The word therefore is a handy tool for showing cause-and-effect relationships in writing. But many people struggle with using it correctly. In this blog, we’ll cover synonyms for therefore and provide examples of how to use therefore in a sentence. Let’s get started!
What Does Therefore Mean?
Therefore means “for that reason” or “as a result.“
It links a cause to its effect. For example:
“She didn’t set an alarm; therefore, she overslept.”
In this sentence, therefore shows that oversleeping happened because she forgot her alarm.
Can You Start a Sentence with Therefore?
Yes, you can start a sentence with therefore! However, it must connect to the previous idea logically. For example:
“The roads were icy. Therefore, school was canceled.”
Here, therefore introduces the result of the icy roads. Always use a comma after therefore when starting a sentence.
How to Use Therefore
Follow these steps to use therefore correctly:
- Connect two ideas where one is the result of the other.
- Place therefore between the cause and effect.
- Use proper punctuation:
- In the middle of a sentence, use a semicolon before therefore and a comma after:
“He missed the bus; therefore, he was late.” - At the start of a sentence, use a comma after therefore:
“Therefore, he was late.”
- In the middle of a sentence, use a semicolon before therefore and a comma after:
Therefore Synonym
Using another word for therefore can make your writing less repetitive. Here are common therefore synonyms:
- Consequently
- Thus
- Hence
- Accordingly
- So
- Ergo (formal/literary)
- Thereupon (archaic/formal)
- Wherefore (archaic)
Therefore Synonyms in Sentences
“It rained all day; consequently, the game was canceled.”
Here, consequently replaces therefore without changing the meaning.
If you’re looking for another word for therefore, try thus or hence. Try thus or hence. These work well in essays or reports. For example:
“The budget was cut; thus, hiring froze.”
“The road was closed; thus, we took a detour.”
“She forgot her passport; hence, she couldn’t board the flight.”
The flight was delayed; hence, we waited.”
Thereupon” is archaic but still a synonym. Some synonyms work better in specific contexts. For example, “so” is more conversational, while “thus” is formal. Also, “ergo” is used in philosophical contexts.
Usage Notes
- Thus/Hence/Therefore/Consequently: Best for formal writing (e.g., essays, reports).
- So/That’s why: More casual, ideal for everyday speech.
- Ergo/Wherefore: Use sparingly; they sound old-fashioned or overly formal.
- Each synonym keeps the cause-effect relationship clear.
How to Use Therefore in a Sentence
Let’s look at how to use therefore in a sentence with clear examples:
10 sentences starting with Therefore that show cause-and-effect relationships:
- Therefore, the project was delayed due to unexpected budget cuts.
- Therefore, she decided to study harder after failing the first exam.
- Therefore, the company canceled the event because of low attendance.
- Therefore, we chose to take the train instead of driving in heavy snow.
- Therefore, he apologized after realizing his mistake.
- Therefore, the team revised their strategy to improve efficiency.
- Therefore, the government issued a warning about the incoming storm.
- Therefore, the teacher extended the deadline for the assignment.
- Therefore, they planted more trees to combat air pollution.
- Therefore, the doctor recommended a healthier diet for better results.
Each sentence begins with “Therefore” to emphasize the logical result of a prior action or situation. 😊
Sentences with “therefore” in the middle, using proper punctuation to connect cause and effect:
- She studied hard for weeks; therefore, she aced the exam.
- The team worked overtime; therefore, they met the deadline.
- He forgot his umbrella; therefore, he got soaked in the rain.
- The road was blocked; therefore, we took a detour.
- The budget was approved; therefore, the project could begin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use therefore without a cause:
❌ “Therefore, she left.” (Missing the reason!)
✅ “She felt sick; therefore, she left.” - Avoid overusing it: Swap with synonyms like thus or as a result.
Conclusion
Mastering therefore is easy once you know the rules. Use it to link causes and effects, start sentences carefully, and swap it with synonyms for therefore like consequently or hence to keep your writing fresh. With these tips and examples of how to use therefore correctly in a sentence, you’ll write clearly and logically every time!
Confused about Hegemonic. Click to know more