Cool MateConsequently vs Hence vs That's why vs Therefore vs Thus
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Consequently
Top 3,000 (common)B2adverb
Hence
FormalTop 3,000 (common)B2adverb
That's why
Top 1,000 (very common)
Therefore
FormalTop 2,000 (common)B1adverb
Thus
FormalTop 2,000 (common)B2adverb
Most common: That's why
| Consequently | Hence | That's why | Therefore | Thus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːnsɪkwentli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/hens/"]/🇺🇸 /["/hens/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæts waɪ//🇺🇸 //ðæts waɪ// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈðeəfɔː(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈðerfɔːr/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ðʌs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ðʌs/"]/ |
| Meaning | As a result or effect of something. | for that reason | This is the reason. | For that reason; as a result. | for this reason; therefore |
| Example | This poses a threat to agriculture and the food chain, and consequently to human health. | We suspect they are trying to hide something, hence the need for an independent inquiry. | The project was delayed. That's why we need an extension. | He's only 17 and therefore not eligible to vote. | Many scholars have argued thus. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal | Neutral | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 | - | B1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb | adverb | adverb | |
| Collocations | consequently, the outcome, consequently, we decided, used consequently in a sentence, consequently, it appears, the plan failed; consequently | hence the need, henceforth, hence it follows | that's why I, that's why we, that's why she, that's why they, that's why he | therefore concluded, therefore it follows, therefore we can, therefore you should, therefore the result | thus it follows, thus far, thus far into, thus we conclude |
| Antonyms | inconsequently, independently, unrelatedly | therefore, thus | - | however, nevertheless, nonetheless | therefore, consequently |
| Common mistakes | Using 'consequently' in informal spoken English too often., Confusing 'consequently' with 'consequent' — the former is an adverb, the latter is an adjective., Placing 'consequently' at the beginning of a sentence without a clear prior context. | Using 'hence' incorrectly as a standalone sentence., Confusing 'hence' with 'therefore' when they have slightly different usages., Forgetting to use a comma before 'hence' when it starts a new clause. | 'That's why' is sometimes confused with 'that's because', which has a slightly different use., Learners often forget to follow 'that's why' with a clear explanation., Some may use 'that's why' in overly formal contexts, where a more precise term is needed. | '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. | Using 'thus' in casual conversations where 'so' is more appropriate., Confusing 'thus' with 'that' in terms of meaning., Using 'thus' incorrectly as a conjunction instead of an adverb. |
| Usage notes | Use 'consequently' to show a direct result of something previously mentioned. It's suitable for writing and formal speech, but less common in everyday conversations. | Used in writing or formal speech to explain outcomes or reasons. It may feel too formal in casual conversations. | Use 'that's why' to explain or justify a statement. It's suitable for conversation and informal writing, but may be less formal in essays. | 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. | Used primarily in writing or formal speech. It can sound too stiff or old-fashioned in casual conversation. Avoid using it in everyday chat. |
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Frequently asked questions: Consequently vs Hence vs That's why vs Therefore vs Thus
What's the difference between Consequently, Hence, That's why, Therefore, and Thus?
Consequently: As a result or effect of something. Hence: for that reason That's why: This is the reason. Therefore: For that reason; as a result. Thus: for this reason; therefore
Which is more common: Consequently, Hence, That's why, Therefore, and Thus?
That's why is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Consequently: This poses a threat to agriculture and the food chain, and consequently to human health. Hence: We suspect they are trying to hide something, hence the need for an independent inquiry. That's why: The project was delayed. That's why we need an extension. Therefore: He's only 17 and therefore not eligible to vote. Thus: Many scholars have argued thus.
Can I use Consequently, Hence, That's why, Therefore, and Thus interchangeably?
Not always. Consequently, Hence, That's why, Therefore, and Thus 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.