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Hence vs. Therefore: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
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.
Hence vs. Therefore

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
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
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.
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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
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
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023

Usage

Indicates a consequence or result
Indicates a logical conclusion
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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
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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

Hence

For this reason.
She was unable to travel, hence her absence.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Therefore

For that reason.
He was the only candidate, therefore he was selected.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

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

Hence

From this time.
Two hours hence we will discuss the issue.
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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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Dec 05, 2023

Hence

From this source.
The information is derived from official records, hence its accuracy.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Therefore

Consequently.
The road was blocked, therefore we took a detour.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Hence

From this place.
He will leave for New York hence.
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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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Hence

For this reason; therefore
Handmade and hence expensive.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Therefore

For that reason or cause; consequently or hence.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Hence

From this source
They grew up in the Sudan.
Hence their interest in Nubian art.
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Hence

From this time; from now
A year hence it will be forgotten.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Therefore

For that; for it (in reference to a previous statement)
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Dec 05, 2023

Hence

From this place; away from here
Get you hence!.
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Hence

From this life.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Therefore

Consequently; by consequence.
He blushes; therefore he is guilty.
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Hence

(obsolete) Go away! Begone!
"...Hence! and bestow your dead
Where no wrong against him cries!"
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Hence

To utter "hence!" to; to send away.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Hence

To depart; to go away.
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Hence

From this time; in the future; as, a week hence.
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Hence

To send away.
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Shumaila Saeed
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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Hence

From this place;
Get thee hence!
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Hence

From this time;
A year hence it will be forgotten
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Is "hence" outdated?

Not outdated, but it's less common in casual speech.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023

Can "hence" and "therefore" be used interchangeably?

Generally, yes, but "hence" often implies a direct result, while "therefore" is more about logical conclusions.
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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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023

Is "therefore" a conjunction?

No, it's a conjunctive adverb, used to connect clauses.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023

Is "hence" common in academic writing?

Yes, especially in contexts requiring precise cause-and-effect relationships.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023

Is "hence" formal?

Yes, "hence" is often considered more formal or archaic than "therefore".
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023

Can "therefore" start a sentence?

Yes, "therefore" commonly starts sentences or clauses in formal writing.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023

Can "therefore" be used in informal contexts?

Yes, it's widely used in both informal and formal contexts.
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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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023

Can "therefore" be replaced with "thus"?

Yes, "thus" is often used as a synonym for "therefore" in formal writing.
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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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023

Can "therefore" be used in everyday conversation?

Yes, it's common in both casual and formal conversations.
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023

Does "therefore" only indicate positive consequences?

No, it can indicate any logical conclusion, positive or negative.
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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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023

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Shumaila Saeed
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Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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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