Thus vs. Thereby — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 9, 2024
Thus indicates a result or conclusion drawn from a previous statement, while thereby signifies the means or method by which something is achieved.
Difference Between Thus and Thereby
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Thus introduces the logical result of what has been previously stated. For instance, "The temperature dropped suddenly; thus, it began to snow." Thereby explains the manner in which an action leads to a particular result, as in "He studied diligently, thereby improving his grades."
Thus often transitions between sentences, showing the outcome of an earlier action or argument. On the other hand, thereby typically connects to a verb, clarifying how the first action facilitates or enables the second.
Thus is more direct in showing logical conclusions or implications of previous facts. In contrast, thereby suggests an indirect relationship, highlighting the cause or manner of achieving the result.
Thus often functions independently to summarize or emphasize the result, while thereby requires a preceding action or condition to explain its purpose or effect.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Indicates a direct result or conclusion
Implies a method or means of achieving a result
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Usage Context
Standalone, to conclude or summarize
Attached to a verb to show the means
Placement
Beginning or middle of a clause
Middle of a clause following a verb
Directness
More direct in showing conclusions
More indirect, implying a causal relationship
Example
"He was tired, thus he rested."
"She signed the document, thereby agreeing."
Compare with Definitions
Thus
As a result; consequently.
The company expanded rapidly; thus, its profits soared.
Thereby
In that connection or context.
The group discussed the plan, thereby clarifying their objectives.
Thus
In this way or manner.
He worked hard, thus improving his reputation.
Thereby
In consequence of something done.
He delegated tasks, thereby improving efficiency.
Thus
To this extent or degree.
The project was incomplete, thus causing delays.
Thereby
In that way; thus.
She presented the evidence, thereby proving her case.
Thus
As an illustration or example.
Thus far, the team has met all their goals.
Thereby
As a consequence of that.
They won the tournament, thereby qualifying for the finals.
Thus
So, accordingly (literary).
It was a difficult challenge, thus requiring extra effort.
Thereby
By that means; because of that.
Thus
In this manner
Lay the pieces out thus. See Usage Note at thusly.
Thereby
In connection with that
"And thereby hangs a tale" (Shakespeare).
Thus
To a stated degree or extent; so.
Thereby
(formal) By it; by that; by that means, or as a consequence of that.
Thus
Therefore; consequently
Thus it was necessary for me to resign.
Thereby
By that; by that means; in consequence of that.
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace; thereby good shall come unto thee.
Thus
For example
Few of the nation's largest cities are state capitals.
Thus neither New York nor Chicago is the seat of its state's government.
Thereby
Annexed to that.
Thus
(manner) In this way or manner.
If you throw the ball thus, as I’m showing you, you’ll have better luck hitting the target.
Thereby
Thereabout; - said of place, number, etc.
Thus
(conjunctive) As a result.
I have all the tools I need; thus, I will be able to fix the car without having to call a mechanic.
Thereby
By that means or because of that;
He knocked over the red wine, thereby ruining the table cloth
Thus
The commoner kind of frankincense, or that obtained from the Norway spruce, the long-leaved pine, and other conifers.
Thus
In this or that manner; on this wise.
Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
Thus God the heaven created, thus the earth.
Thus
To this degree or extent; so far; so; as, thus wise; thus peaceble; thus bold.
Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds.
Thus
An aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees; formerly valued for worship and for embalming and fumigation
Thus
(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
Thus
In the way indicated;
Hold the brush so
Set up the pieces thus
Common Curiosities
Does thereby need to be linked to an action?
Yes, it generally specifies how one action enables or causes another.
Is thus used for cause-and-effect relationships?
Yes, thus is often used to signal a cause-and-effect relationship.
Can thus imply a change or transition?
Yes, it often suggests a logical transition from one state to another.
What is the primary difference between thus and thereby?
Thus indicates a direct result, while thereby shows how an action is accomplished.
Is thereby suitable for formal writing?
Yes, it's often used in formal contexts to explain relationships.
Is thus a conjunction or an adverb?
Thus is an adverb.
Does thereby always follow a verb?
Typically, thereby follows a verb to connect the action with its result.
Can thus be used to introduce examples or illustrations?
Yes, it can summarize or illustrate previous statements.
Is thereby interchangeable with therefore?
No, therefore is more direct in showing conclusions, while thereby is more about the means.
Can thus start a new sentence or clause?
Yes, thus often starts a new clause to introduce a result.
Can thereby be used with any verb?
Generally, it follows verbs that have clear effects or results.
Does thereby always refer to something that has already happened?
Yes, it clarifies the result of a prior action or event.
Is thus appropriate for both spoken and written English?
Yes, though it is more common in formal writing.
Can thus be replaced with hence or so?
Yes, in many contexts, hence or so can serve similar purposes.
Can thereby suggest an ongoing effect?
Yes, it can imply continuous results over time.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
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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.
