hence
/hens/ (bre, ipa) · /hens/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhen(t)s/ (ame, mw)
hence — adverb
1. for this reason; as a direct logical result of something just stated — this word
for this reason; as a direct logical result of something just stated — this word signals that a conclusion or explanation follows.
Pim missed three weeks of classes due to an illness; hence, the final exam was very difficult for him.
hence + clause showing result
The factory switched to solar power last year. Hence the huge drop in its monthly electricity bills.
hence + noun phrase (elliptical style)
Nikhil's experiment produced results that contradicted the original theory; hence, he decided to repeat the study with a larger sample.
The hillside resort is steps from the beach. Hence, Eleni never has empty rooms in July.
Wei had never touched a guitar before joining the band. Hence, his first few rehearsals were full of mistakes.
- therefore
more common in everyday speech; 'hence' is more formal
- thus
similar formality; 'thus' is slightly more literary
- consequently
emphasises the cause-effect relationship more explicitly
文法句型
hence + clause
hence + noun phrase
用法筆記
In formal writing, 'hence' is often used to begin a sentence that states a logical conclusion from the previous sentence. 'Hence' can be followed by a full clause or directly by a noun phrase (without a verb).
常見錯誤
2. a specified period measured forward from the present moment into the future.
a specified period measured forward from the present moment into the future.
The couple booked a wedding venue for a date exactly two years hence, wanting plenty of time to plan.
two years hence = two years from now
Nala signed a lease that would not begin until six months hence, after her current rental ended.
The government report predicts that the full impact of the new policy will be visible a decade hence.
The architect told the city council that the bridge would be completed three years hence, barring any delays.
- from now
everyday equivalent; less formal
- in the future
broader meaning, not tied to a specific time period
文法句型
[number] + [time unit] + hence
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used with a specific number or quantifier before a time word (e.g., 'a week hence,' 'five years hence'). It is characteristic of formal, legal, and academic writing; in everyday English, people prefer 'from now' (e.g., 'two years from now').
常見錯誤
3. away from this location — now found almost exclusively in historical, literary,
away from this location — now found almost exclusively in historical, literary, or highly formal language.
The messenger departed hence at midnight, carrying urgent news for the king.
archaic/literary use: depart + hence
'Get thee hence,' the old story reads, 'and never set foot in this village again.'
biblical/literary formula: get thee hence
The exiled poet wrote of being driven hence from his homeland, never to return.
The old inscription on the gate read: 'Stranger, pause before passing hence into the valley beyond.'
文法句型
verb + hence
用法筆記
This sense is now archaic in everyday English. It survives in fixed literary expressions ('get thee hence,' 'go hence'), historical fiction, and translations of classical or biblical texts. Modern readers will encounter it far more often in reading than in speech or writing.
常見錯誤
❌ 'I am moving hence tomorrow.' (in a casual conversation) — This sounds unnatural in modern English. Use 'away from here' or 'from here' instead.