Word
therefore
Phoneticsthere·fore, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈðɛɹˌfɔɹ/
UK/ðˈeəfɔː/
Sentence adverb
Definition
adv. for that reason; you use this to show the result of what you just said.
adv. introducing a logical conclusion or consequence of the facts just stated.
Examples
“The shop was closed; therefore, I went home.”
“The research team lacked sufficient funding and therefore decided to cancel the final stage of the experiment.”
“The witness was unable to provide a consistent timeline of events; therefore, the prosecution struggled to establish a clear motive during the trial.”
Examples
simple
“The shop was closed; therefore, I went home.”
contextual
“The research team lacked sufficient funding and therefore decided to cancel the final stage of the experiment.”
complex
“The witness was unable to provide a consistent timeline of events; therefore, the prosecution struggled to establish a clear motive during the trial.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “therefore” in context.
Verb
01. therefore chose the
“She wanted a reliable car and therefore chose the most popular model.”
adv + verb + noun
02. therefore concluded that
“The researchers found no evidence and therefore concluded that the theory was wrong.”
adv + verb + that-clause
03. therefore decided to
“The weather was terrible; we therefore decided to cancel the picnic.”
adv + verb + infinitive
04. therefore seems likely
“The demand for oil is rising; it therefore seems likely that prices will increase.”
adv + verb + adj
Adverb
05. therefore highly recommended
“The hotel has excellent reviews and is therefore highly recommended for families.”
adv + adj
06. therefore strictly necessary
“The surgery is complex and therefore strictly necessary for his recovery.”
adv + adj
Usage
Often placed after a semicolon or at the start of a new sentence to link ideas.
Teaching tip
While common in academic writing and formal speech, it can sound too stiff in casual conversation where 'so' is preferred.
Pitfall
The weather was bad, therefore, we stayed home.
The weather was bad; therefore, we stayed home.
In formal writing, 'therefore' cannot connect two independent sentences with only a comma. Use a semicolon or start a new sentence.
Etymology
From Middle English therfore, therfor, tharfore, thorfore; synchronically a univerbation of there (pronominal adverb) + for, literally “for that (reason)”. The spelling has been changed due to a reanalysis as there + fore (literally “forward from that; thence”). See also therefor, ultimately the same formation. Compare Saterland Frisian deerfoar, Dutch daarvoor, German dafür, Danish and Norwegian derfor, Swedish därför.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
- Register
- Formal
QR code
englishreference.com/q/therefore