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.