|
correspondingly (Focuses more on matching a change or condition, often in formal writing.)
Antonyms
inappropriately (Describes behavior or actions that do not match what is needed or expected in a situation.)
Collocations
act accordingly
|behave accordingly
|treat [someone] accordingly
|be paid accordingly
|adjust accordingly
|plan accordingly
Themes
behavior
|work
|rules
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Please read the instructions carefully and act accordingly.
- If he continues to miss deadlines, we will respond accordingly.
- Treat them accordingly if they have made a real effort.
- The budget has been cut, so we must plan accordingly.
- Your skills and experience will be evaluated and you will be paid accordingly.
Learner examples
- She listened to the teacher and behaved accordingly.
- If the weather is bad, we will dress accordingly.
- He studied hard, and the teacher treated him accordingly.
- The rules are different here, so please act accordingly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
accordingly
IPA
GB/əkˈɔɹdɪŋli/
US/əkˈɔɹdɪŋli/
Syllables & stress
ac - cord - ingly (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cord)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: accordingly
- Plural: accordinglies
Word family
Forms
accordinglies
noun
Core family
accord
verb B2
accordance
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
discord
noun B2
Advanced or less common
accordant
adjective
discordant
adjective
Expressions
act accordingly
1/ˈækt əkˈɔɹdɪŋli/
fixed phrase
take actions that fit the situation
To do what is right or needed in a situation, based on what you know or were told.
Examples
- Once you know the risks, you should act accordingly.
- The manager explained the new policy, and the staff agreed to act accordingly.
adjust accordingly
1/əd͡ʒˈʌst əkˈɔɹdɪŋli/
fixed phrase
change to match the situation
To change your plans, actions, or something else so that it fits new information or conditions.
Examples
- Check the exchange rate and adjust accordingly before setting your prices.
- We will review the results and adjust accordingly for next year’s program.
behave accordingly
1/bɪhˈeɪv əkˈɔɹdɪŋli/
fixed phrase
behave in a suitable way
To act in a way that is right for the situation or matches what people expect.
Examples
- You are representing the company, so please behave accordingly.
- Children should be taught to respect others and behave accordingly.