therefore

/ˈðeəfɔː(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈðerfɔːr/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈt͟her-ˌfȯr/ (ame, mw)

therefore — adverb

1. a word that links a previously stated fact, reason, or situation to the logical

1.副詞B1
釋義

a word that links a previously stated fact, reason, or situation to the logical outcome or conclusion that follows from it

例句

The train was delayed by two hours; therefore, we missed the beginning of the concert.

semicolon + therefore linking cause to effect

Elena's laptop stopped working; therefore, she had to finish her report in the library.

therefore connecting a problem to its consequence

同義詞
  • consequently

    slightly more formal than 'therefore'; emphasizes the directness of the result

  • thus

    more concise and literary; common in academic writing

  • hence

    very formal and somewhat old-fashioned; often used with time expressions ('five years hence')

  • so

    the everyday, neutral alternative; used in speech and informal writing

反義詞
  • nevertheless

    introduces a contrasting idea rather than a result

  • however

    signals a shift or concession instead of a logical consequence

文法句型

[cause clause]; therefore, [result clause]

[cause clause]. Therefore, [result clause]

用法筆記

More formal than the everyday alternative 'so'; therefore is typical in academic essays, official documents, and formal speeches. In writing, a semicolon or period usually precedes it when joining two independent clauses.

常見錯誤

❌The store was closed, so therefore we went home.
✅The store was closed; therefore, we went home.' or 'The store was closed, so we went home.
💡'so' and 'therefore' are redundant together; choose one.
❌I was tired therefore I went to bed early.
✅I was tired; therefore, I went to bed early.
💡A semicolon or period is needed before 'therefore' between two independent clauses.