Therefor or Therefore – – How to Use Each Correctly
What’s the Difference Between Therefor and Therefore?
Contents
Therefor and therefore look almost the same, and are homophones. At first glance, it might seem like therefor is a misspelling of therefore. While it is true that some people could make this mistake, therefor and therefore are both correct spellings of different words with different definitions.
Therefor is an adverb that means in exchange for this or that or sometimes simply for that.
- The judge convicted the defendant of fraud, and the criminal will serve six years in prison therefor.
Therefore is also an adverb. It means consequently.
- She is allergic to cats. Therefore, she is unable to have a cat as a pet.
Now, let’s go over a few ways you can use these words in your sentences.
Using Therefor in a Sentence
When to use therefor: Therefor is an adverb that means for that or in exchange for this.
For example,
- The prisoner has helped provide information which led to dismantling a major criminal enterprise, and his sentence will be commuted therefor.
- The man killed multiple people in his attempt to rob the bank, and received a sentence of life in prison therefor.
Therefor is almost exclusively used in legal contexts, specifically the jargon of lawyers and judges. It sounds archaic outside of this context. Therefore, unless you are a lawyer or a judge, it is best to avoid using this word. Lawyers and judges, however, must be careful not to confuse this word with therefore, which is much more common.
Using Therefore in a Sentence
When to use therefore: Therefore is an adverb that means as a result or hence.
For example,
- Fish need water to breathe. Therefore, it is a bad idea to take your pet fish out of its tank.
- Exercising and having a healthy diet are two ways to improve your health. Therefore, it is a good idea to run or lift weights, and to eat lots of vegetables.
Therefore is a way to connect a conclusion or inference with the statement preceding it. Usually, a comma follows therefore. This word is somewhat formal and academic, so it is not common in conversational English, but it appears frequently in academic texts.
Remembering Therefor vs. Therefore
It is possible to use the spelling of therefor and therefore to distinguish one from the other.
Therefor has no e at the end, just like the word for. This can help you remember that it means for that. Also, it has fewer letters than therefore, which can remind you that therefor is much less common outside of legalese.
Therefore ends with the same four letters as the word before: fore. This can remind you that therefore appears before a conclusion or inference based on the previous statement.
Outside Examples
- In some counties with tough district attorneys that could mean a large drug bust of a dealer whose stash has killed other teens in the community may be considered “extraordinary,” and therefor violent, sources said. –New York Post
- Eisgruber is among 16 judicial candidates on the ballot for 16 Superior Court slots, said Erin Kelley, spokeswoman for the Marion County clerk’s office, and therefor he is assured of a win. –LA Times
- “There is no allegation of a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy and therefore there is no basis for an NFL investigation,” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said in an email to USA TODAY Sports Thursday in response to the police union letter. –USA Today
- “I am aware I’m anxious about seeing Jenna next period, since yesterday we had a tough moment in class. I’ve let go of it, but what if she hasn’t?” In this case, before class has even begun I recognize how I feel and am therefore less likely to think Jenna’s presence is the cause of my anxiety. –New York Times
Quiz: Therefor vs. Therefore
Instructions: Fill in the blank with the correct word, therefor or therefore, in the correct form.
- Forecasters are predicting a summer filled with sunshine and balmy temperatures. ______________, many hotels near the coasts are filling up with early summertime reservations.
- The state recognizes the prisoner’s good behavior and offers early release ______________.
- She graduated at the top of her class and __________________ was in high demand from many local businesses.
See answers below.
Article Summary
Should I use therefor or therefore? These words sound the same, have the same part of speech, and have similar meanings. However, they are not interchangeable.
- Therefor is legal jargon and means in exchange for or for that.
- Therefore is word common in academic English and means consequently or hence.
Remember not to use therefor outside of legal documents or proceedings.
Answers from Quiz
- Therefore
- therefor
- therefore