Therefore vs. Because — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 21, 2024
"Therefore" indicates a consequence or result, while "Because" introduces the reason or cause behind an action.
Difference Between Therefore and Because
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Therefore" is used to introduce a conclusion or result that logically follows from the preceding information, emphasizing the effect in a cause-and-effect relationship. Whereas, "because" introduces the reason or cause for something, focusing on why an action is taken or an event occurs, and is often used to answer questions of why something happened.
"Because" typically precedes the cause or reason in a sentence, explaining the rationale behind a decision, action, or situation. On the other hand, "therefore" is used after the cause has been stated, leading to the conclusion or result of the previously mentioned facts or arguments.
In terms of sentence structure, "because" can start a subordinate clause, which provides the reason for the main clause. Meanwhile, "therefore" often appears at the beginning of a new sentence or clause, followed by a comma, and it serves to summarize or conclude the argument or point made in the preceding sentences.
While "because" is integral in constructing cause-and-effect relationships by directly linking the cause to its effect, "therefore" is used to infer or deduce the effect based on the information or argument that has already been presented, signaling a logical conclusion.
The use of "because" is crucial for explaining motives, reasons, or causes, making it a key word in constructing arguments, explaining behavior, or detailing processes. "Therefore," however, is essential for drawing conclusions, making predictions, or stating implications, indicating a step forward in reasoning from cause to effect.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Indicates a consequence or result.
Introduces the reason or cause.
Usage
Used to conclude or infer a result.
Used to explain why something happens.
Sentence Role
Often starts a new sentence or follows a comma.
Leads a subordinate clause providing reason.
Focus
On the effect or conclusion.
On the cause or reason.
Example
"It rained heavily; therefore, the game was postponed."
"The game was postponed because it rained heavily."
Compare with Definitions
Therefore
Often used to start a new sentence, showing the conclusion from previous statements.
She has a severe peanut allergy; therefore, she carefully reads food labels.
Because
Directly links an action or situation to its cause.
They won the game because they practiced daily.
Therefore
Indicates implications or consequences logically following an argument.
The company's profits have doubled; therefore, employees can expect significant bonuses.
Because
Provides the reason behind a decision or situation.
The picnic was canceled because of the rain.
Therefore
Therefore is used to introduce a conclusion that follows from previously stated ideas or arguments.
The roads were icy; therefore, the school decided to close.
Because
Because introduces a reason or cause for an action or situation.
She left early because she felt ill.
Therefore
Used to deduce a logical conclusion from given facts.
All humans are mortal; Socrates is human; therefore, Socrates is mortal.
Because
Can start a subordinate clause that explains the reason.
Because he missed the bus, he was late to the meeting.
Therefore
Shows the effect or result following a set of circumstances.
He did not study for the exam; therefore, he failed.
Because
Used to detail the cause behind a process or outcome.
The project succeeded because of careful planning and teamwork.
Therefore
For that reason or cause; consequently or hence.
Because
For the reason that; since.
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.
Because
(archaic) For the reason that.
Therefore
For that; for it (in reference to a previous statement)
Because
On account of, for sake of.
My life is ruined because of you!
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?
Because
(by ellipsis) Used alone to refuse to provide a full answer a question begun with "why", usually taken as an anapodoton of the elided full phrase "Because I said so".
Therefore
Consequently; by consequence.
He blushes; therefore he is guilty.
Because
By or for the cause that; on this account that; for the reason that.
I hid myself because I was afraid.
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
Because
As is known, inferred, or determined from the fact that.
It must be broken, because I pressed the button and nothing happened.
I don't think he is a nice person, because he yells at people for no reason.
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
Because
(obsolete) So that, in order that.
Because
On account of, because of.
He rejected me because revenge, I guess.
It doesn't work because reasons.
Because
By or for the cause that; on this account that; for the reason that.
Because
In order that; that.
And the multitude rebuked them because they should hold their peace.
Because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Common Curiosities
Is "because" always followed by a clause?
Yes, "because" typically introduces a subordinate clause that provides the reason or cause for the main clause's action or situation.
Is it correct to start a sentence with "because"?
Yes, it's grammatically correct to start a sentence with "because" when it introduces a reason leading to an outcome stated in the following clause.
How does "therefore" change the meaning of a sentence compared to "because"?
"Therefore" focuses on the consequence or result of a situation, whereas "because" emphasizes the cause or reason behind it.
Can "therefore" be used in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, "therefore" can be used in the middle of a sentence, typically followed by a comma, to introduce a conclusion.
What is the effect of using "therefore" in an argument?
Using "therefore" in an argument helps to clearly signal the logical conclusion derived from the preceding statements, making the argument more structured and persuasive.
Why is "because" important in explaining phenomena?
"Because" is crucial for explaining phenomena as it directly links actions or events to their underlying reasons or causes, providing clarity and understanding to the explanation.
Can "therefore" and "because" be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different purposes; "therefore" indicates a conclusion, while "because" introduces a reason.
Is it appropriate to use "therefore" in casual conversations?
While "therefore" can be used in casual conversations, its formal tone might make it less common in everyday speech compared to more informal expressions of causality or conclusion.
Can "therefore" be used to introduce a list of consequences?
Yes, "therefore" can be used to introduce a list of consequences, especially when summarizing or concluding an argument that leads to multiple outcomes or implications.
How does the placement of "because" within a sentence affect its meaning?
The placement of "because" within a sentence affects its meaning by specifying the cause or reason that directly influences the outcome described in the main clause, emphasizing the causal relationship.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
