therefore

Meaning

1. 1adverbnot comparableformal

   Introduces a result or conclusion that follows logically from what has just been said.

   Grammar: Often starts a clause or follows a semicolon, and is usually set off by commas: The road was closed; therefore, we turned back.

   Patterns

   • X; therefore, Y
   • and therefore Y

   The bridge is closed; therefore, drivers must take the northern route.

   She had not studied, and therefore she failed the test.

   Plastic does not break down quickly and is therefore harmful to wildlife.

Common combinations

and therefore

The cost has risen, and therefore we must raise our prices.

therefore, we can conclude

Therefore, we can conclude that the method is reliable.

I think, therefore I am

Students often quote the phrase I think, therefore I am in philosophy class.

must therefore

Applicants must therefore submit their forms by Friday.

therefore necessary

Safety checks are therefore necessary before each flight.

Synonyms and how they differ

thus

Thus is even more formal and often means in this way, while therefore always points to a conclusion.

consequently

Consequently stresses that something happened as a result, while therefore often links reasons to a logical conclusion.

so

So is the casual everyday word and can start a sentence in speech, whereas therefore sounds written and serious.

hence

Hence is more formal still and often leads into a noun phrase, as in hence the delay.

Word family

there adverb

in or to that place; part of the word's origin

wherefore adverb

an old-fashioned word meaning why or for which reason

thereby adverb

by that means

thereafter adverb

after that time

Commonly confused: therefore or therefor? therefore or however?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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