Words / B1

THAIRF-or/ˈðeəfɔː/

Therefore means for that reason. It is more formal than so. It often sits after a semi-colon or at the start of a sentence: The shop was closed; therefore we left. Thus and hence are even more formal. So is the everyday linker. Do not pair therefore with so in the same link.

Meaning

For that reason.

Examples

• “The shop was closed; therefore we went home.”
• “He was the most experienced and was therefore chosen.”
• “The evidence is weak; therefore we cannot act yet.”

Good to know

formal = so / for that reason. Typical: clause; therefore clause.

Near in meaning

so

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