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'As a result' introduces a factual consequence; 'therefore' expresses a logical conclusion or inference.
Side-by-side comparison
Use it to show that something happened as a direct consequence of something else. It connects cause to effect in a factual, neutral way. Works in any type of text.
It rained all day. As a result, the outdoor concert was cancelled.
She studied hard every day. Consequently, she got the highest grade in the class.
He forgot to set his alarm. As a result, he missed his morning flight.
Use it to draw a logical conclusion from what you just said. It signals that what follows was reasoned out, not just observed. More formal than "as a result".
The store was closed on Monday. Therefore, we had to come back the next day.
She has experience in both design and coding; thus, she is perfect for the role.
Two candidates did not show up. Therefore, only three will be interviewed.
Common mistake
The most common mistake is punctuation: "The project failed therefore we need to review" is wrong. Correct options: "The project failed; therefore, we need to review" or "The project failed. Therefore, we need to review".
Trick to remember it
- •Formality scale: "so" (informal) is the colloquial version of "therefore" (formal).
- •"As a result" = factual consequence.
- •"Therefore" = logical conclusion.
- •Both always need a comma after them.
Quick rule
- •"As a result" = factual consequence.
- •"Therefore" = logical conclusion (more formal).
- •Both need a semicolon or period before them and a comma after.
Did you know?
"Therefore" and "hence" are of Anglo-Saxon origin. "Consequently" arrived from French in the 15th century. That is why "consequently" sounds more formal and Latinized. Latin-origin connectors tend to sound more formal in English; Anglo-Saxon ones tend to sound more direct.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
It rained all night. _____, the streets were flooded in the morning.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
All the lights are off and nobody has answered the door. _____, nobody is home.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
'Although' introduces a surprising concession; 'whereas' introduces a direct contrast between two opposing facts.
'Because' introduces the main cause or a new reason; 'since' and 'as' introduce secondary or already-known reasons.
'Because' introduces the cause or reason; 'so' introduces the effect or consequence.
'A' is used before consonant sounds; 'an' is used before vowel sounds.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy