# therefore

/ˈðɛɹˌfɔɹ/ (US) · /ðˈeəfɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/therefore
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. consequently

adverb · CEFR B1 · Formal

for that reason; you use this to show the result of what you just said.

For teachers: introducing a logical conclusion or consequence of the facts just stated.

- The player was injured and therefore could not play in the final match.
- The research team failed to secure additional funding; therefore, the project was terminated before the final testing phase could begin.

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.

## 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.

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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.