hence

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparableformal

   For that reason; as a result of what was just said.

   Grammar: Often starts a clause, followed by a noun or clause: hence the delay.

   Patterns

   • hence the something

   The road was icy, hence the delays.

   He was new to the city, hence his confusion.

   Sales fell sharply; hence we cut costs.

2. 2adverbnot comparableformalold-fashioned

   From now, used after a period of time to mean later.

   Grammar: Follows the time expression: two years hence.

   Patterns

   • years hence

   Five years hence, this town will look different.

   We will meet again a month hence.

Common combinations

hence the name

The cafe is by a river, hence the name.

hence why

It was cold, hence why we left.

years hence

Ten years hence, who knows?

and hence

It is cheaper and hence popular.

Synonyms and how they differ

therefore

Therefore is equally formal but often introduces a full logical conclusion.

thus

Thus can also mean in this way, which hence does not.

so

So is the casual everyday word.

Commonly confused: hence or thence?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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