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A1 noun #221 most common 13 min read

result

Top 221

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips result in 30 Seconds

Explanation result in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'result' is used in very simple ways to describe the end of something. It is most commonly used to talk about the score of a game or the grade on a test. For example, 'The result of the game was 1-0.' Learners at this level should understand that a result is what happens at the end of an action. They use it to answer basic questions like 'What happened?' or 'Who won?' It is a useful word for talking about everyday activities, like cooking or playing sports. At this stage, learners usually use 'result' as a singular noun and often follow it with 'of' to connect it to a simple cause. For example, 'The result of the rain is wet grass.' The focus is on concrete, visible outcomes that are easy to understand. Learners also begin to recognize the word in phrases like 'test results' or 'exam results,' which are very important in a school context. By learning 'result,' A1 students can start to express the idea of cause and effect in a basic way, which is a key step in building their communication skills.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'result' in a wider variety of contexts and with more descriptive adjectives. They might talk about a 'good result,' a 'bad result,' or a 'surprising result.' They also start to use the plural form 'results' more frequently, especially when talking about medical tests or multiple school subjects. For example, 'I am waiting for my medical results.' A2 learners also begin to use the transition phrase 'as a result' to connect two simple sentences. For instance, 'It was very cold. As a result, we stayed inside.' This shows a growing ability to link ideas logically. They understand that 'result' can refer to more than just a number; it can be the consequence of a decision or a situation. They might use it in sentences like, 'The result of the meeting was a new plan.' This level of usage involves a better understanding of how actions lead to specific outcomes in daily life and professional environments.

At the B1 level, learners use 'result' to describe more complex and abstract outcomes. They can discuss the 'results of a study' or the 'results of an investigation,' moving beyond simple games and tests. They are comfortable using 'result' as both a subject and an object in more sophisticated sentence structures. For example, 'The result of the research suggests that exercise is good for the brain.' B1 learners also use 'result' to explain the reasons behind social or environmental changes. They might say, 'The increase in temperature is a result of global warming.' They are also more adept at using 'as a result of' as a complex preposition, such as 'As a result of the new law, many things have changed.' At this level, the word is used to summarize arguments and provide evidence for opinions. Learners can distinguish between a 'direct result' and an 'indirect result,' showing a more nuanced understanding of causality.

At the B2 level, 'result' is used with high precision in academic and professional contexts. Learners can discuss 'quarterly results' in business or 'experimental results' in science with confidence. They use a wide range of collocations, such as 'achieve a result,' 'yield a result,' or 'produce a result.' For example, 'The new marketing strategy yielded impressive results.' They also understand the subtle differences between 'result,' 'outcome,' and 'consequence,' choosing the word that best fits the tone and meaning of their message. B2 learners can use 'result' in complex sentences with multiple clauses, such as 'Although the initial results were disappointing, the team continued to work hard, which eventually led to a successful outcome.' They also use the word to talk about long-term effects and systemic changes. The word becomes a tool for detailed analysis and reporting, allowing the learner to describe not just what happened, but the significance of what happened.

At the C1 level, learners use 'result' with a high degree of sophistication and stylistic variety. They can use it in idiomatic expressions and more formal, technical ways. For example, they might talk about 'tangible results' or 'measurable results' in a professional report. They are also aware of the verb form 'result in' and use it fluently to describe complex chains of events. For instance, 'The failure of the bank resulted in a global financial crisis.' C1 learners can use 'result' to discuss philosophical or abstract concepts, such as 'the result of centuries of cultural evolution.' They are also skilled at using 'result' to structure their writing, using it to introduce conclusions or summarize complex data sets. They understand the nuances of register, knowing when to use 'result' and when a more specialized term like 'ramification' or 'implication' might be more appropriate. Their use of the word is precise, varied, and integrated into a high level of linguistic competence.

At the C2 level, the word 'result' is used with complete mastery, often in highly specialized or literary contexts. A C2 learner can use the word to explore deep causal relationships and theoretical outcomes. They might use it in a sentence like, 'The current political climate is the cumulative result of decades of socioeconomic shifts.' They are comfortable with the most formal and academic uses of the word, such as in scientific papers or legal documents. They can also use it creatively in literature to describe the inevitable end of a character's journey. At this level, the learner understands the historical and etymological roots of the word and can use it to create specific rhetorical effects. They can manipulate the word within complex grammatical structures without any errors, using it to convey subtle shades of meaning. The word 'result' becomes a versatile instrument in their extensive linguistic toolkit, used to describe everything from the most minute data point to the most grand historical consequence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

result in 30 Seconds

A result is the outcome or consequence of an action, process, or event, serving as the end point of a cause-and-effect relationship.
In everyday life, it commonly refers to the final score of a sporting match or the grades received on a school examination.
In professional and scientific contexts, results are the data, findings, or performance metrics obtained from experiments, studies, or business activities.
The word is versatile, functioning as a singular or plural noun, and is frequently used in the transition phrase 'as a result' to show logic.

The word result is a fundamental noun in the English language that identifies the outcome, consequence, or final score of an action, process, or event. At its core, a result is what happens because of something else. Imagine you are planting a seed in a garden. You water it, ensure it has enough sunlight, and wait patiently. After a few weeks, a small green sprout appears. That sprout is the result of your gardening efforts. In everyday conversation, people use this word to bridge the gap between a cause and its effect. It is a word that provides closure to a story or a process. Whether you are talking about the final score of a football match, the grade you received on a difficult mathematics exam, or the physical changes in your body after a month of consistent exercise, you are discussing results. The term is versatile because it can describe something very specific and measurable, like a number, or something more abstract, like a feeling or a social change. When people ask, 'What was the result?' they are looking for the end point of a sequence of events. It is a word that helps us understand the world in terms of causality—the idea that every action has a corresponding reaction or outcome. In professional settings, results are often the primary focus, as businesses and organizations strive to achieve specific goals. In personal life, we often evaluate our decisions based on the results they produce. If you try a new recipe and the food tastes delicious, the tasty meal is a positive result. Conversely, if you forget to set your alarm and wake up late, being late for work is the negative result of that oversight. The word is ubiquitous because human beings are naturally curious about outcomes. We want to know how things turn out. By using the word 'result,' we can categorize these outcomes clearly. It is also used in scientific and academic contexts to describe the data or findings obtained from an experiment or study. For example, a scientist might say, 'The results of the blood test were normal,' meaning the data gathered from the test showed no issues. This word is essential for A1 learners because it allows them to describe basic cause-and-effect relationships and report on the status of various activities.

Academic Context: In research, a result refers to the specific data points or observations recorded during an investigation, often presented in tables or charts.
Sporting Context: In sports, the result is the final score or the determination of who won, lost, or tied the game.
Medical Context: Medical results are the findings from tests, such as X-rays or blood work, that help doctors make a diagnosis.

The football team worked hard all season, and the result was a championship trophy.

She studied for ten hours, and the result was an A on her exam.

The result of the vote will be announced at midnight tonight.

If you mix blue and yellow paint, the result is green paint.

The result of the experiment surprised all the scientists in the lab.

Using the word result correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its relationship with other words in a sentence. Most commonly, 'result' acts as the subject or the object of a sentence. For instance, in the sentence 'The result was unexpected,' 'result' is the subject. In 'We are waiting for the result,' it is the direct object. One of the most important structures to master is the 'result of' construction. This pattern allows you to link an effect to its cause directly. For example, 'The result of the heavy traffic was that I arrived late.' Here, the heavy traffic is the cause, and the late arrival is the result. Another common way to use 'result' is in the plural form, 'results.' This is particularly common when discussing scientific data, medical tests, or academic grades. You might say, 'The laboratory results are ready,' or 'I am nervous about my exam results.' In these cases, the plural indicates that there are multiple pieces of information or several outcomes being considered. Furthermore, 'result' is often paired with adjectives to provide more detail about the nature of the outcome. You can have a 'positive result,' a 'negative result,' a 'surprising result,' a 'disappointing result,' or a 'final result.' These adjectives help the listener understand the quality or the impact of the outcome. In more formal writing, you might see the phrase 'as a result.' This functions as a transition phrase, similar to 'therefore' or 'consequently.' For example, 'It rained all day; as a result, the match was cancelled.' This usage is excellent for showing logical connections between two independent thoughts. It is also worth noting that 'result' can be used in the context of sports to mean a victory. A commentator might say, 'That is a great result for the home team,' implying that they won the game. When using 'result' in a sentence, always consider if you are talking about a single outcome (singular) or multiple findings (plural). This distinction is vital for subject-verb agreement. For example, 'The result is clear' versus 'The results are clear.' By practicing these different structures, you will be able to communicate outcomes effectively in various situations, from casual chats to formal reports. Remember that 'result' is a noun that focuses on the end of a process, making it a key tool for summarizing events and explaining the consequences of actions.

Subject Position: The result of the game was a draw, which means neither team won.
Object Position: The doctor will call you when she receives the result of your test.
Transition Phrase: He didn't study for the test; as a result, he failed it.

The result of the experiment was published in a famous journal.

We are still waiting for the result of the investigation.

The final result was 3-1 in favor of the visiting team.

The word result is heard in a vast array of real-world contexts, making it one of the most practical words for an English learner to know. In a school or university setting, you will hear it constantly. Teachers might say, 'I will give you your test results on Monday,' or students might ask each other, 'Did you get your results yet?' This refers to the grades or marks achieved on assessments. In the world of sports, 'result' is the language of the scoreboard. News anchors will report, 'Here are the latest results from the Premier League,' followed by a list of scores. Fans might discuss a 'shock result' when an underdog team beats a champion. In a medical context, the word is used with a sense of importance and sometimes anxiety. A nurse might tell a patient, 'The doctor is reviewing your test results now,' or a patient might call a clinic to 'check on their results.' In the workplace, results are the measure of success. Managers often talk about 'quarterly results,' which refers to the financial performance of the company over three months. They might say, 'We need to see better results in the next sales period,' meaning they want to see more sales or higher profits. In the news, you will hear about 'election results,' which determine who will lead a city or a country. Reporters might say, 'The results are coming in from the northern districts,' as they track the progress of a vote. In scientific documentaries or news reports about health, you'll hear about the 'results of a new study,' which explains what researchers discovered about a specific topic, like the benefits of sleep or the effects of a new medication. Even in casual, everyday life, the word pops up. If a friend tries a new haircut, they might say, 'I'm not happy with the result,' or if someone fixes a broken chair, they might proudly show off the 'result' of their work. Because it is so common, you will hear it in movies, podcasts, and songs. It is a word that signifies the conclusion of an effort or the reality of a situation. Whether it's the 'result' of a recipe, a DIY project, or a major international event, the word is the standard way to describe what has happened in the end. Paying attention to how 'result' is used in these different environments will help you understand its nuances and how it can shift from a simple number to a complex set of findings.

The news reporter announced the result of the national election after a long night of counting.

In the hospital, the patient waited anxiously for the result of the MRI scan.

The coach was very pleased with the result of the game, as his team won 4-0.

While 'result' is a relatively straightforward word, learners often make a few common mistakes, particularly with prepositions and word forms. One frequent error is using the wrong preposition after the noun. Many learners mistakenly say 'result to' or 'result for' when they should use 'result of.' For example, it is incorrect to say 'The result to the test was good.' The correct form is 'The result of the test was good.' Another common mistake involves confusing the noun 'result' with the verb 'result.' While they are spelled the same, they are used differently. As a noun, it's 'the result of something.' As a verb, it's 'something results in something else.' For example, 'Heavy rain resulted in a flood' (verb) versus 'The flood was the result of heavy rain' (noun). Another area of confusion is the difference between 'result' and 'consequence.' While they are often synonyms, 'consequence' frequently carries a negative connotation, whereas 'result' is more neutral. If you win the lottery, it's a 'result' of buying a ticket, but you wouldn't usually call it a 'consequence.' Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the pluralization of the word. In medical or academic contexts, 'results' is almost always plural because there are multiple data points being reported. Saying 'I got my exam result' is grammatically possible if you only took one exam, but usually, students say 'I got my exam results' to refer to the whole set of grades. There is also a common error in the phrase 'as a result.' Some learners forget the 'a' and say 'as result,' which is incorrect. It must always be 'as a result' or 'as a result of [something].' For example, 'As a result of the storm, the power went out.' Lastly, avoid using 'result' when you mean 'answer' in a mathematical context, although they are similar. In a math problem, you usually look for the 'answer' or the 'solution,' while the 'result' is the final number you get after a calculation. By being mindful of these prepositional choices, the distinction between noun and verb forms, and the specific idiomatic phrases, you can avoid these common pitfalls and use 'result' with greater accuracy and confidence.

Incorrect Preposition: Don't say: The result for the game was 2-2. Say: The result of the game was 2-2.
Noun vs Verb Confusion: Don't say: The result in a win. Say: The effort resulted in a win (verb) OR The result was a win (noun).
Missing Article: Don't say: As result, we stayed home. Say: As a result, we stayed home.

Correct: The result of his hard work was a promotion.

To enrich your vocabulary, it's helpful to know words that are similar to result and understand when to use them. The most common synonyms are outcome, consequence, effect, and upshot. While they all refer to something that happens because of something else, they have different nuances. Outcome is very similar to result but is often used for the final stage of a process or a competition where the end was uncertain. For example, 'The outcome of the election' or 'The outcome of the meeting.' Consequence is often used when the result is negative or serious. You might hear, 'You must face the consequences of your actions.' Effect is used to describe the change that is produced by an action. For example, 'The effect of the medicine was immediate.' Upshot is a more informal or journalistic word for the final result of a complex situation, as in 'The upshot of the whole argument was that they decided to move.' In scientific or mathematical contexts, you might use finding or product. A 'finding' is a result discovered through research, while a 'product' is the result of a mathematical multiplication or a chemical reaction. In the context of sports, score is a more specific alternative to result. Instead of saying 'The result was 2-1,' you could say 'The final score was 2-1.' Understanding these alternatives allows you to be more precise in your communication. For instance, if you want to emphasize that something happened as a direct reaction to a cause, 'effect' is a great choice. If you want to highlight the seriousness of an outcome, 'consequence' is better. If you are talking about the end of a long, complicated process, 'outcome' or 'upshot' might fit best. By expanding your vocabulary with these synonyms, you can avoid repeating the word 'result' too often and express yourself with more variety and sophistication. Each of these words carries its own 'flavor,' and choosing the right one can help you convey your meaning more clearly to your audience.

Result vs Outcome: 'Result' is more common for specific data or scores. 'Outcome' is often used for the final state of a complex situation.
Result vs Consequence: 'Result' is neutral. 'Consequence' is often negative or implies a moral responsibility.
Result vs Effect: 'Result' is the end point. 'Effect' is the change or influence caused by something.

The outcome of the peace talks was a new treaty.

Pollution is a direct consequence of industrial waste.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'saltare' in 'resultare' is the same root found in the word 'somersault' and 'insult' (which originally meant to jump on someone).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /rɪˈzʌlt/

US /rɪˈzʌlt/

The stress is on the second syllable: re-SULT.

Rhymes With

insult consult adult exult difficult occult tumult catapult

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as a soft 's' instead of a 'z' sound.
Stressing the first syllable (RE-sult) instead of the second.
Making the 'e' in the first syllable too long (ree-zult).
Dropping the final 't' sound.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'resort'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Requires understanding of prepositions like 'of' and phrases like 'as a result'.

Speaking 1/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful in daily conversation.

Listening 1/5

Clearly pronounced and frequently used in news and sports.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

end happen score game test

Learn Next

consequence outcome therefore because effect

Advanced

ramification implication aftermath sequel corollary

Grammar to Know

Subject-Verb Agreement with 'Result'

The result is (singular) vs The results are (plural).

Using 'As a result' as a Connector

He was late. As a result, he missed the start.

Preposition 'of' after 'Result'

The result of the election was surprising.

Noun vs Verb Usage

The result (noun) was good. The action resulted (verb) in success.

Articles with 'Result'

A result (any) vs The result (a specific one).

Examples by Level

The result of the game was 2-0.

El resultado del juego fue 2-0.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

I am happy with my test result.

Estoy feliz con el resultado de mi examen.

'Result' is the object of the preposition 'with'.

What is the result of 5 plus 5?

¿Cuál es el resultado de 5 más 5?

Used in a simple mathematical question.

The result of the rain is a big puddle.

El resultado de la lluvia es un gran charco.

Shows a simple cause and effect.

She waited for the result of the race.

Ella esperó el resultado de la carrera.

'Result' is the direct object.

The final result was a draw.

El resultado final fue un empate.

Adjective 'final' modifies 'result'.

He got a good result in his English class.

Él obtuvo un buen resultado en su clase de inglés.

Used with the adjective 'good'.

The result of the vote was 'yes'.

El resultado de la votación fue 'sí'.

Identifies the outcome of a choice.

As a result of the storm, the school is closed.

Como resultado de la tormenta, la escuela está cerrada.

Uses the complex preposition 'as a result of'.

The doctor has the results of your blood test.

El médico tiene los resultados de su análisis de sangre.

Plural form 'results' used for medical data.

He didn't eat breakfast; as a result, he is hungry.

Él no desayunó; como resultado, tiene hambre.

Uses 'as a result' as a transition phrase.

The results of the survey were very interesting.

Los resultados de la encuesta fueron muy interesantes.

Plural subject with a plural verb.

We are hoping for a positive result from the meeting.

Esperamos un resultado positivo de la reunión.

Used with the adjective 'positive'.

The result of the experiment was a surprise to everyone.

El resultado del experimento fue una sorpresa para todos.

Singular noun followed by 'of'.

She practiced every day, and the result was a great performance.

Ella practicó todos los días, y el resultado fue una gran actuación.

Links practice to performance.

The election results will be announced tomorrow morning.

Los resultados de las elecciones se anunciarán mañana por la mañana.

Plural form used for a large-scale event.

The increase in sales is a direct result of our new ad campaign.

El aumento de las ventas es un resultado directo de nuestra nueva campaña publicitaria.

Uses the adjective 'direct' for emphasis.

The results of the study indicate that people need more sleep.

Los resultados del estudio indican que las personas necesitan dormir más.

Plural 'results' as the subject of the verb 'indicate'.

As a result of global warming, many glaciers are melting.

Como resultado del calentamiento global, muchos glaciares se están derritiendo.

Shows a complex cause-and-effect relationship.

The team achieved a fantastic result in the final match.

El equipo logró un resultado fantástico en el partido final.

Uses the verb 'achieve' with 'result'.

The unexpected result of the policy was a rise in unemployment.

El resultado inesperado de la política fue un aumento del desempleo.

Adjective 'unexpected' modifies 'result'.

We must wait for the official results before making a decision.

Debemos esperar los resultados oficiales antes de tomar una decisión.

Adjective 'official' adds a layer of formality.

The result of the investigation will be made public next week.

El resultado de la investigación se hará público la próxima semana.

Passive voice 'will be made public'.

His health problems are a result of years of smoking.

Sus problemas de salud son el resultado de años de fumar.

Connects a long-term habit to a current state.

The company's quarterly results exceeded all expectations.

Los resultados trimestrales de la empresa superaron todas las expectativas.

Professional context using 'quarterly results'.

The researchers are still analyzing the results of the clinical trial.

Los investigadores todavía están analizando los resultados del ensayo clínico.

Scientific context with 'clinical trial'.

As a result of the merger, several departments were restructured.

Como resultado de la fusión, se reestructuraron varios departamentos.

Business context with 'merger' and 'restructured'.

The final result of the negotiations was a compromise from both sides.

El resultado final de las negociaciones fue un compromiso de ambas partes.

Abstract outcome of a diplomatic process.

The study yielded results that were consistent with previous findings.

El estudio arrojó resultados que fueron consistentes con hallazgos previos.

Uses the formal verb 'yield' with 'results'.

The economic crisis was the result of a combination of factors.

La crisis económica fue el resultado de una combinación de factores.

Describes a complex, multi-causal event.

She was disappointed with the result, but she learned a lot from the experience.

Ella estaba decepcionada con el resultado, pero aprendió mucho de la experiencia.

Contrast between an outcome and a learning process.

The results of the audit revealed several financial discrepancies.

Los resultados de la auditoría revelaron varias discrepancias financieras.

Formal business context using 'audit'.

The current social unrest is the inevitable result of systemic inequality.

La actual agitación social es el resultado inevitable de la desigualdad sistémica.

Uses 'inevitable' and 'systemic' for advanced analysis.

The experimental results were inconclusive, necessitating further investigation.

Los resultados experimentales no fueron concluyentes, lo que hizo necesaria una mayor investigación.

Uses 'inconclusive' and a participial phrase.

As a result of his tireless advocacy, the law was finally changed.

Como resultado de su incansable labor de defensa, la ley finalmente se cambió.

Advanced vocabulary like 'tireless advocacy'.

The tangible results of the project are visible in the improved infrastructure.

Los resultados tangibles del proyecto son visibles en la infraestructura mejorada.

Uses 'tangible' to describe concrete outcomes.

The result of the study was published in a peer-reviewed journal.

El resultado del estudio fue publicado en una revista revisada por pares.

Formal academic context.

We must consider the long-term results of our environmental policies.

Debemos considerar los resultados a largo plazo de nuestras políticas ambientales.

Focuses on temporal consequences.

The team's success was the result of a synergistic collaboration.

El éxito del equipo fue el resultado de una colaboración sinérgica.

Uses the advanced adjective 'synergistic'.

The results of the referendum sparked a nationwide debate.

Los resultados del referéndum provocaron un debate a nivel nacional.

Political context with 'referendum' and 'sparked'.

The masterpiece was the result of a lifetime of artistic exploration.

La obra maestra fue el resultado de toda una vida de exploración artística.

Literary and abstract use of 'result'.

The collapse of the empire was the cumulative result of internal decay and external pressure.

El colapso del imperio fue el resultado acumulativo de la decadencia interna y la presión externa.

Historical analysis using 'cumulative' and 'decay'.

The results of the deep-sea exploration provided unprecedented insights into marine life.

Los resultados de la exploración de las profundidades marinas proporcionaron conocimientos sin precedentes sobre la vida marina.

Scientific context with 'unprecedented insights'.

As a result of the technological singularity, human society was fundamentally transformed.

Como resultado de la singularidad tecnológica, la sociedad humana se transformó fundamentalmente.

Speculative and philosophical context.

The intricate results of the mathematical proof were difficult for even experts to grasp.

Los intrincados resultados de la prueba matemática fueron difíciles de comprender incluso para los expertos.

High-level academic context.

The current geopolitical landscape is the result of centuries of shifting alliances.

El panorama geopolítico actual es el resultado de siglos de alianzas cambiantes.

Broad historical and political scope.

The results of the longitudinal study challenged long-held psychological theories.

Los resultados del estudio longitudinal desafiaron teorías psicológicas largamente sostenidas.

Technical academic terminology.

The tragedy was the result of a fatal flaw in the character's judgment.

La tragedia fue el resultado de un defecto fatal en el juicio del personaje.

Literary analysis of a character's downfall.

Synonyms

outcome consequence effect finding score conclusion

Antonyms

cause origin source

Common Collocations

final result

test results

achieve a result

positive result

negative result

direct result

expected result

surprising result

yield results

official results

Common Phrases

as a result

— Because of something that happened before. It is used to connect two ideas.

It rained; as a result, the game was cancelled.

as a result of

— Because of a specific thing. It is followed by a noun.

As a result of the rain, the grass is wet.

get results

— To achieve the outcome that you want. It often implies success.

If you want to get results, you must work hard.

end result

— The final outcome of a long or complicated process.

The end result was a beautiful new house.

with the result that

— Used to introduce the consequence of an action.

He forgot his keys, with the result that he was locked out.

see results

— To notice the changes or outcomes of an effort.

After a month of dieting, she began to see results.

net result

— The final outcome after everything has been considered.

The net result of the changes was a small profit.

desired result

— The specific outcome that someone wants to happen.

The medicine did not produce the desired result.

without result

— Doing something but not achieving anything.

They searched for the missing cat for hours, but without result.

tangible results

— Outcomes that are real and can be clearly seen or measured.

The investment has yet to produce any tangible results.

Often Confused With

result vs answer

An 'answer' is a response to a question. A 'result' is the outcome of a process or calculation.

result vs consequence

'Consequence' is often used for negative outcomes, while 'result' is more neutral.

result vs outcome

'Outcome' is often used for the final state of a complex or uncertain situation.

Idioms & Expressions

"the result of the day"

— The most important outcome of the entire day.

The result of the day was that we finally finished the project.

informal

"a result in itself"

— Something that is an achievement even if it wasn't the main goal.

Finishing the marathon was a result in itself, even if I didn't win.

neutral

"wait for the results to come in"

— To wait for the final information to be reported.

We are waiting for the election results to come in.

neutral

"produce results"

— To do something that leads to a successful outcome.

The new coach is expected to produce results immediately.

professional

"the result speaks for itself"

— The outcome is so clear that no explanation is needed.

The team won 10-0; the result speaks for itself.

neutral

"a foregone result"

— An outcome that is certain to happen before it even starts.

The victory was a foregone result because the other team was so weak.

neutral

"get a result"

— In British English, to win or get a draw in a sports match.

The team needs to get a result tonight to stay in the league.

informal/British

"a mixed result"

— An outcome that has both good and bad parts.

The new policy had a mixed result; sales went up but costs also rose.

neutral

"by-result"

— An older term for a secondary or side effect.

The by-result of the new road was more noise in the neighborhood.

archaic

"the end result is all that matters"

— A philosophy that the outcome is more important than the process.

I don't care how you do it; the end result is all that matters.

informal

Easily Confused

result vs effect

Both describe what happens after a cause.

An 'effect' is the change itself. A 'result' is the final outcome or score.

The effect of the sun is heat. The result of the game was 3-0.

result vs score

Both are used in sports and tests.

A 'score' is the specific number. A 'result' can be the score or the win/loss status.

The score was 2-1. The result was a win for the home team.

result vs finding

Both are used in research.

A 'finding' is a specific piece of information discovered. A 'result' is the overall data.

The finding was that the drug works. The results were published in a journal.

result vs consequence

Both mean 'what happens after'.

Consequence usually implies a negative or moral outcome. Result is neutral.

The result of the rain was green grass. The consequence of stealing is jail.

result vs upshot

Both mean the final outcome.

Upshot is informal and used for complex situations. Result is more general.

The upshot of the argument was they quit. The result of the test was an A.

Sentence Patterns

The result of [noun] is [noun].

The result of the game is 1-1.

As a result of [noun], [sentence].

As a result of the rain, we stayed home.

[Sentence]; as a result, [sentence].

He studied hard; as a result, he passed.

The [adjective] result of [noun] was [noun].

The surprising result of the study was a new discovery.

The results indicate that [clause].

The results indicate that the policy is working.

The [noun] is the cumulative result of [noun].

The success is the cumulative result of years of effort.

I have my [noun] result.

I have my test result.

The result was [adjective].

The result was disappointing.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

The result for the test was an A. → The result of the test was an A.
We use 'of' to show the source or cause of the result.
As result, he was late. → As a result, he was late.
The phrase 'as a result' always requires the indefinite article 'a'.
The hard work results a success. → The hard work results in success.
When using 'result' as a verb, you must use the preposition 'in'.
I am waiting for my exam result. → I am waiting for my exam results.
While 'result' is possible, 'results' is much more common when referring to school grades.
The result to the game was 0-0. → The result of the game was 0-0.
Again, 'of' is the correct preposition to use with the noun 'result'.

Tips

Use 'of' after the noun

Always remember to use the preposition 'of' when connecting the result to its cause. For example: 'The result of the game'.

Learn common adjectives

Pair 'result' with adjectives like 'final', 'positive', 'negative', and 'surprising' to be more descriptive.

Use 'as a result' for logic

When explaining something, use 'as a result' to show the listener the connection between two events.

Plural for data

When writing about science or medicine, almost always use the plural 'results' to refer to the findings.

Sports results

In the UK, people often say 'get a result' to mean winning or doing well in a football match.

Research findings

In university papers, 'results' is a standard heading for the section where you present your data.

Business performance

Companies report their 'financial results' every three months. This is a key term in the business world.

Cooking and DIY

You can use 'result' to talk about how a meal turned out or the outcome of a home project.

Listen for 'the results are in'

This is a common phrase on TV shows and news when they are about to announce a winner or a score.

Result = Re-Salt

Think of 'result' as the 'salt' you add at the end of cooking to get the final taste.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'RE-SULT' as a 'RE-ply' from an 'ac-TULT' (action). The action happens, and the result is the reply or response from that action.

Visual Association

Imagine a row of falling dominoes. The first domino falling is the cause, and the last domino falling is the result.

Word Web

Score Grade Outcome Consequence Data Finding Effect End

Challenge

Try to use the word 'result' three times today: once about a game, once about a school or work task, and once using the phrase 'as a result'.

Word Origin

The word 'result' comes from the Latin word 'resultare,' which means 'to spring back' or 'to rebound.' It entered Middle French as 'resulter' and then came into English in the late 15th century.

Original meaning: The original meaning was literally to jump back or bounce back, which evolved into the idea of an effect 'springing' from a cause.

It belongs to the Indo-European language family, specifically the Italic branch via Latin.

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when asking about medical or exam results, as they can be a source of stress or bad news for people.

In the UK, 'results day' in August is a significant cultural moment when students receive their A-level and GCSE marks.

The phrase 'Results may vary' is a common legal disclaimer in American advertising. The 'Result' is a famous brand of outdoor clothing in the UK. In sports journalism, 'The Result' is often the title of columns summarizing weekend games.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports

What was the final result?
The result was a draw.
A shock result.
Waiting for the results.

Education

When do we get our results?
I'm happy with my results.
Exam results.
Test results.

Medicine

The results are back.
Blood test results.
A negative result.
Reviewing the results.

Business

Quarterly results.
We need better results.
Results-oriented.
Achieving results.

Science

Experimental results.
The results of the study.
Inconclusive results.
Analyzing the results.

Conversation Starters

"Did you hear the result of the game last night?"

"When are you expecting to get your exam results?"

"What do you think will be the result of the new law?"

"Are you happy with the result of your home renovation?"

"What was the result of your meeting with the boss?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you worked hard and were very happy with the result.

Describe a situation where an unexpected result changed your plans.

What is more important to you: the process of doing something or the final result?

Think about a mistake you made. What was the result of that mistake?

If you could change the result of one historical event, what would it be and why?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both! As a noun, it means an outcome (e.g., 'The result was good'). As a verb, it means to happen as a consequence (e.g., 'The rain resulted in a flood'). In this lesson, we are focusing on the noun form.

No, that is a common mistake. You should use 'result of' when using it as a noun. For example, 'The result of the test,' not 'The result to the test.'

They are very similar. 'Result' is more common for specific numbers or scores. 'Outcome' is often used for the final state of a complex situation like a meeting or a war.

Use the plural form when there are multiple outcomes or data points, such as medical test results, exam results for several subjects, or election results from different areas.

It is neutral to formal. It is perfect for both essays and professional emails. In very casual speech, people might just say 'so'.

Yes, a result can be positive, negative, or neutral. You can have a 'bad result' on a test or a 'disappointing result' in a game.

You can say 'The result of 10 divided by 2 is 5.' It refers to the final number you get after the calculation.

It describes a person or company that focuses on achieving specific goals and outcomes rather than just the process of working.

Technically, yes, because a result is already at the end. However, 'end result' is a very common phrase used for emphasis in English.

It is a term used in sports or politics when the outcome is completely unexpected, like a very small team beating a very famous one.