therefore

therefore — adverb

1. a word that links a previously stated fact, reason, or situation to the logical

1.adverbB1
Definition

a word that links a previously stated fact, reason, or situation to the logical outcome or conclusion that follows from it

Example

The train was delayed by two hours; therefore, we missed the beginning of the concert.

semicolon + therefore linking cause to effect

Elena's laptop stopped working; therefore, she had to finish her report in the library.

therefore connecting a problem to its consequence

Common collocations
  • and therefore
  • or therefore
Synonyms
  • consequently

    slightly more formal than 'therefore'; emphasizes the directness of the result

  • thus

    more concise and literary; common in academic writing

  • hence

    very formal and somewhat old-fashioned; often used with time expressions ('five years hence')

  • so

    the everyday, neutral alternative; used in speech and informal writing

Antonyms
  • nevertheless

    introduces a contrasting idea rather than a result

  • however

    signals a shift or concession instead of a logical consequence

Grammar Patterns

[cause clause]; therefore, [result clause]

[cause clause]. Therefore, [result clause]

Usage Note

More formal than the everyday alternative 'so'; therefore is typical in academic essays, official documents, and formal speeches. In writing, a semicolon or period usually precedes it when joining two independent clauses.

Common Mistakes

The store was closed, so therefore we went home.
The store was closed; therefore, we went home.' or 'The store was closed, so we went home.
'so' and 'therefore' are redundant together; choose one.
I was tired therefore I went to bed early.
I was tired; therefore, I went to bed early.
A semicolon or period is needed before 'therefore' between two independent clauses.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Therefore, so, consequently, thus, and hence all express a cause-effect relationship but differ in formality and typical use. 'So' is the everyday, neutral choice for speech and informal writing. 'Therefore' is the standard formal linking adverb in academic and professional writing, often preceded by a semicolon. 'Consequently' emphasises the result as a direct outcome and carries a slightly heavier formal tone than 'therefore'. 'Thus' is more concise and literary, often introducing a conclusion or method. 'Hence' is the most formal and is primarily used in very formal writing or fixed expressions like 'five years hence'. For example: 'She trained every day; therefore, she won the competition' uses a formal tone. In conversation, you would say: 'She trained every day, so she won the competition.'

so ↗consequently ↗thus ↗hence ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • and therefore
  • or therefore
  • therefore, [clause]

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Therefore comes from Old English 'þærfore', a compound of 'þær' (there) and 'for' (for). It literally meant 'for that' and has been used in English since the 12th century to introduce logical conclusions based on what was just said.