thus

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'thus' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'thus' to indicate a consequence or result, typically of something said previously. For example: I have finished the task; thus, I can begin the next project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was ever thus.

The New York Times

As a result, the country lost a further 21 positions in the policy evaluation compared to last year, thus replacing Canada as the worst-performing industrial country".

The Guardian

It wasn't always thus.

The New York Times - Travel

In the phrase "It was he," "it" and "he" are the same thing: they're both the subject, and thus nominative.

The Economist

It was not always thus.

The New York Times

One example is the Advanced Market Commitment tool, where donors pledge to purchase developing country disease-focused vaccines or medicines, giving companies a commercial buyer and thus a reason to risk their R&D investment and product development.

The Guardian

Thus do peaches and nectarines turn into issues involving debt mountains, military no-go zones and historic ethnic rivalries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thus it was able to predict "double-digit" enhancement to earnings in the first year of ownership; if achieved, that would be a good start.

The Guardian

Nuno believes Spanish players are unused to that style and its rarity in Spain can thus make its impact even greater.

The Guardian - Sport

Cathars ambushed him in a forest and killed him – thus giving the official church even more excuse to persecute "heretics".

The Guardian - Arts

Thus that inaugural series was played in dowdy whites with coloured stripes down the side.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a concise and direct writing style, "thus" can be more effective than longer alternatives like "as a result" or "consequently".

Common error

Avoid using "thus" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday situations.

How to use

Learn how to use "thus" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The adverb "thus" functions as a conjunctive adverb, connecting two independent clauses by indicating a cause-and-effect relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces a consequence or result. It’s often used to create a logical flow in arguments or explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thus" is a conjunctive adverb used to indicate a consequence or result, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and frequently found in formal writing contexts like news, business, and science. While "thus" enhances logical flow, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding pretentious. Alternatives like "therefore" or "consequently" may suit different contexts better. By understanding its appropriate use and potential substitutes, writers can effectively communicate cause-and-effect relationships in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

therefore

A more formal synonym that explicitly indicates a logical conclusion.

consequently

Highlights the direct result of a preceding action or statement.

hence

Implies a logical deduction or inference based on prior information.

as a result

A straightforward phrase emphasizing the outcome of an event or situation.

accordingly

Suggests that an action is taken in response to a particular situation.

in consequence

A formal way of stating the outcome or effect of something.

ergo

A Latin term used to formally state a conclusion.

for this reason

Clearly indicates the cause that leads to a specific outcome.

because of this

Emphasizes the causal link between an event and its subsequent result.

that being the case

Introduces a conclusion based on the circumstances just described.

FAQs

How can I use "thus" in a sentence?

"Thus" is typically used to indicate a consequence or result. For instance, "The experiment was successful; "thus", we can proceed with the next phase".

What are some alternatives to using "thus"?

Alternatives to "thus" include "therefore", "consequently", or "as a result", which can be used depending on the specific context.

Is "thus" formal or informal?

"Thus" is generally considered a formal term and is more appropriate for academic, professional, or journalistic writing rather than casual conversation.

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

While both "thus" and "therefore" indicate a consequence, "therefore" often implies a more direct logical deduction, whereas "thus" can be a broader statement of result.