Cool MateAccordingly vs By that rationale vs Therefore
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Accordingly
By that rationale
Therefore
| Accordingly | By that rationale | Therefore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈkɔːdɪŋli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈkɔːrdɪŋli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //baɪ ðæt ˈræʃəˌnæl//🇺🇸 //baɪ ðæt ˈræʃəˌnæl// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈðeəfɔː(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈðerfɔːr/"]/ |
| Meaning | In a way that is suitable or appropriate based on something else. | For that reason or explanation. | For that reason; as a result. |
| Example | We have to discover his plans and act accordingly. | By that rationale, we should also reconsider the budget allocations. | He's only 17 and therefore not eligible to vote. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb | |
| Collocations | act accordingly, respond accordingly, adjust accordingly, plan accordingly, behave accordingly | by that rationale, use that rationale, consider that rationale | therefore concluded, therefore it follows, therefore we can, therefore you should, therefore the result |
| Antonyms | inappropriately, improperly, unsuitably, contrarily | - | however, nevertheless, nonetheless |
| Common mistakes | Using 'accordingly' in informal situations where simpler words would be better., Confusing 'accordingly' with 'according to', which has a different meaning., Omitting the necessary context before using 'accordingly'. | Used in informal settings, which sounds awkward., Changed 'rationale' to 'rational' incorrectly., Omitted the phrase 'by that' when explaining reasoning. | 'Therefore' is sometimes confused with 'therefor', which has a different meaning., Learners may use 'therefore' to start a sentence in informal contexts, which can sound awkward., 'Therefore' may be incorrectly placed in a sentence away from the cause or condition. |
| Usage notes | Use 'accordingly' to show a result based on a previous statement. It's often found in written English and formal contexts but can also be used in speech. | Used in formal discussions to explain reasoning. Avoid in casual conversations. | Use 'therefore' to connect ideas in formal writing or speech. It’s less common in everyday conversation and can sound stiff. Avoid it in casual contexts. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Accordingly vs By that rationale vs Therefore
What's the difference between Accordingly, By that rationale, and Therefore?
Accordingly: In a way that is suitable or appropriate based on something else. By that rationale: For that reason or explanation. Therefore: For that reason; as a result.
Which is more common: Accordingly, By that rationale, and Therefore?
Therefore is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Accordingly, By that rationale, and Therefore?
Accordingly is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Accordingly: We have to discover his plans and act accordingly. By that rationale: By that rationale, we should also reconsider the budget allocations. Therefore: He's only 17 and therefore not eligible to vote.
Can I use Accordingly, By that rationale, and Therefore interchangeably?
Not always. Accordingly, By that rationale, and Therefore are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.