and therefore

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseformal

   used to introduce a result that follows logically from what was just said.

   Grammar: Joins two clauses: 'It rained, and therefore we stayed inside.' Can also start a sentence in formal writing: 'And therefore, we must act.'

   Patterns

   • clause, and therefore clause
   • and therefore + verb

   The data were incomplete, and therefore the results are uncertain.

   She missed the deadline, and therefore lost the contract.

   Demand rose sharply, and therefore prices increased.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseformal

   used to connect a reason with its consequence in a more formal way than 'so'.

   Grammar: Often used in academic and business writing to show cause and effect.

   Patterns

   • and therefore, clause
   • and therefore not

   The company cut costs, and therefore it survived the recession.

   He was late, and therefore missed the opening speech.

Common combinations

and therefore must

The rules are strict, and therefore must be followed.

and therefore not

The plan is expensive, and therefore not practical.

and therefore we

The evidence is clear, and therefore we recommend approval.

and therefore the

The system failed, and therefore the test was invalid.

Synonyms and how they differ

and so

Less formal and more common in speech; 'and therefore' is better in academic writing.

consequently

Similar meaning but can start a sentence without 'and' and often sounds slightly more formal.

thus

More formal and literary; often used in academic writing without 'and'.

Word family

therefore adverb

for that reason; used alone to introduce a logical result.

Commonly confused: and therefore or therefor?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “and therefore”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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