Many people wonder if it’s correct to begin a sentence with the word “therefore.” The answer is simple: Yes, you can start a sentence with “therefore.” However, knowing how to use it properly is important. This article will explain when and how to use “therefore” at the beginning of a sentence in both formal and informal contexts. We’ll also share examples and alternatives.
What Does “Therefore” Mean?
“Therefore” is a transition word. It shows a connection between two ideas. Specifically, it means “as a result” or “because of this.” Writers use “therefore” to show that something happens as a logical outcome.
For example:
- The weather forecast predicted rain. Therefore, we brought an umbrella.
In this sentence, bringing an umbrella is the result of knowing it would rain.
Using “Therefore” in Formal Writing
In formal writing, such as essays, reports, or business emails, “therefore” adds clarity. It creates a professional tone and helps your writing flow smoothly.
Examples of “Therefore” in Formal Writing
- The team completed all tasks ahead of schedule. Therefore, they earned a performance bonus.
- The experiment results were consistent across trials. Therefore, the hypothesis was proven correct.
These examples show how “therefore” helps connect reasoning with conclusions.
Tips for Using “Therefore” in Formal Writing
- Place “therefore” at the beginning of a sentence to highlight a conclusion.
- Use a comma after “therefore” for clarity.
- Avoid overusing it. Instead, mix in other transition words (we’ll cover alternatives later).
Using “Therefore” in Informal Writing
In informal settings, like blogs, emails, or personal messages, “therefore” works well, too. It’s not only for professional or academic use.
Examples of “Therefore” in Informal Writing
- I forgot my wallet at home. Therefore, I couldn’t pay for coffee.
- We love hiking. Therefore, we spent the whole weekend outdoors.
Informal use of “therefore” still shows cause and effect but with a more relaxed tone.
Common Mistakes in Informal Writing
- Skipping punctuation: Always add a comma after “therefore.”
- Using it without a clear link between ideas: Double-check that the sentence makes sense.
Alternatives to “Therefore”
To avoid repetition, you can use similar words or phrases. Below are some great alternatives to “therefore”:
Formal Alternatives
- As a result:
- The survey revealed strong customer interest. As a result, the company launched a new product line.
- Consequently:
- Demand for the product increased. Consequently, production was ramped up.
- Thus:
- The team followed every instruction. Thus, they succeeded.
Informal Alternatives
- So:
- I was tired. So, I went to bed early.
- For this reason:
- We didn’t have enough people. For this reason, we postponed the event.
- Because of this:
- She didn’t practice much. Because of this, her performance wasn’t great.
When Not to Use “Therefore”
While “therefore” is useful, it’s not always the best choice. Avoid using it when:
- The Cause and Effect Relationship Isn’t Clear
- Confusing: The food smelled delicious. Therefore, we ordered a pizza.
- Fixed: The pizza place had great reviews. Therefore, we decided to try it.
- It’s Overused
Repeating “therefore” can make your writing dull. Mix in alternatives instead.
Exercises to Practice Using “Therefore”
Try these exercises to test your understanding of how to use “therefore.”
Fill in the Blanks
- It was too cold outside. ______, we stayed indoors.
- The store had a sale. ______, I bought a new jacket.
- She didn’t answer her phone. ______, we left without her.
Rewrite Sentences
Turn these two sentences into one using “therefore”:
- The presentation was engaging. Everyone stayed focused.
- He missed the bus. He was late to work.
(Answers: 1. The presentation was engaging. Therefore, everyone stayed focused. 2. He missed the bus. Therefore, he was late to work.)
Final Thoughts
You can absolutely start a sentence with “therefore.” It works in both formal and informal settings when used correctly. Remember to keep the connection between ideas clear, use a comma after “therefore,” and avoid overusing it. When in doubt, try an alternative to keep your writing interesting.
