thereby

IPA/ˌðeəˈbaɪ/
KK[ðˈɛrbˈaɪ]IPA/ˌðerˈbaɪ/

thereby — adverb

1. used to show that something happens as a direct result of an action or situation

1.adverbB2
Definition

used to show that something happens as a direct result of an action or situation that has just been described

Example

Mei paid for the repairs herself, thereby avoiding a lengthy insurance claim.

thereby + present participle: shows result of the action

The university expanded its scholarship programme; thereby, it attracted top students from across Asia.

clause; thereby, + clause: formal linking pattern

Synonyms
  • thus

    Similar formality and often interchangeable; 'thus' can also mean 'in this way' in addition to 'as a result'.

  • therefore

    More common across registers; signals a logical conclusion rather than a direct result of the stated action.

  • consequently

    Slightly heavier in tone; focuses on the outcome as an inevitable or predictable result.

Grammar Patterns

thereby + present participle

clause; thereby, + clause

Usage Note

This adverb is primarily used in formal or academic writing. In everyday conversation, 'so' or 'as a result' is more natural.

Common Mistakes

She missed the bus, thereby she was late for school.
She missed the bus, thereby arriving late for school.
'thereby' is usually followed by a gerund (-ing form), not a full clause with a subject.
I was tired; thereby, I went to bed early.
I was tired; therefore, I went to bed early.
'therefore' signals a logical conclusion, while 'thereby' emphasises the means or process that leads to the result.

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

These four expressions all connect a cause with its effect, but they differ in what they emphasise. 'Thereby' is the most tightly linked to a specific preceding action — it means 'by doing this, X happened'. 'Thus' shares this formality but can also mean 'in this manner'. 'Therefore' is more common across registers and signals a logical conclusion, not necessarily a direct result of the action just described. 'Consequently' focuses on the outcome as an inevitable result and feels heavier in tone. 'As a result' is the only option used comfortably in informal speech. For example: 'He left his keys inside the car, thereby locking himself out' (action → direct result) versus 'He left his keys inside the car; therefore, he could not drive home' (logical conclusion).

thus ↗therefore ↗consequently ↗as a result

Common collocations

Phrases

  • thereby + present participle (reducing, increasing, creating, causing, avoiding)
  • thereby + passive modal (can thereby be / are thereby considered)

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishModern English

From Old English 'þǣrbig', a combination of 'þǣr' (there) and 'big' (by). The original meaning was 'by that place, near there'. By the 14th century it had taken on its modern meaning of 'by that means, as a result of that'.