Hence vs. Therefore: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Hence is used to indicate a consequence or result. Therefore is used to show a logical conclusion.
Key Differences
Hence and Therefore are both used to introduce a logical conclusion from a given statement. While hence often implies a direct consequence or result of the facts previously mentioned, therefore is typically used to introduce a more formal or logical conclusion that follows from the preceding argument or statement.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
In usage, hence can sometimes carry a slightly archaic or formal tone, often found in written texts. Therefore, on the other hand, is commonly used in both spoken and written English and is considered a staple in constructing logical arguments or explaining cause and effect.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
The placement of hence and therefore can vary within a sentence. Hence is often placed at the beginning or the end of a sentence, whereas therefore is usually found at the beginning of a sentence or clause, immediately following the statement it is concluding from.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Hence is sometimes used in a more abstract manner, suggesting a consequence that is not just logical but also temporal or spatial. Therefore is strictly used in a logical sense, connecting premises with a conclusion.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Both hence and therefore are important for academic writing, where clear cause-and-effect relationships are crucial. However, hence can be seen as slightly more versatile, fitting into a broader range of contexts, while therefore is primarily focused on logical conclusions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Tone
Often formal or slightly archaic
Common in both formal and informal contexts
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Dec 12, 2023
Placement
Can be at the beginning or end of a sentence
Usually at the beginning of a sentence or clause
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Dec 12, 2023
Context
Broader use including abstract, temporal, or spatial
Primarily for logical, cause-and-effect relationships
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Frequency
Less frequent in casual speech
Common in both spoken and written English
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Dec 12, 2023
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Hence and Therefore Definitions
Therefore
For that reason.
He was the only candidate, therefore he was selected.
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Hence
As a result of this.
The case was closed, hence no further action was taken.
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Dec 05, 2023
Therefore
As a result.
It rained heavily, therefore the event was postponed.
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Dec 05, 2023
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Therefore
In that case.
If you are not interested, therefore, I won't insist.
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Hence
From this source.
The information is derived from official records, hence its accuracy.
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Dec 05, 2023
Therefore
Because of that.
She was the best qualified, therefore she got the job.
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Dec 05, 2023
Hence
From this source
They grew up in the Sudan.
Hence their interest in Nubian art.
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Dec 05, 2023
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.
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Dec 05, 2023
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?
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Dec 05, 2023
Hence
(archaic) from here, from this place, away
I'm going hence, because you have insulted me.
Get thee hence, Satan!
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Dec 05, 2023
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
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Dec 05, 2023
Hence
From the living or from this world
After a long battle, my poor daughter was taken hence.
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Dec 05, 2023
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
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Dec 05, 2023
Hence
(of a length of time) in the future from now
A year hence it will be forgotten.
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Dec 05, 2023
Hence
(conjunctive) as a result; therefore, for this reason
I shall go to Japan and hence will not be here in time for the party.
The purse is handmade and hence very expensive.
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Dec 05, 2023
Hence
(obsolete) Go away! Begone!
"...Hence! and bestow your dead
Where no wrong against him cries!"
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Dec 05, 2023
Hence
From this place; away.
Arise, let us go hence.
I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
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Dec 05, 2023
Hence
From this reason; therefore; - as an inference or deduction.
Hence, perhaps, it is, that Solomon calls the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom.
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Dec 05, 2023
Hence
From this source or origin.
All other faces borrowed henceTheir light and grace.
Whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts?
An ancient author prophesied from hence.
Expelled from hence into a worldOf woe and sorrow.
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Dec 05, 2023
Hence
(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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "hence" and "therefore" be used interchangeably?
Generally, yes, but "hence" often implies a direct result, while "therefore" is more about logical conclusions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Can "hence" be used at the end of a sentence?
Yes, it's common to use "hence" at the end of a sentence.
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Dec 12, 2023
Is "therefore" a conjunction?
No, it's a conjunctive adverb, used to connect clauses.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Is "hence" common in academic writing?
Yes, especially in contexts requiring precise cause-and-effect relationships.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Is "hence" formal?
Yes, "hence" is often considered more formal or archaic than "therefore".
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Can "therefore" start a sentence?
Yes, "therefore" commonly starts sentences or clauses in formal writing.
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Dec 12, 2023
Can "therefore" be used in informal contexts?
Yes, it's widely used in both informal and formal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Does "hence" imply time or place?
It can imply time, place, or reason, depending on context.
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Dec 12, 2023
Can "therefore" be replaced with "thus"?
Yes, "thus" is often used as a synonym for "therefore" in formal writing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Can "therefore" have multiple meanings?
Its primary use is to denote a logical conclusion, but it can also imply a consequence.
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Dec 12, 2023
Do "hence" and "therefore" require a comma?
Generally, they are preceded by a comma when used to introduce a clause.
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Dec 12, 2023
Can "therefore" be used to start a new paragraph?
Yes, especially in essays or arguments to indicate a conclusion or inference.
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Dec 12, 2023
Can "hence" introduce a question?
It's uncommon, as "hence" typically introduces statements or conclusions.
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Dec 12, 2023
Is "hence" used in legal documents?
Yes, it's frequently used in legal and formal documents.
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Dec 12, 2023
Can "therefore" be used in everyday conversation?
Yes, it's common in both casual and formal conversations.
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Dec 12, 2023
Is "hence" a synonym for "therefore"?
They are similar but not exact synonyms due to slight differences in usage and connotation.
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Dec 12, 2023
Does "therefore" only indicate positive consequences?
No, it can indicate any logical conclusion, positive or negative.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Is "therefore" appropriate in scientific writing?
Yes, it's widely used to indicate conclusions in scientific discourse.
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Dec 12, 2023
Does "hence" need to be followed by a comma?
When used at the beginning of a sentence, it's typically followed by a comma.
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Dec 12, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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