# thereby

/ˈðɛɹˈbaɪ/ (US) · /ðeəbˈaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thereby
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

as a result of a specific action. You use it to show that one thing happened because of another thing you just mentioned.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He worked hard thereby he succeeded." but "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.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before a present participle (-ing form) to show a direct result of the preceding clause.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.