Difference Between Therefore and Therefor

Therefore and therefor are two commonly confused words in the English language. Both of these words are adverbs, but they have slightly different meanings and usage. It is important to understand the differences between these two words to use them correctly in written and spoken communication.

Difference Between Therefore and Therefor

Meaning of Therefore

Therefore is an adverb that means “as a result” or “consequently.” It is used to indicate a conclusion or a logical consequence of a preceding statement or argument.

Usage of Therefore

• Used to introduce a conclusion or consequence that is logically deduced from a preceding statement or argument. 
• Used to indicate cause and effect relationships. 
• Used in formal writing and speech.

Examples of Therefore

• It’s late; therefore, we should leave.
• The roads are icy; therefore, drive carefully.
• He’s tired; therefore, he’s going to bed.
• Raining; therefore, umbrella.
• Allergic to peanuts; therefore, avoid dish.
• Forgot phone; therefore, can’t call.
• Passed test; therefore, happy.
• Late night; therefore, tired.
• Broken glass; therefore, be careful.
• Sunny day; therefore, go outside.

Meaning of Therefor

Therefor is an adverb that means “for that purpose” or “for that reason.” It is used to refer to something that has already been mentioned, typically in legal or formal documents.

Usage of Therefor

• Used to refer to something that has already been mentioned or described. 
• Used in legal or formal documents to refer to a preceding clause or statement. 
• Therefor is less common in everyday language and is mostly used in formal or legal contexts.

Examples of therefor

• No milk, therefor, black coffee.
• Lost key, therefor, can’t enter.
• Heavy rain, therefor, stay inside.
• Passed interview, therefor, got job.
• Broken leg, therefor, use crutches.
• Allergic reaction, therefor, seek medical help.
• Open window, therefor, fresh air.

Differences between Therefore and Therefor

Therefore	Therefor
Indicates a conclusion or consequence	Refers to something already mentioned
Means “as a result” or “consequently”	Means “for that purpose” or “for that reason”
Introduces cause and effect relationships	Refers to a preceding clause or statement
Used in formal writing and speech	Used in legal or formal documents
Typically comes at the beginning of a sentence	Typically comes in the middle of a sentence
Indicates logical deduction	Indicates reference
Commonly used in everyday language	Less common in everyday language
Usually followed by a comma	Usually not followed by a comma
Can be replaced with “thus” or “so”	Cannot be replaced with “thus” or “so”
Refers to a future consequence	Refers to a past consequence
Used to indicate a conclusion based on previous information	Used to refer to a specific purpose or reason
Focuses on the effect or result	Focuses on the intended purpose or reason
Used to summarize or draw a final conclusion	Used in contracts and legal documents
Emphasizes the logical relationship between two ideas	Emphasizes the reason for a decision or action

Conclusion

Therefore and therefor are both adverbs in the English language, but they have different meanings and usage. Therefore is used to indicate a conclusion or consequence based on a preceding statement or argument, while therefor is used to refer to something that has already been mentioned, typically in legal or formal documents.