Is therefore one or two words?
Therefore is an adverb that means “as a consequence,” “as a result,” or “hence.” Therefor is an adverb that means “for that,” or “for it.”
Is therefor a correct spelling?
While it is true that some people could make this mistake, therefor and therefore are both correct spellings of different words with different definitions. Therefor is an adverb that means in exchange for this or that or sometimes simply for that.
Does therefore have an E?
Therefore is much more commonly found in everyday English. Since therefore has an extra E, the letter that begins English, you should be able to remember that therefore is an everyday word, while therefor is not.
Do you put a comma after therefore?
In your sample sentence, therefore is used as an interrupter, so you do need to put a comma before and after it. Example: I, therefore, recommended to him… If it’s being used as a conjunctive adverb, you’d need a semicolon and a comma. Example: He’s my teacher; therefore, I need to respect him.
Where do you put therefore in a sentence?
Using therefore is perfectly acceptable as long as you partner it with the right punctuation, although it can get a bit confusing as it does have different uses. You can put it in the middle of a sentence with two commas, and it can also be placed at the start of a sentence.
Can you use however and therefore in the same sentence?
The words however and therefore are adverbs. However often functions as a conjunctive adverb, kind of a hybrid part of speech! And according to Webster, therefore is an adverb often used with “conjunctive force.” There is no problem when these two words are at the beginning of a sentence.
Does hence need a comma?
Like its meaning and general usage in sentences, there is also no standard rule on using commas with “hence”. Generally, “hence” has a comma before it.
What is the difference between Hence and therefore?
The difference between Hence and Therefore When used as adverbs, hence means from here, from this place, away, whereas therefore means for that or this purpose, referring to something previously stated.
How do you use thus in grammar?
Use the adverb thus in place of words like therefore or so when you want to sound proper. Use thus interchangeably with words like consequently, ergo, hence, and just like that. For example, if you want to sound fancy you could say no one showed up for water aerobics, thus the class was cancelled. It had to be thus.
Whats is thus?
adverb. in the way just indicated; in this way: Stated thus, the problem seems trivial. in such or the following manner; so: Thus it came to pass. accordingly; consequently: It is late, and thus you must go.
What can I say instead of therefore?
Synonyms of therefore
- accordingly,
- consequently,
- ergo,
- hence,
- so,
- thereupon,
- thus,
- wherefore.
Is therefore another word for because?
In this page you can discover 34 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for therefore, like: for this reason, in consequence, as-a-result, on-account-of, since, because, consequently, hence, moreover, ergo and accordingly.
Last Update: Jan 03, 2023
This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!
Asked by: Elliott Littel
Score: 4.6/5
(62 votes)
For that or this purpose, referring to something previously stated. Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.
Why is it therefore and not therefor?
Therefore is an adverb that means “as a consequence,” “as a result,” or “hence.” Therefor is an adverb that means “for that,” or “for it.”
Does therefore have an E?
Therefore is much more commonly found in everyday English. Since therefore has an extra E, the letter that begins English, you should be able to remember that therefore is an everyday word, while therefor is not.
Is therefore correct grammar?
Using therefore is perfectly acceptable as long as you partner it with the right punctuation, although it can get a bit confusing as it does have different uses. You can put it in the middle of a sentence with two commas, and it can also be placed at the start of a sentence.
Is therefore a cause word?
Cause is defined as why something happened. Clue words that signal causal relationships include: such as, because, so, consequently, therefore, thus, and since.
45 related questions found
What does therefore mean biblically?
1a : for that reason : consequently. b : because of that.
Is due to in a sentence?
Simple Example 1: The traffic jam was due to a terrible accident at the intersection. In the above-mentioned sentence, the phrase due to has been used to present the reason for the noun traffic jam. The reason for traffic jam, grammatically a noun entity, is a terrible accident.
How do you use therefore correctly?
Using Proper Punctuation and Capitalization for “Therefore” Follow “therefore” with a comma. “Therefore” should always be followed up with a comma. This is because there is a natural pause after “therefore” when it is included in a sentence.
How can I use therefore in a sentence?
Therefore sentence example
- The storm made the forest pitch dark; therefore , searching was useless until it abated. …
- «My men have been scattered,» said the king, «and therefore , no one is with me.» …
- You had no real knowledge and therefore no way to make a wise decision.
How do you use the word therefore in a sentence?
Therefore is more formal than so: Formal: I missed the train; therefore I missed the party. Informal: I missed the train, so I missed the party. Another point to be made about the conjunctions so and therefore is that they’re “final” conjunctions.
What is the difference between Hence and therefore?
Therefore is common in mathematical proofs. Hence and thus have the same basic meaning and are often interchangeable. However, there is a slight difference. Hence usually refers to the future.
Should a comma go after therefore?
In your sample sentence, therefore is used as an interrupter, so you do need to put a comma before and after it. Example: I, therefore, recommended to him… If it’s being used as a conjunctive adverb, you’d need a semicolon and a comma. Example: He’s my teacher; therefore, I need to respect him.
Can you spell therefore without an E at the end?
therefor. The word therefore is sometimes mistakenly spelled therefor because of the silent E that appears at the end, but the two are unique words with different meanings. Therefore is what most writers mean to use in modern English.
Where do we use therefore?
‘Therefore’ is a conjunctive adverb that means for that reason or cause, thus, or consequently For example, ‘The water in the pot is boiling, so therefore the water must be very hot.
What is the difference between Thus and therefore?
One of the main differences between the usages of the words thus and therefore is that the word thus is used in a very formal or literary sense. On the other hand, the word therefore is used in a formal sense. The word therefore means ‘for that reason. ‘ It is also used in the sense of ‘accordingly’ and ‘consequently’.
Is therefore an adverb of time?
What type of word is therefore? As detailed above, ‘therefore’ is an adverb. Adverb usage: I have married a wife, and therefore I can not come.
What punctuation goes after therefore?
When you use a conjunctive adverb (therefore, however, nevertheless, consequently, for example, on the other hand, moreover, besides, accordingly, thus) to join two independent clauses (complete sentences), precede the adverb with a semicolon and follow it with a comma.
How is thus used in a sentence?
Use the adverb thus in place of words like therefore or so when you want to sound proper. Use thus interchangeably with words like consequently, ergo, hence, and just like that. For example, if you want to sound fancy you could say no one showed up for water aerobics, thus the class was cancelled. It had to be thus.
What is the difference between but and however?
«But» is a conjunction, and «however» is a conjunctive adverb. Confused yet? Don’t be! Simply put, «but» would use a comma to split two sentences, while «however» would use a semicolon or full stop to split the same sentence.
How do you use the word therefore and however in a sentence?
Use a semicolon and comma with however, moreover, therefore and furthermore to introduce a new independent clause in a sentence. (An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.) We plan to stay for another year; however, Peter is leaving now.
Which conjunctions are always together?
Correlative conjunctions, or paired conjunctions, are sets of conjunctions that are always used together. Like coordinating conjunctions, they join words, phrases, or independent clauses of similar or equal importance and structure. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, they can only join two elements together, no more.
Do you use a semicolon before therefore?
Use a semicolon before such words and terms as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., for instance, etc., when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after these words and terms. Example: Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in short supply.
Is due to grammar?
But according to traditional grammar rules, it’s usually not the right choice. Technically speaking, “due to” should only be used as an adjective and come after a noun. … “Cancellation” is a noun, and “due to” is describing it. “Because of,” on the other hand, should modify verbs.
What do you mean by owing?
owed, unpaid, or due for payment: to pay what is owing.
Is dude a slang word?
Dude is a slang greeting term between men, meaning «guy» or «man.» For example: «Dude! … In the American nineteenth century dude had another life as a term for a dandy — a particularly well-groomed and fancily-dressed young man.
Asked by: Elliott Littel
Score: 4.6/5
(62 votes)
For that or this purpose, referring to something previously stated. Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.
Why is it therefore and not therefor?
Therefore is an adverb that means “as a consequence,” “as a result,” or “hence.” Therefor is an adverb that means “for that,” or “for it.”
Does therefore have an E?
Therefore is much more commonly found in everyday English. Since therefore has an extra E, the letter that begins English, you should be able to remember that therefore is an everyday word, while therefor is not.
Is therefore correct grammar?
Using therefore is perfectly acceptable as long as you partner it with the right punctuation, although it can get a bit confusing as it does have different uses. You can put it in the middle of a sentence with two commas, and it can also be placed at the start of a sentence.
Is therefore a cause word?
Cause is defined as why something happened. Clue words that signal causal relationships include: such as, because, so, consequently, therefore, thus, and since.
45 related questions found
What does therefore mean biblically?
1a : for that reason : consequently. b : because of that.
Is due to in a sentence?
Simple Example 1: The traffic jam was due to a terrible accident at the intersection. In the above-mentioned sentence, the phrase due to has been used to present the reason for the noun traffic jam. The reason for traffic jam, grammatically a noun entity, is a terrible accident.
How do you use therefore correctly?
Using Proper Punctuation and Capitalization for “Therefore” Follow “therefore” with a comma. “Therefore” should always be followed up with a comma. This is because there is a natural pause after “therefore” when it is included in a sentence.
How can I use therefore in a sentence?
Therefore sentence example
- The storm made the forest pitch dark; therefore , searching was useless until it abated. …
- «My men have been scattered,» said the king, «and therefore , no one is with me.» …
- You had no real knowledge and therefore no way to make a wise decision.
How do you use the word therefore in a sentence?
Therefore is more formal than so: Formal: I missed the train; therefore I missed the party. Informal: I missed the train, so I missed the party. Another point to be made about the conjunctions so and therefore is that they’re “final” conjunctions.
What is the difference between Hence and therefore?
Therefore is common in mathematical proofs. Hence and thus have the same basic meaning and are often interchangeable. However, there is a slight difference. Hence usually refers to the future.
Should a comma go after therefore?
In your sample sentence, therefore is used as an interrupter, so you do need to put a comma before and after it. Example: I, therefore, recommended to him… If it’s being used as a conjunctive adverb, you’d need a semicolon and a comma. Example: He’s my teacher; therefore, I need to respect him.
Can you spell therefore without an E at the end?
therefor. The word therefore is sometimes mistakenly spelled therefor because of the silent E that appears at the end, but the two are unique words with different meanings. Therefore is what most writers mean to use in modern English.
Where do we use therefore?
‘Therefore’ is a conjunctive adverb that means for that reason or cause, thus, or consequently For example, ‘The water in the pot is boiling, so therefore the water must be very hot.
What is the difference between Thus and therefore?
One of the main differences between the usages of the words thus and therefore is that the word thus is used in a very formal or literary sense. On the other hand, the word therefore is used in a formal sense. The word therefore means ‘for that reason. ‘ It is also used in the sense of ‘accordingly’ and ‘consequently’.
Is therefore an adverb of time?
What type of word is therefore? As detailed above, ‘therefore’ is an adverb. Adverb usage: I have married a wife, and therefore I can not come.
What punctuation goes after therefore?
When you use a conjunctive adverb (therefore, however, nevertheless, consequently, for example, on the other hand, moreover, besides, accordingly, thus) to join two independent clauses (complete sentences), precede the adverb with a semicolon and follow it with a comma.
How is thus used in a sentence?
Use the adverb thus in place of words like therefore or so when you want to sound proper. Use thus interchangeably with words like consequently, ergo, hence, and just like that. For example, if you want to sound fancy you could say no one showed up for water aerobics, thus the class was cancelled. It had to be thus.
What is the difference between but and however?
«But» is a conjunction, and «however» is a conjunctive adverb. Confused yet? Don’t be! Simply put, «but» would use a comma to split two sentences, while «however» would use a semicolon or full stop to split the same sentence.
How do you use the word therefore and however in a sentence?
Use a semicolon and comma with however, moreover, therefore and furthermore to introduce a new independent clause in a sentence. (An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.) We plan to stay for another year; however, Peter is leaving now.
Which conjunctions are always together?
Correlative conjunctions, or paired conjunctions, are sets of conjunctions that are always used together. Like coordinating conjunctions, they join words, phrases, or independent clauses of similar or equal importance and structure. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, they can only join two elements together, no more.
Do you use a semicolon before therefore?
Use a semicolon before such words and terms as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., for instance, etc., when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after these words and terms. Example: Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in short supply.
Is due to grammar?
But according to traditional grammar rules, it’s usually not the right choice. Technically speaking, “due to” should only be used as an adjective and come after a noun. … “Cancellation” is a noun, and “due to” is describing it. “Because of,” on the other hand, should modify verbs.
What do you mean by owing?
owed, unpaid, or due for payment: to pay what is owing.
Is dude a slang word?
Dude is a slang greeting term between men, meaning «guy» or «man.» For example: «Dude! … In the American nineteenth century dude had another life as a term for a dandy — a particularly well-groomed and fancily-dressed young man.
Have you ever heard the famous line “I think, therefore I am” by René Descartes? We all have! But what does therefore mean, and how should you use it? Therefore is a transition word that presents a cause and effect between independent clauses.
Keep reading to learn how to use therefore with the correct intent and punctuation in your writing.
How To Use Therefore In A Sentence?
Use the conjunctive adverb therefore to show cause and effect and improve your sentence flow. You may also use it to substitute transition words with the same meaning, like “as a result” and “thus.” For example, “It snowed today. Therefore, I was late for work.”
Therefore Punctuation Rules
There are two ways to punctuate therefore. First, use a comma when the sentence starts with therefore—for example:
- Incorrect: The players were my heroes, therefore, my dad was my hero because he was the coach. (This is a run-on sentence).
- Correct: The players were my heroes. Therefore, my dad was my hero because he was the coach.
A semicolon is also a proper way to punctuate therefore—for example:
- The players were my heroes; therefore, my dad was my hero because he was the coach.
Also, there are instances where you don’t need to punctuate. Add a conjunction along with therefore to connect two independent clauses—for example:
- The players were my heroes, and therefore my dad was my hero because he was the coach.
A punctuation mark is also unnecessary when therefore is used as an adverb—for example:
The roads in Amsterdam are more vacant and therefore the cab drivers can speed and manoeuvre along more easily. [Calgary Herald]
The 14th Century: First Known Use Of Therefore
Therefore was first used in the 14th century. It comes from the Old English word þærfore. Therfor has been used since the 1800s to mean “for that” or “by reason of that.” Therefore is also used to mean “in consequence of that.”
Examples Of Using Therefore In The Middle Of A Sentence
Cameron’s under pressure from the Tory right for being a softie and, therefore, promised tougher action on the tabloid bad guys. [Guardian]
So, they discuss how they can position him to serve the maximum time, therefore keeping him off the streets in the future. [New York Daily News]
Jonah was bawling his eyes out. Therefore, he may be hurting.
My best friend is the most hardworking; therefore, he got the promotion.
What Can I Use Instead Of Therefore?
Below is a list of synonyms for therefore.
- Accordingly.
- Thus.
- Consequently.
- Wherefore.
- Ergo.
- Then.
- Hence.
- So.
- As a result.
Statistics for Therefore
The use of therefore started to rise in the 1800s and peaked in 1814 at 0.053%. It has been falling steadily since, with only a 0.013% in 2019.
Despite the decline in the use of therefore, it remains more widely used than as a result, accordingly, ergo, and consequently.
Therefore in a Nutshell
When Rene Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am,” he meant that one’s ability to think leads to the acknowledgment of their existence. Therefore, the word therefore indicates that something occurs because of something else.
Now, do you feel comfortable using and punctuating therefore in sentences? When using the transition word, always include a comma, semicolon, or no punctuation if it’s used as an adverb.
You might also be interested in the difference between therefore and therefor.
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Learn how to use «therefore» correctly to strengthen your writing
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- Punctuation and Capitalization
- Common Uses of «Therefore»
- Avoiding Common Errors
- Example Sentences
- Q&A
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You might not hear the word «therefore» all that often in everyday speech, which can make it tricky to use in writing—but you’ve come to the right place! This conjunctive adverb can really showcase your reasoning and make your logical conclusions stand out. Read on to learn when to use «therefore» to clarify the relationship between 2 statements and smooth your transition from one thought to the next. We’ll also give you all the tips you need to punctuate the word correctly and avoid things that trip a lot of people up.
Things You Should Know
- Use «therefore» to show that the second thing you’re talking about happened because the first thing happened.
- Place a comma after «therefore» when using it as an introductory phrase or a conjunctive adverb.
- Place a semicolon before «therefore» and a comma afterward when combining 2 independent clauses into a single sentence.
- Include «therefore» sparingly in formal writing.
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1
Capitalize «therefore» and follow it with a comma if it starts a sentence. This one’s pretty easy to remember, because you always capitalize the first word of a sentence. This is the only time you need to capitalize «therefore.» Since it’s an introductory phrase, it’s also followed with a comma.[1]
Here are a couple of examples:- The last bus doesn’t arrive until 8:45 at the earliest. Therefore, school doesn’t start until 9.
- Jakob has studied every night for a week. Therefore, he should get a good grade on the test.
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2
Combine sentences with a semicolon and «therefore.» Instead of writing 2 sentences separately, you can use «therefore» to put them together—but it needs a semicolon to help out. Since «therefore» is still an adverb, it can’t join sentences all by itself. You’ll also put a comma after «therefore,» since it introduces the 2nd sentence.[2]
You can see how this works in the following examples:- Aria practiced all summer; therefore, she should make the team.
- School is closed today; therefore, the kids are sleeping in.
- Everyone outside is wearing heavy coats; therefore, it must be cold.
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3
Leave out punctuation entirely when using «therefore» as an adverb. When «therefore» comes directly before the verb it modifies, you don’t need any punctuation at all. Here, you treat «therefore» just like any other adverb.[3]
- For example, you might write, «We therefore recommend the dinosaur print over the kitten print.»
- Some style guides will tell you to set off «therefore» with commas when you use it this way. But many writers still leave those commas out if they feel like they disrupt the natural flow of the writing.[4]
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4
Set off «therefore» with commas if it’s an interrupter. This isn’t a super-common usage of therefore, but it’s still one you need to be aware of. Generally, «therefore» is an interrupter if it comes after the verb in the sentence.[5]
Here are some examples:- I would, therefore, like a response.
- We need, therefore, to do laundry today.
- The cats need, therefore, to stay indoors.
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1
Show a cause-and-effect relationship between 2 statements. In the most basic use of «therefore,» the word means that the 2nd thing you’ve mentioned happened as a direct result of or as a logical consequence of the 1st thing you mention. Just make sure the 2 things have a direct relationship.[6]
This is easy to see with a few examples:- Dakota studied hard for their math exam; therefore, they got an A+.
- He’s allergic to gluten; therefore, he doesn’t eat bread.
- Cats have free-floating collarbones; therefore, they can squeeze into tight places.
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2
Introduce an inference you’re making based on an observation. Here, you don’t actually know the relationship between the 2 statements, you’re just inferring the second thing based on the first. In addition to the word «therefore,» you’ll typically use conditional language in the 2nd statement so your reader understands that it’s an inference you’re making, not a fact.[7]
Here are some examples:- Everyone outside is carrying an umbrella; therefore, it must be raining.
- My cats are all meowing in the kitchen; therefore, I should probably feed them.
- Parker listens to a lot of pop music; therefore, she would like Taylor Swift.
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3
Use «therefore» as an adverb meaning «for that reason.» The word «therefore» is a conjunctive adverb that more frequently finds itself in the conjunctive role of joining 2 thoughts together. But it can also modify verbs all by itself. This usage is most frequent when you have talked about multiple reasons for something and are wrapping things up.[8]
Some examples can help clarify this for you:- Since the children eat snack at 10 a.m., they are not hungry for lunch by noon. We therefore suggest that the lunch hour be moved from noon to 1 p.m.
- If students don’t agree to participate in the learning process, teachers accomplish very little. Teachers are therefore highly dependent on their students to be engaged.
- Studies show young animals are more receptive to other species. Dogs and cats are therefore more likely to get along if they’re introduced to each other when they’re young.
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1
Distinguish between «therefore» and coordinating conjunctions. It’s easy to confuse «therefore» with coordinating conjunctions, such as «so.» Often, when you use «therefore» in the middle of a sentence, a coordinating conjunction would actually work better. If you do stick with «therefore,» though, it needs a semicolon.[9]
- For example, «It’s cold outside; therefore, I need to wear gloves» could also be written as «It’s cold outside, so I need to wear gloves.»
-
2
Vary your writing with different transitions and sentence structures. «Therefore» is a word that’s best used sparingly. More than once in a paragraph will feel repetitive. There are many different words, including «thus,» «consequently,» and «accordingly,» that have similar meanings.[10]
- Be careful with the meaning of the transitions you use. Remember that «therefore» means «because of» or «as a logical consequence of.» If your use of «therefore» is getting repetitive, replace it with words that have the same meaning.[11]
- You can also flip a sentence around to vary your sentence structure. For example, instead of «It’s cold out; therefore, I’m wearing gloves,» you might say «I’m wearing gloves because it’s cold out.»
- Be careful with the meaning of the transitions you use. Remember that «therefore» means «because of» or «as a logical consequence of.» If your use of «therefore» is getting repetitive, replace it with words that have the same meaning.[11]
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3
Save «therefore» for more formal writing. «Therefore» is a pretty fancy word that comes across rather stilted in normal conversation. The same person who uses it frequently in academic writing would be unlikely to use it while chatting with friends.[12]
- Make sure you understand how formal your writing should be. Overly formal expressions can make you sound fake and distract your reader from the point you’re trying to make.[13]
- Make sure you understand how formal your writing should be. Overly formal expressions can make you sound fake and distract your reader from the point you’re trying to make.[13]
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Example Sentences
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Question
What is the proper punctuation for this sentence: «We therefore respectfully decline.»
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
Your sentence is already punctuated correctly. Here, you’re using «therefore» as an adverb, so there’s no need to use any punctuation at all.
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Question
«The structure has become weakened. It has, therefore, to be . . .» Do I need a comma before and after «therefore,» or just after?
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
In this sentence, you would put a comma before and after «therefore» because it is an interrupter. Although it’s being used as an adverb, it comes after the verb it modifies. If you put it before «has» («It therefore has to be…»), you wouldn’t need any punctuation at all.
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Question
Hi, is this sentence correct? «Therefore children use their imagination more, they often find unusual solutions to things.»
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
As is, you need a comma after «therefore» since it is an introductory phrase. But ask yourself which statement you’re making is the cause and which is the effect. It seems that what you’re saying is that children often find unusual solutions to things because they use their imagination more—which means «therefore» should introduce the second clause, not the first. Additionally, you have a comma splice. A correct sentence would be: «Children use their imagination more; therefore, they often find unusual solutions to things.»
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Article SummaryX
To use “therefore” in a sentence, place it in a cause and effect statement to show the relationship between 2 ideas. For example, write “John studied hard for the exam. Therefore, he got an A+” to show that John got an A+ because he studied hard. If you want to use “therefore” to connect 2 independent clauses, put a semicolon before “therefore.” For example, you could write “California is a coastal state; therefore, it has many beaches.” No matter how you use “therefore,” make sure to put a comma after it, so readers know to pause after reading it. To learn how to avoid common errors with therefore, read more from our Writing co-author!
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