Therefore

USAGE SUMMARY

'therefore' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a subordinating conjunction used to introduce a conclusion or a result reached from the preceding clauses. For example: "The calculations showed that the project was too costly; therefore, we decided to cancel it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective Congress.

The Guardian - Sport

We ask therefore that the privacy of his family is respected in the coming days.

The Guardian

Therefore European rules and regulations need to be subject to regular reviews just as national rules and regulations [do].

The Guardian

I currently include £2.5bn for all tax and spectrum fines etc in India and therefore this outcome would be positive from a valuation perspective.

The Guardian - Business

This absence is at least partially explained by the thorough discrediting of nationalism after nazism and the fact that, unlike further east, communist elites did not become corrupt nouveaux riches (and therefore the subject of a rightwing backlash, as in Hungary, for instance).

The Guardian - Opinion

We therefore have much to thank Snow for.

The Guardian - Opinion

The underlying issue, therefore, is the rival claims of king and would-be caliph.

The Guardian - Opinion

He dresses like a banker, therefore he thinks like a banker, which is how today's finance ministers are supposed to think.

The Guardian - Opinion

Senior managers within ONS therefore made the decision to leave the sentence as it is".

The Guardian

The choice of the next Labour leader in Scotland is therefore seen as critical to the party's chances of forming the next government, as well as its chances of reviving itself north of the border.

The Guardian

The business leaders who have joined the B Team have committed to practise what they preach in their own businesses and will therefore come under an unprecedented spotlight.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "therefore" to clearly indicate a logical consequence or conclusion derived from previously stated information. This helps to enhance the coherence and flow of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "therefore" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for more natural alternatives like "so" or "that's why" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "therefore" is to act as an conjunctive adverb, linking two independent clauses and indicating that the second clause is a logical consequence or result of the first. Ludwig AI supports this interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Therefore" is a conjunctive adverb used to indicate that the second statement is a logical consequence of the first. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various domains, predominantly in news, formal writing, and opinion pieces. While grammatically correct, it should be used judiciously in informal contexts to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives such as "consequently", "thus", and "as a result" can be used depending on the nuance desired. Remember to use "therefore" to establish a clear connection between ideas, ensuring coherence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Consequently

Emphasizes the result or effect that logically follows from a preceding statement.

Thus

Suggests a logical deduction or inference based on the previous information.

Hence

Implies a natural or logical consequence derived from what has been stated.

Accordingly

Indicates that something is done in a way that is appropriate to what has already occurred or been decided.

As a result

Directly points to the outcome or consequence of a specific action or situation.

For this reason

Highlights the specific cause or justification leading to a particular conclusion.

Because of this

Similar to 'as a result' but emphasizes the direct causal link.

In consequence

A more formal way of saying 'as a result' or 'consequently'.

Ergo

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for 'therefore', often used in philosophical or logical contexts.

For that reason

Highlights the preceding reason as the direct cause for the following statement.

FAQs

How do you use "therefore" in a sentence?

"Therefore" connects two related clauses where the second clause is a logical consequence of the first. For example, "The data was compelling; "therefore", we changed our strategy."

What are some alternatives to using "therefore"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "consequently", "thus", "hence", or "as a result" instead of "therefore".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "therefore"?

While it is generally acceptable to start a sentence with "therefore", it's often better to integrate it within the sentence to maintain a smoother flow. Starting a sentence with it can sometimes sound too abrupt.

What's the difference between "therefore" and "because"?

"Therefore" indicates a conclusion or result, whereas "because" explains the reason or cause. For instance, "It was raining, "therefore", I took an umbrella" (result), versus "I took an umbrella "because" it was raining" (cause).