but therefore

USAGE SUMMARY

"but therefore" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to show a contrast between two ideas. For example, "I wanted to go out for dinner, but therefore I decided to stay in and cook instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Rowland: But therefore you say they take sides.

The Guardian

They can also be super smart and fully automated, but therefore complicated.

The Guardian - Tech

Inwardly at first (but therefore all the more distractedly), she strays, zoning out the park-view apartment and antique furniture.

The New York Times - Books

This is the scariest moment of my ministerial life but therefore also the most sublime.

The Economist

I cannot fault the doctors for ineptitude but therefore I'm reluctant to push meds until I understand as well as possible, side effects and benefits.

Harvard University

There are many observers who look at the horror inflicted upon Hiroshima and Nagasaki and conclude that not only was it wrong but therefore, almost by definition, unnecessary.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Richardson called such correspondence "familiar letters" - confidential, but also therefore self-critical.

The Guardian - Books

At best, you can be a well-intentioned but nonjudgmental and, therefore, condescending outsider.

The New Yorker

But first, therefore, the international reader requires some kind of description.

The New York Times - Books

Fisher barely missed the cut with this policy, but she therefore entered another applicant pool where race does play a role in the selection process.

The Guardian - Opinion

In other words, the open societies of the advanced economies create relationships that are optional and voluntary, but are therefore emotionally thinner.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but therefore" to connect contrasting ideas with a logical consequence. Ensure the relationship between the two parts of the sentence is clear and the consequence is a direct result of the contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "but therefore" when the connection between the contrasting idea and the consequence is weak or unclear. Ensure a strong logical link to prevent confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but therefore" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, linking two clauses where the second clause presents a logical consequence that arises in contrast to the first clause. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid and usable English construction. The examples from Ludwig show its ability to construct complex relationships between contrasting ideas.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but therefore" is a grammatically sound conjunctive phrase used to connect contrasting ideas with a subsequent logical consequence. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable expression. Its primary function is to establish a causal link following a contrast, making it suitable for neutral and somewhat formal contexts such as news articles, scientific publications, and academic writing. While not extremely common, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian confirms its validity and utility in conveying complex relationships between ideas. When using this phrase, ensure that the contrast and the resulting consequence are clearly linked to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, consequently

This alternative offers a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing the resulting consequence after a contrast.

yet, as a result

This option maintains the contrasting element while clearly indicating the outcome or effect.

nonetheless, thus

Focuses on the contrast first, then provides a formal transition to the conclusion.

nevertheless, accordingly

This suggests that despite the contrast, there's a logical alignment or agreement in what follows.

even so, for this reason

Highlights that despite the preceding statement, the following action or conclusion is logical.

still, because of that

Similar to the original, but with a slightly less formal tone.

despite that, in consequence

This option draws a sharper contrast, emphasizing the unexpected result.

in spite of that, so

Indicates that what follows is directly caused by the previous contrasting statement.

on the other hand, ergo

Presents a direct opposition before arriving at a logical conclusion.

conversely, that implies

Uses a direct opposite to set up the following implication.

FAQs

How can I use "but therefore" in a sentence?

Use "but therefore" to show a contrast followed by a direct consequence. For example, "He was tired, but therefore, he continued working".

What are some alternatives to "but therefore"?

You can use alternatives like "however consequently", "yet as a result", or "nonetheless thus" to express a similar relationship of contrast and consequence.

Is "but therefore" grammatically correct?

Yes, "but therefore" is grammatically correct when used to connect contrasting ideas with a logical result, as supported by examples from reliable sources.

What is the difference between "but therefore" and "but also"?

"But therefore" indicates a consequence resulting from a contrast, while "but also" simply adds another element without implying a direct cause-and-effect relationship.