Cool MateAccordingly vs Therefore
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Accordingly
Therefore
| Accordingly | Therefore | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈkɔːdɪŋli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈkɔːrdɪŋli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈðeəfɔː(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈðerfɔːr/"]/ |
| Meaning | In a way that is suitable or appropriate based on something else. | For that reason; as a result. |
| Example | We have to discover his plans and act accordingly. | He's only 17 and therefore not eligible to vote. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly 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 | 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'. | '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. | 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. |
Frequently asked questions: Accordingly vs Therefore
What's the difference between Accordingly and Therefore?
Accordingly: In a way that is suitable or appropriate based on something else. Therefore: For that reason; as a result.
Which is more formal: Accordingly and Therefore?
Therefore is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Accordingly and Therefore?
Therefore is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Accordingly and Therefore?
Accordingly is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Accordingly and Therefore the same CEFR level?
Accordingly: C1, Therefore: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Accordingly and Therefore?
Accordingly: adverb, Therefore: adverb.
Can you show an example of each?
Accordingly: We have to discover his plans and act accordingly. Therefore: He's only 17 and therefore not eligible to vote.
Can I use Accordingly and Therefore interchangeably?
Not always. Accordingly 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.