Word
thereby
Phoneticsthere·by
US/ˈðɛɹˈbaɪ/
UK/ðeəbˈaɪ/
Definition
adv. as a result of a specific action. You use it to show that one thing happened because of another thing you just mentioned.
adv. by that means; as a result of the action or circumstance just described. Functions as a conjunctive adverb to show consequence.
Examples
“He saved money every month, thereby allowing him to buy a house.”
“The company automated its assembly line, thereby reducing production costs and increasing its profit margins.”
“The treaty established a new maritime border, thereby resolving a decades-long territorial dispute that had previously hindered economic cooperation between the two neighboring nations.”
Examples
simple
“He saved money every month, thereby allowing him to buy a house.”
contextual
“The company automated its assembly line, thereby reducing production costs and increasing its profit margins.”
complex
“The treaty established a new maritime border, thereby resolving a decades-long territorial dispute that had previously hindered economic cooperation between the two neighboring nations.”
Usage
Typically placed before a present participle (-ing form) to show a direct result of the preceding clause.
Pitfall
He worked hard thereby he succeeded.
He worked hard, thereby succeeding.
Thereby is an adverb, not a conjunction; it cannot join two independent clauses without a semicolon or by using a participle.
Real-World Examples
Common in science writing
“Canadians shelled out more than $6 billion to build it, thereby connecting Windsor and Detroit.” “Extending the lifetime of mRNA while increasing protein production could potentially reduce the amount of mRNA required for treatment and thereby lower the risk of dose-related side effects.” Etymology
From Middle English therby, from Old English ðǣrbig, equivalent to there + by. Compare the parallel formation of German dabei.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/thereby