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B1 noun #44 most common 14 min read

results

Top 44

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips results in 30 Seconds

Explanation results in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'results' is a word you use to talk about simple things like the score of a game or the grade on a small test. Think of it as the 'answer' or the 'end' of something you did. For example, if you play a football match, the result is who won and what the score was (like 2-1). If you do a homework assignment, the result is the mark your teacher gives you. You might hear people ask, 'What was the result?' It is a very useful word for talking about everyday activities and seeing what happened at the end. You can also see it on the computer when you search for something on Google. The list of websites you see are the 'results.' It is a simple way to say 'what happened.' You don't need to worry about complex meanings yet. Just remember that it usually means the final information after an action.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'results' in more situations, like talking about your health or your progress in learning. You might go to the doctor and wait for 'test results' to see if you are healthy. In school, you wait for 'exam results' at the end of the term. You can also use it to describe the effect of something simple. For example, 'As a result of the rain, I am wet.' Here, 'result' helps you explain why something happened. You will also see 'search results' every time you use the internet. It's important to remember that 'results' is usually plural when we talk about a lot of information, like all the scores in a competition. You can say 'The results were good' to mean that everything turned out well. It is a very common word in both speaking and writing to show the outcome of an action.

At the B1 level, 'results' becomes a key word for discussing cause and effect in more detail. You should be comfortable using phrases like 'as a result of' to link ideas in your writing. For example, 'As a result of the economic crisis, many people lost their jobs.' You also use 'results' to talk about business and work. A company might report its 'annual results' to show how much money it made. In science class, you talk about the 'results of an experiment.' At this level, you understand that 'results' are the evidence of success or failure. You might hear people talk about 'achieving results' or 'getting results,' which means being successful. It is also used in sports news to give the scores of many different games at once. You are starting to see the word in more formal contexts, like news reports and official documents.

At the B2 level, you use 'results' with more precision and variety. You can distinguish between 'preliminary results' (early data) and 'final results.' You might use adjectives like 'tangible,' 'mixed,' or 'inconclusive' to describe the quality of the results. For instance, 'The new policy had mixed results, with some areas improving and others getting worse.' You are also able to use the word in academic contexts, referring to the 'results section' of a research paper where data is presented objectively. You understand the difference between 'results' and 'consequences,' knowing that 'consequences' often sounds more negative. You can use the verb form 'result in' or 'result from' fluently to describe complex relationships between events. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'results' as a metric for performance and efficiency in professional settings.

At the C1 level, you use 'results' in highly sophisticated ways, often within complex argumentative or analytical structures. You might discuss the 'statistical significance of results' or how certain results 'corroborate' or 'refute' a hypothesis. You are aware of the subtle nuances between 'results,' 'findings,' and 'outcomes,' and you choose the most appropriate term for your specific context. In business, you might analyze 'bottom-line results' or 'operating results' with a deep understanding of what those metrics imply. You can use the word to discuss abstract concepts, such as the 'results of a cultural shift' or the 'long-term results of a political ideology.' Your use of collocations is natural and varied, and you can easily navigate the word's usage in legal, medical, and scientific jargon. You understand how 'results' function as a rhetorical tool to provide evidence and build a persuasive case.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'results' is complete. You use it with total precision, often in high-level academic or professional discourse. You might critique the 'methodology' that led to certain 'skewed results' or discuss the 'implications of the results' in a broader philosophical or societal context. You are adept at using the word in idiomatic and metaphorical ways, and you can seamlessly integrate it into complex, multi-clause sentences. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how its meaning has evolved in different fields. Whether you are writing a doctoral thesis, a high-level policy brief, or a literary essay, you use 'results' to anchor your arguments in objective reality while acknowledging the complexities of interpretation. You can play with the word's connotations to achieve specific stylistic effects, demonstrating a native-like command of its every nuance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

results in 30 Seconds

Results are the final outcomes or consequences of actions, events, or processes, serving as the end point of a sequence.
The word is commonly used in sports, medicine, education, and business to describe scores, test data, and performance metrics.
Grammatically, 'results' is a plural countable noun, often used with verbs like 'achieve,' 'produce,' and 'analyze.'
Synonyms include 'outcomes,' 'findings,' and 'consequences,' each carrying slightly different nuances and connotations in various contexts.

The word results is a fundamental noun in the English language that primarily describes the outcome, consequence, or effect of a specific action, event, or process. At its core, it represents the 'end point' of a sequence of events. When we talk about results, we are looking at what happened after something else took place. This could be as simple as the score of a football match or as complex as the findings of a decade-long scientific study. In everyday conversation, people use this word to quantify success or failure, to share information about their progress, and to describe the physical or abstract changes that occur following an intervention. For instance, if you study hard for an exam, the grade you receive is the result of your effort. If a company launches a new marketing campaign, the increase in sales is the result of that strategic move. The term is inherently linked to the concept of causality; without a cause, there can be no result.

Academic Context: In research and academia, results refer to the data collected and the subsequent findings that emerge from an experiment or observation. It is the objective evidence presented before the discussion or conclusion sections of a paper.
Medical Context: In healthcare, results usually refer to the information obtained from diagnostic tests, such as blood work, X-rays, or biopsies, which help doctors determine a patient's health status.
Sports Context: In athletics, results are the final scores, rankings, or times achieved by competitors in a race, match, or tournament.

The laboratory technician called the patient to discuss the blood test results which indicated a slight vitamin deficiency.

Beyond these specific fields, the word is ubiquitous in business and professional environments. Managers often focus on 'results-oriented' performance, meaning they care more about the final output than the specific methods used to get there. This highlights a cultural emphasis on efficiency and achievement. When someone says they want to see 'tangible results,' they are looking for evidence that is clear, measurable, and undeniable. This could be a profit margin, a completed project, or a visible improvement in a skill. Conversely, 'mixed results' suggests that some outcomes were positive while others were negative, indicating an inconsistent or inconclusive situation. The word is almost always used in the plural when referring to a set of data or a general outcome, though the singular 'result' is used for a single specific consequence.

After months of intense training, the athlete was thrilled with the results of the national championship.

In a broader philosophical sense, results represent the manifestation of our intentions in the physical world. We act with the hope of producing specific results, but the complexity of life often introduces variables that lead to unexpected results. This unpredictability is why the word is so frequently paired with adjectives like 'surprising,' 'disappointing,' or 'encouraging.' It is a word that bridges the gap between effort and reality. Whether you are waiting for the results of a political election or the results of a simple home-cooked recipe, the word carries a sense of anticipation and finality. It marks the moment when the 'doing' stops and the 'evaluating' begins. In summary, results are the evidence of life's processes, serving as the metrics by which we judge progress, success, and the effectiveness of our actions across every conceivable domain of human endeavor.

The search engine provided over a million results for the query in less than half a second.

Digital Context: In the age of the internet, 'search results' are the list of websites and information displayed by a search engine in response to a user's query.

We are still waiting for the official results of the local council elections to be announced.

Using the word results correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a plural noun and its relationship with various verbs and adjectives. Most commonly, 'results' functions as the direct object of a verb. For example, you can 'achieve results,' 'get results,' 'produce results,' or 'analyze results.' The choice of verb often dictates the tone of the sentence. 'Achieve' suggests a hard-won success, while 'produce' is more neutral and mechanical. In scientific contexts, researchers 'publish' or 'report' their results. When the results are not what was expected, we might say they 'contradict' previous findings or 'deviate' from the norm. It is also important to note that while 'result' can be a verb (e.g., 'The fire resulted in damage'), this section focuses on its noun form.

Common Verb Pairings: Show, indicate, suggest, demonstrate, prove, reveal, confirm, yield, deliver, obtain.

The latest quarterly report results show a significant increase in customer satisfaction.

Adjectives play a crucial role in qualifying the nature of the results. 'Positive results' and 'negative results' are the most basic descriptors, but more nuanced language is often required. 'Preliminary results' are those released early before all data is finalized. 'Inconclusive results' mean that no clear pattern or answer could be found. 'Tangible results' refer to something real and measurable, like money or physical products. In academic writing, you might see 'statistically significant results,' which means the outcome is unlikely to have occurred by chance. Using these adjectives allows you to provide much more detail about the quality and reliability of the outcome you are describing.

Despite the high costs, the project yielded very few results in the first year.

The word 'results' often appears in prepositional phrases. 'As a result of' is a very common way to link a cause to its effect (e.g., 'As a result of the rain, the game was cancelled'). In this phrase, 'result' is singular. However, when talking about the data itself, we use 'the results of.' For example, 'The results of the survey were surprising.' Another common structure is 'with the result that,' which introduces a clause describing the consequence of an action. Understanding these patterns is key to using the word naturally in both spoken and written English. Whether you are writing a formal business email or chatting with a friend about a recent test, these structures will help you communicate clearly and effectively.

The company's focus on innovation has led to impressive financial results this year.

Prepositional Usage: Results from, results of, results in (verb), as a result, with the result that.

The doctor is reviewing the results of your MRI scan right now.

You will encounter the word results in a vast array of real-world scenarios, ranging from the highly formal to the completely casual. One of the most common places is in the news media. Journalists frequently report on 'election results,' 'poll results,' or 'financial results' of major corporations. During an election cycle, the word 'results' is used almost constantly as people wait for the tallies from different districts. In the business world, 'quarterly results' are a major event for investors and employees alike, as they dictate stock prices and company bonuses. If you work in an office, you might hear your boss ask, 'What are the results of that meeting?' or 'We need to see better results from this department.'

In Education: Students live and breathe 'exam results.' In the UK, 'A-Level results day' is a major cultural moment every August, filled with both celebration and anxiety.
In Science: Researchers discuss 'experimental results' at conferences and in journals. The validity of a scientific claim rests entirely on the reproducibility of its results.

The news anchor announced that the election results were too close to call.

In the medical field, the word is used with a sense of gravity. Patients wait for 'test results' or 'biopsy results.' In this context, the word is often associated with health and well-being. A doctor might say, 'Your results came back clear,' which is a huge relief to a patient. In sports, 'results' is the standard term for the outcome of matches. You can find 'latest results' sections on every sports website and in every newspaper. Whether it's the score of a local high school basketball game or the outcome of the World Cup final, the word 'results' is the universal label for the final tally.

Check the sports section for the full results of yesterday's marathon.

In the digital world, 'search results' are something we interact with dozens of times a day. Every time you type a question into Google, you are presented with a 'results page.' This usage has become so common that we often don't even think about the word itself. Similarly, on social media, influencers might share the 'results' of a 30-day fitness challenge or a skincare routine. In these cases, the word is used to show a 'before and after' transformation. This visual representation of results is very powerful in marketing and personal branding. Whether it's a professional report or a casual Instagram post, 'results' are the evidence we use to prove that something works or that progress has been made.

The search engine's algorithm determines which results are most relevant to your keywords.

In Everyday Life: Waiting for the results of a cake bake, a DIY project, or even a simple coin toss.

The patient was anxious while waiting for the biopsy results from the hospital.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word results is confusing it with related words like 'consequences,' 'effects,' or 'outcomes.' While these words are often synonyms, they carry different connotations. 'Consequences' often implies a negative result (e.g., 'the consequences of your actions'), whereas 'results' is more neutral. 'Effects' usually refers to the direct impact of one thing on another (e.g., 'the effects of climate change'), while 'results' refers to the final state or data. Another common error is using the singular 'result' when the plural 'results' is required, especially when referring to a collection of data like exam scores or scientific findings. You would say 'My exam results were good,' not 'My exam result were good.'

Singular vs. Plural: Use 'result' for one specific outcome: 'The result of the match was a draw.' Use 'results' for a set of data: 'The survey results are in.'

Incorrect: The results of the study was very interesting.
Correct: The results of the study were very interesting.

Learners also struggle with the prepositional phrase 'as a result of.' A common mistake is saying 'as a result from' or 'as the result of.' While 'the result of' is grammatically correct in some contexts, 'as a result of' is the standard idiomatic expression used to show cause and effect. Additionally, the verb 'result' is often followed by 'in' (e.g., 'The accident resulted in a traffic jam') or 'from' (e.g., 'The traffic jam resulted from an accident'). Mixing these up can change the meaning of your sentence entirely. 'Result in' points to the effect, while 'result from' points to the cause. It's a small distinction that makes a big difference in clarity.

Incorrect: He got much results from his diet.
Correct: He got great results from his diet.

Another subtle mistake involves the word 'findings' in academic writing. While 'results' and 'findings' are often used interchangeably, 'results' usually refers to the raw data or the immediate outcome of an experiment, whereas 'findings' implies a level of interpretation or conclusion drawn from those results. Using 'results' when you mean 'conclusions' can make your writing seem less precise. Finally, be careful with the phrase 'with the result that.' It is often more natural to use 'so' or 'which meant that' in informal speech. Overusing 'with the result that' can make your speaking sound overly formal or robotic. By paying attention to these nuances, you can avoid common pitfalls and use 'results' like a native speaker.

Incorrect: As a result from the rain, we stayed home.
Correct: As a result of the rain, we stayed home.

Confusing Pairs: Result vs. Effect: A result is the final score; an effect is the impact. Result vs. Consequence: A result is neutral; a consequence is often negative.

The results of the experiment were published in a prestigious medical journal.

While results is a versatile and widely used word, there are many alternatives that can provide more precision or a different tone depending on the context. Understanding these synonyms will help you enrich your vocabulary and avoid repetition. 'Outcome' is perhaps the closest synonym, often used to describe the final state of a situation or negotiation. It feels slightly more formal than 'results.' 'Consequence' is another common alternative, but as mentioned before, it often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a punishment or a bad side effect. 'Effect' is used when focusing on the change produced by an action. For example, 'the effect of the medicine' focuses on how the medicine changed the body, while 'the results of the clinical trial' focuses on the data collected.

Outcome: The final state of a process or event. Example: 'We are happy with the outcome of the meeting.'
Consequence: A result that follows naturally or logically, often negative. Example: 'He had to face the consequences of his mistakes.'
Findings: Information or data discovered as a result of an investigation or study. Example: 'The findings of the report were shocking.'

The final outcome of the peace talks was a new ceasefire agreement.

In more specialized contexts, you might use words like 'aftermath,' 'upshot,' or 'payoff.' 'Aftermath' is almost exclusively used for the period following a destructive event, like a war or a natural disaster. 'Upshot' is an informal way to describe the final result or the 'bottom line' of a complex situation. 'Payoff' refers to the positive result of a long period of effort or investment. In scientific or mathematical contexts, 'product' can sometimes be used to describe the result of a process. For example, 'Heat is a product of this chemical reaction.' Using these specific terms can make your descriptions much more vivid and accurate.

The aftermath of the storm left the entire city without power for three days.

When comparing these words, it's helpful to think about the 'direction' of the result. 'Consequence' and 'effect' look backward at the cause. 'Outcome' and 'results' look forward at the end state. 'Findings' look inward at the data. 'Payoff' looks at the reward. By choosing the right word, you can emphasize different aspects of the situation. For instance, saying 'the results were poor' is a simple statement of fact. Saying 'the consequences were dire' adds a layer of emotional weight and seriousness. Mastering these synonyms allows you to tailor your language to your audience and your purpose, making you a more effective communicator in any setting.

The upshot of the whole argument was that they decided to go their separate ways.

Comparison Table

Results: General, data-focused, neutral.
Outcome: Situational, final state, slightly formal.
Consequence: Logical follow-up, often negative.
Findings: Research-based, investigative.
Effect: Impact-focused, direct change.

The years of hard work finally had a great payoff when she won the Nobel Prize.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In its earliest English usage in the 15th century, 'result' was actually used to describe the way sound or light reflects off a surface. It wasn't until the 17th century that it took on its modern meaning of an outcome or consequence.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /rɪˈzʌlts/

US /rɪˈzʌlts/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: re-ZULTS.

Rhymes With

Insults Consults Exults Adults (in some pronunciations) Difficults (rare) Occults Tumults Catapults

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (RE-zults) instead of the second.
Pronouncing the 's' like a 'z' at the end (though it can sound slightly voiced in some accents).
Using a long 'e' sound in the first syllable (ree-ZULTS) instead of a short 'i'.
Omitting the 't' sound in the middle (re-ZULS).
Confusing the noun pronunciation with the verb pronunciation (though they are the same).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in most texts.

Writing 3/5

Using the correct prepositions (as a result of) and plural forms can be tricky.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, and it's used frequently in conversation.

Listening 2/5

It is usually clear in speech, though it can be fast in news reports.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

End Score Work Test Game

Learn Next

Outcome Consequence Effect Impact Finding

Advanced

Corroborate Empirical Inconclusive Statistical Longitudinal

Grammar to Know

Subject-Verb Agreement

The results (plural) ARE (plural) interesting.

Prepositional Phrases

As a result OF (not from) the rain.

Countable Nouns

He had MANY (not much) good results.

Result as a Verb

The fire RESULTED IN (not resulted to) much damage.

Using 'Result' with 'That'

With the result THAT he was late.

Examples by Level

The football results were on the news.

Les résultats de football étaient aux informations.

Plural noun used as the subject.

I am happy with my test results.

Je suis content de mes résultats de test.

Used with the preposition 'with'.

What is the result of the game?

Quel est le résultat du match ?

Singular noun referring to one specific outcome.

Google showed many results for my search.

Google a affiché de nombreux résultats pour ma recherche.

Used in a digital context.

The results are in the envelope.

Les résultats sont dans l'enveloppe.

Plural noun with a definite article.

We are waiting for the results.

Nous attendons les résultats.

Present continuous verb followed by the object.

The result was a draw.

Le résultat était un match nul.

Singular noun used with the verb 'to be'.

Check the results on the website.

Vérifiez les résultats sur le site web.

Imperative sentence.

The doctor will give you the test results tomorrow.

Le médecin vous donnera les résultats des tests demain.

Future tense with 'will'.

As a result of the cold, the water turned to ice.

À cause du froid, l'eau s'est transformée en glace.

Common phrase 'as a result of'.

She worked hard and got good results.

Elle a travaillé dur et a obtenu de bons résultats.

Compound sentence with two past tense verbs.

The election results were very surprising.

Les résultats des élections étaient très surprenants.

Adjective 'surprising' modifying the noun.

I need to see the results of your work.

J'ai besoin de voir les résultats de ton travail.

Noun followed by a prepositional phrase.

The results show that the plan is working.

Les résultats montrent que le plan fonctionne.

Plural subject with a present tense verb.

He was disappointed by the results.

Il a été déçu par les résultats.

Passive voice construction.

The search results were not relevant.

Les résultats de la recherche n'étaient pas pertinents.

Negative sentence with an adjective.

The company published its financial results this morning.

L'entreprise a publié ses résultats financiers ce matin.

Possessive adjective 'its' used with the noun.

We are still waiting for the final results of the study.

Nous attendons toujours les résultats finaux de l'étude.

Adjective 'final' providing more detail.

The experiment yielded some very interesting results.

L'expérience a donné des résultats très intéressants.

Verb 'yielded' is common in scientific contexts.

As a result of the strike, all flights were cancelled.

À la suite de la grève, tous les vols ont été annulés.

Used to show cause and effect in a formal context.

The results of the survey indicate a change in public opinion.

Les résultats de l'enquête indiquent un changement dans l'opinion publique.

Verb 'indicate' suggests a formal tone.

You will achieve better results if you practice every day.

Tu obtiendras de meilleurs résultats si tu t'entraînes tous les jours.

First conditional sentence.

The results were mixed, so we need to do more research.

Les résultats étaient mitigés, nous devons donc faire plus de recherches.

Adjective 'mixed' indicates inconsistency.

The doctor is analyzing the results of the blood test.

Le médecin analyse les résultats de l'analyse de sang.

Present continuous verb with a specific object.

The preliminary results suggest that the drug is effective.

Les résultats préliminaires suggèrent que le médicament est efficace.

Adjective 'preliminary' used for early data.

The project failed to produce the desired results.

Le projet n'a pas réussi à produire les résultats escomptés.

Infinitive phrase 'to produce' followed by an object.

There was a significant discrepancy between the two sets of results.

Il y avait une divergence significative entre les deux séries de résultats.

Noun 'discrepancy' used to describe a difference in results.

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

Les résultats de l'enquête seront rendus publics la semaine prochaine.

Passive voice with a future time reference.

We must focus on achieving tangible results for our clients.

Nous devons nous concentrer sur l'obtention de résultats tangibles pour nos clients.

Adjective 'tangible' emphasizes measurable success.

The results of the referendum could change the country's future.

Les résultats du référendum pourraient changer l'avenir du pays.

Modal verb 'could' expressing possibility.

The study's results were consistent with previous findings.

Les résultats de l'étude étaient cohérents avec les conclusions précédentes.

Adjective 'consistent' used for comparison.

The results of the audit revealed several financial irregularities.

Les résultats de l'audit ont révélé plusieurs irrégularités financières.

Verb 'revealed' used for discovering information.

The researchers were cautious about interpreting the results too broadly.

Les chercheurs étaient prudents quant à l'interprétation trop large des résultats.

Gerund 'interpreting' used after a preposition.

The results of the longitudinal study provide compelling evidence for the theory.

Les résultats de l'étude longitudinale fournissent des preuves convaincantes de la théorie.

Adjective 'compelling' adds rhetorical weight.

The company's disappointing results led to a major restructuring.

Les résultats décevants de l'entreprise ont conduit à une restructuration majeure.

Adjective 'disappointing' acts as a cause.

The results were statistically significant, but the effect size was small.

Les résultats étaient statistiquement significatifs, mais la taille de l'effet était faible.

Technical academic terminology.

The results of the policy were far-reaching and largely unforeseen.

Les résultats de la politique ont été de grande envergure et en grande partie imprévus.

Adjectives 'far-reaching' and 'unforeseen' describe impact.

We need to triangulate the results from different data sources.

Nous devons trianguler les résultats de différentes sources de données.

Verb 'triangulate' is high-level research jargon.

The results of the trial were inconclusive, necessitating further testing.

Les résultats de l'essai n'ont pas été concluants, ce qui a nécessité des tests supplémentaires.

Participle phrase 'necessitating further testing'.

The results of the debate were widely discussed in the media.

Les résultats du débat ont été largement commentés dans les médias.

Adverb 'widely' modifying the passive verb.

The results of the experiment were skewed by a faulty calibration of the instruments.

Les résultats de l'expérience ont été faussés par un mauvais étalonnage des instruments.

Verb 'skewed' indicates biased or incorrect data.

The philosophical implications of these results challenge our understanding of consciousness.

Les implications philosophiques de ces résultats remettent en question notre compréhension de la conscience.

Abstract subject 'implications' linked to 'results'.

The results of the merger were a convoluted mess of redundant roles and conflicting cultures.

Les résultats de la fusion étaient un gâchis alambiqué de rôles redondants et de cultures conflictuelles.

Metaphorical use of 'mess' to describe results.

The results of the archaeological dig provided a window into a forgotten civilization.

Les résultats des fouilles archéologiques ont ouvert une fenêtre sur une civilisation oubliée.

Metaphorical phrase 'provided a window into'.

The results of the study were predicated on several controversial assumptions.

Les résultats de l'étude reposaient sur plusieurs hypothèses controversées.

Verb 'predicated on' is very formal and precise.

The results of the court case will have a profound impact on civil liberties.

Les résultats du procès auront un impact profond sur les libertés civiles.

Adjective 'profound' emphasizes the importance.

The results of the simulation were remarkably consistent with real-world observations.

Les résultats de la simulation étaient remarquablement cohérents avec les observations du monde réel.

Adverb 'remarkably' adds emphasis.

The results of the genetic sequencing revealed a previously unknown mutation.

Les résultats du séquençage génétique ont révélé une mutation jusque-là inconnue.

Highly technical scientific context.

Common Collocations

Achieve results

Positive results

Final results

Mixed results

Tangible results

Preliminary results

Search results

Produce results

Analyze results

Wait for results

Common Phrases

As a result of

— Because of something that happened previously. It links a cause to its effect.

As a result of the heavy rain, the match was postponed.

With the result that

— Used to introduce the consequence of an action or situation. It connects two clauses.

He missed the bus, with the result that he was late for the interview.

The end result

— The final outcome of a long or complicated process. It emphasizes the conclusion.

The end result was a beautiful house that they built themselves.

Direct result

— A consequence that follows immediately and clearly from a specific cause.

His success was a direct result of his dedication and hard work.

Desired results

— The specific outcomes that someone was hoping to achieve. It implies a goal.

The treatment did not produce the desired results for the patient.

Inconclusive results

— Results that do not provide a clear answer or prove anything. They are uncertain.

The DNA test gave inconclusive results, so they had to try again.

Immediate results

— Outcomes that happen very quickly after an action is taken. They are fast.

The new software provided immediate results for the company's efficiency.

Disappointing results

— Outcomes that are not as good as expected or hoped for. They cause sadness.

The team's disappointing results led to the manager being fired.

Consistent results

— Outcomes that are the same or similar over a period of time. They are reliable.

The athlete has shown consistent results throughout the entire season.

Official results

— The formal and verified outcomes of a competition, election, or test.

We are still waiting for the official results from the polling stations.

Often Confused With

results vs Result (verb)

The noun is the outcome; the verb means 'to happen because of something' (e.g., 'The accident resulted in a fire').

results vs Consequence

A consequence is a result, but it often implies something bad or a punishment.

results vs Effect

An effect is the impact of a cause; a result is the final data or state.

Idioms & Expressions

"The bottom line"

— The final result or the most important point, especially regarding money or profit.

The bottom line is that we need to increase our sales to stay in business.

Business/Informal

"Get results"

— To be successful in achieving what you want. It implies effectiveness.

If you want to get results, you need to be more disciplined.

Neutral

"A result in itself"

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

Finishing the marathon was a result in itself, regardless of my time.

Neutral

"The net result"

— The final outcome after all factors have been considered or balanced out.

The net result of the changes was a small but significant improvement.

Formal/Neutral

"Results-oriented"

— Focusing on the final outcome rather than the process or methods used.

The company has a very results-oriented culture where performance is key.

Business

"Yield results"

— To produce a particular outcome, often after a period of effort or waiting.

The new research is finally starting to yield results.

Formal/Neutral

"See results"

— To notice the effects or outcomes of an action, especially positive ones.

After three weeks of dieting, I am finally starting to see results.

Informal/Neutral

"In the final analysis"

— When everything has been considered; the ultimate result or conclusion.

In the final analysis, the results were not as bad as we feared.

Formal

"Bear fruit"

— To produce successful results after a period of work or waiting.

His long hours of study finally bore fruit when he passed the exam.

Neutral/Literary

"The end justifies the means"

— A philosophy where the final result is so important that any method used to get there is acceptable.

Some people believe the end justifies the means, but I disagree.

Philosophical/Formal

Easily Confused

results vs Outcome

They both mean what happens at the end.

'Results' is often used for data and scores, while 'outcome' is used for situations and events.

The results of the test were 90%, but the outcome of the course was that I learned a lot.

results vs Findings

Both are used in research.

'Results' are the raw data; 'findings' are the conclusions or discoveries made from that data.

The results showed a 5% increase, and the findings suggested that the new drug works.

results vs Consequence

Both describe what follows an action.

'Consequence' is often negative or formal; 'results' is neutral.

The result of the race was first place; the consequence of cheating was disqualification.

results vs Effect

Both are related to cause and effect.

'Effect' is the change itself; 'result' is the final measurement of that change.

The effect of the rain was wet grass; the result of the storm was three fallen trees.

results vs Aftermath

Both follow an event.

'Aftermath' is used for the period following a disaster; 'results' is for any process.

The results of the game were announced, but the aftermath of the riot lasted for weeks.

Sentence Patterns

The [Noun] results are [Adjective].

The game results are good.

I am waiting for my [Noun] results.

I am waiting for my test results.

As a result of [Noun], [Clause].

As a result of the storm, the power went out.

The results suggest that [Clause].

The results suggest that the new law is effective.

The results were consistent with [Noun].

The results were consistent with our initial hypothesis.

The implications of the results are [Adjective].

The implications of the results are profound and far-reaching.

Achieve [Adjective] results.

We want to achieve positive results this year.

The results of the [Noun] revealed [Noun].

The results of the audit revealed several errors.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in all domains of English.

Common Mistakes

The results of the test was good. → The results of the test were good.
Results is a plural noun, so it requires a plural verb (were).
As a result from the rain, we stayed home. → As a result of the rain, we stayed home.
The correct idiomatic phrase is 'as a result of'.
He got much results from his hard work. → He got many results from his hard work.
Results is a countable noun, so you should use 'many' instead of 'much'.
The accident resulted to a fire. → The accident resulted in a fire.
The verb 'result' is followed by the preposition 'in' when pointing to the effect.
I am waiting for my exam result. → I am waiting for my exam results.
While 'result' is possible, 'results' is much more natural when referring to a set of scores.

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always remember that 'results' is plural. Use 'the results are' instead of 'the results is'.

Use Synonyms

To make your writing more interesting, try using 'outcomes' or 'findings' instead of repeating 'results'.

As a result of

Use this phrase to link a cause to an effect. It's very common in formal writing.

Stress the second syllable

The stress is on 'zults'. Saying it correctly helps people understand you better.

Results-oriented

This is a great buzzword to use in job interviews to show you focus on getting things done.

Results Section

In a lab report, keep the results section objective. Save your opinions for the discussion section.

Waiting for results

This is a very common phrase in healthcare. It implies a period of anxiety or anticipation.

Search Results

This is the standard term for what you see on Google. You can 'filter' or 'sort' these results.

Tangible Results

Use this adjective to emphasize that your work has led to real, measurable changes.

Result from vs Result in

Remember: 'Result in' = Effect. 'Result from' = Cause. Don't mix them up!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'RE-sult' as the 'RE-turn' on your effort. You put work in, and the result is what you get back.

Visual Association

Imagine a scoreboard at the end of a game showing the final numbers. Those numbers are the results.

Word Web

Exam Score Outcome Data Consequence Search Medical Success

Challenge

Write three sentences about a goal you have. Use the word 'results' to describe how you will know you have achieved that goal.

Word Origin

The word 'result' comes from the Latin verb 'resultare,' which means 'to spring back' or 'to rebound.' It is composed of 're-' (back) and 'saltare' (to leap or jump). This original meaning suggests a physical action of bouncing back after hitting something.

Original meaning: To spring back, rebound, or echo.

Italic -> Latin -> Old French -> Middle English.

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing medical or exam results, as they can be a source of great anxiety or disappointment for people.

In the UK, 'Results Day' is a specific and very stressful day in August when students receive their national exam scores.

The phrase 'The end justifies the means' is often attributed to Machiavelli's political philosophy. Search engine results pages (SERPs) are a central part of modern digital life. The 'Results' section is a mandatory part of any standard scientific paper format (IMRaD).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

Exam results
Test results
Get your results
Pass results

Business

Quarterly results
Financial results
Achieve results
Bottom-line results

Medicine

Blood test results
Biopsy results
Wait for results
Clear results

Sports

Final results
Match results
Latest results
Score results

Technology

Search results
Page results
Top results
Filter results

Conversation Starters

"Have you heard the results of the election yet?"

"When do you expect to get your exam results back?"

"What kind of results are you hoping for from this new project?"

"Do you think results are more important than the effort you put in?"

"How do you feel when you get unexpected results from something you did?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you worked very hard for something. What were the results, and how did you feel about them?

Describe a situation where the results were not what you expected. What did you learn from that experience?

In your opinion, are 'results' the best way to measure a person's success in life? Why or why not?

Think about a goal you have for the next month. What tangible results do you want to see by the end of it?

How do you handle waiting for important results, like medical tests or job interview outcomes?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you can use the singular 'result' when referring to one specific outcome, like 'The result of the match was 1-0.' However, when referring to a set of data or scores, 'results' is much more common.

'Result in' points to the effect (e.g., 'Smoking results in cancer'). 'Result from' points to the cause (e.g., 'Cancer can result from smoking').

You don't usually call a person a 'result,' but you can talk about the results of their actions or their performance results.

Yes, they are very similar. 'As a result' is a prepositional phrase, while 'therefore' is a conjunctive adverb. Both are used to show a logical consequence.

Use 'findings' in academic or investigative writing when you are talking about the discoveries or conclusions you made from your data.

It is neutral. It can be used in very formal scientific papers and in very informal conversations with friends.

Yes, 'result' is also a verb. For example, 'The argument resulted in a fight.' In this case, it is usually followed by 'in' or 'from'.

Tangible results are outcomes that you can see, touch, or measure clearly, like money, a finished building, or a physical product.

In American English, people often say 'test scores' or 'grades,' but 'test results' is also perfectly fine and understood.

'Mixed results' means that some outcomes were good and some were bad, or that the overall outcome was not clearly successful or unsuccessful.