Therefore vs. Thus: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
Used to introduce a logical conclusion from that which has already been stated. Indicates an inference and is also used to denote something has been stated before.
Key Differences
"Therefore" serves as a conjunctive adverb to introduce a conclusion that’s derived directly from the preceding information. "Thus," while similar, can also imply a manner or method and be utilized to illustrate how something is done, not just why.
"Thus" can establish an outcome or result, but additionally, it introduces the means by which something comes about. Conversely, "therefore" is exclusively a result indicator, always paving the way to a consequent deduction based strictly on preceding data.
When wielding "therefore," the outcome is typically unavoidable or highly probable based on the preceding facts. On the other hand, "thus" could illuminate a method, being sometimes interchangeable with words like “so” or “thereby,” unlike "therefore."
"Therefore" is largely employed when the speaker aims to assert a logical correlation between two statements. Contrastingly, "thus" can communicate a causal relationship but can also serve to describe the way something is done.
When writers use "therefore," it is to lead readers directly to a logical deduction, often following an “if…, then…” structure. "Thus," while it does suggest results or outcomes, is pliable, even able to indicate the way or manner of an action’s occurrence.
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Comparison Chart
Principal Usage
Introducing a logical conclusion.
Denoting inference and sometimes indicating manner/method.
Implied Certainty
Implies a certain outcome based on preceding facts.
Does not always suggest certain outcomes.
Method Indication
Does not illustrate method or manner.
Can indicate method or manner of action.
Interchangeability
Less flexible, not easily replaced by “so” or “like”.
Can often be swapped with “so” or “thereby”.
Formality Level
Generally considered formal.
Slightly less formal and more versatile in use.
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Therefore and Thus Definitions
Therefore
"Therefore" denotes an inevitable result.
He missed the bus, therefore he was late.
Thus
"Thus" indicates a manner or way something is done.
He spoke softly and thus was not heard.
Therefore
"Therefore" signals a consequent action or result.
The roads were icy, therefore driving was dangerous.
Thus
"Thus" suggests an implied result.
He whispered, thus it was hard to hear him.
Therefore
"Therefore" is used to introduce a conclusion.
It was raining, therefore, we stayed indoors.
Thus
"Thus" connects actions with unintended consequences.
The keys were left inside, thus the door couldn’t be opened.
Therefore
"Therefore" links cause and direct effect.
The package was delayed, therefore it arrived late.
Thus
"Thus" introduces an inferred outcome.
He forgot his wallet, thus he couldn’t pay the bill.
Therefore
"Therefore" precedes an effect or outcome.
She studied hard, therefore she passed her exams.
Thus
"Thus" describes a method or process.
He lowered his voice, thus creating a sense of intimacy.
Therefore
For that reason or cause; consequently or hence.
Thus
In this manner
Lay the pieces out thus. See Usage Note at thusly.
Therefore
(conjunctive) Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.
Traditional values will always have a place. Therefore, they will never lose relevance.
Thus
To a stated degree or extent; so.
Therefore
For that; for it (in reference to a previous statement)
Thus
Therefore; consequently
Thus it was necessary for me to resign.
Therefore
For that or this reason, referring to something previously stated; for that.
I have married a wife, and therefore I can not come.
Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Thus
For example
Few of the nation's largest cities are state capitals.
Thus neither New York nor Chicago is the seat of its state's government.
Therefore
Consequently; by consequence.
He blushes; therefore he is guilty.
Thus
(manner) In this way or manner.
If you throw the ball thus, as I’m showing you, you’ll have better luck hitting the target.
Therefore
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result;
Therefore X must be true
The eggs were fresh and hence satisfactory
We were young and thence optimistic
It is late and thus we must go
The witness is biased and so cannot be trusted
Thus
(conjunctive) As a result.
I have all the tools I need; thus, I will be able to fix the car without having to call a mechanic.
Therefore
As a consequence;
He had good reason to be grateful for the opportunities which they had made available to him and which consequently led to the good position he now held
Thus
The commoner kind of frankincense, or that obtained from the Norway spruce, the long-leaved pine, and other conifers.
Thus
In this or that manner; on this wise.
Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
Thus God the heaven created, thus the earth.
Thus
To this degree or extent; so far; so; as, thus wise; thus peaceble; thus bold.
Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds.
Thus
An aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees; formerly valued for worship and for embalming and fumigation
Thus
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result;
Therefore X must be true
The eggs were fresh and hence satisfactory
We were young and thence optimistic
It is late and thus we must go
The witness is biased and so cannot be trusted
Thus
In the way indicated;
Hold the brush so
Set up the pieces thus
FAQs
Is "therefore" a conjunction or an adverb?
"Therefore" is primarily used as an adverb, but it functions like a conjunction in linking ideas.
Is it appropriate to use "therefore" in formal writing?
Yes, it's often used in formal and logical arguments or explanations.
Should there be a comma before and/or after "therefore"?
Often, yes. When used in the middle of a sentence to separate ideas, it's typically surrounded by commas.
What does "therefore" mean?
It means "for that reason" or "as a consequence."
How do you use "thus" in a sentence?
"He didn't study; thus, he failed the test."
Can "therefore" start a sentence?
Yes, e.g., "Therefore, we must reconsider our decision."
How do you use "therefore" in a sentence?
"She was late; therefore, she missed the beginning of the movie."
How is "therefore" pronounced?
It's pronounced as /ˌðɛərˈfɔːr/.
Does "therefore" indicate a result?
Yes, it introduces a conclusion or consequence derived from a preceding statement.
Does "thus" indicate a consequence?
Yes, similar to "therefore," but it can also stress the means or manner.
Is "therefore" synonymous with "hence"?
Yes, both can mean "for that reason," though their usage might slightly differ.
Can "therefore" be replaced by "so"?
Often, but "so" is more casual. For example, "She was tired, so she went to bed" can replace "She was tired; therefore, she went to bed."
Is "thus" an adverb?
Yes, "thus" is primarily used as an adverb.
Can you use "thus" to mean "to this degree"?
Yes, e.g., "The water rose, thus flooding the village."
How do you use "thus" in a sentence to indicate manner?
"He carefully followed the instructions, thus completing the task successfully."
How is "thus" pronounced?
It's pronounced as /ðʌs/.
Can "thus" and "therefore" be used interchangeably?
Often, but not always. "Thus" emphasizes manner or method, while "therefore" emphasizes causality or reasoning.
What does "thus" mean?
It means "in this way," "for this reason," or "to this extent."
Is "thus" a formal word?
Yes, it's often found in formal contexts, but it can be used in general writing as well.
Is "thus" less common in casual conversation?
Yes, "thus" is more common in written form or formal speech than in everyday casual conversation.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
