Difference Between Because and Therefore

Introduction

English vocabulary consists of various words that contain multiple meanings. A set of structural rules are maintained in each & every word in English grammar. These rules may vary from sentence to sentence. 

The preposition in English grammar is used to maintain the relation between two words in a sentence. More elaborately, preposition combines with nouns, pronouns, or noun phrase. In this case, also, there are some rules in prepositions. So, prepositions are highly conversational. Before and therefore are two words that come under the preposition family. Although these two words are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings that are important to understand. In this article, we'll explore the differences between "because" and "therefore" to help you use them correctly in your writing.

'Because' vs. 'Therefore'

There are several differences between 'because" and therefore. 'Because' is used as both a preposition and conjunction. It is used as a preposition followed by a noun or verb+ing. It is used as a conjunction when a subject and a verb follow it. Conversely, 'Therefore' is used as an adverb. 'Because' is used to introduce a word or phrase which stands for a clause and expresses an explanation or reason. Whereas, 'therefore' is used when providing a result or consequence of something. "Because" is used to show the cause, while "therefore" is used to show the effect. For example, "The cake didn't rise because it didn't have enough baking powder. Therefore, the cake is dense and heavy." In this sentence, the cause of the cake not rising is the lack of baking powder, and the effect is the cake being dense and heavy. It's important to note that "because" can join two independent clauses, while "therefore" is mainly used to connect two dependent clauses. An independent clause is a clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence. A dependent clause, on the other hand, is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

It's also worth mentioning that "because" and "therefore" are not interchangeable. They are using "therefore" in place of "because" or vice versa can change the meaning of a sentence and can lead to confusion. For example, you could say, "Because the economy is doing well, companies are hiring more people, and therefore unemployment rates are decreasing." In this sentence, "because" is used to connect the reason for the state of the economy to the action of companies hiring more people, while "therefore" is used to connect the result of companies hiring more people to the decrease in unemployment rates. As the word 'because' is a conjunction, so can be used to connect two phrases or clauses. On the other hand, 'therefore' is a conjunctive adverb. So, it cannot be used to connect two phrases or clauses. It's important to note that "because" and "therefore" can both be used in complex sentences and can be used in different ways to express different relationships between ideas. In short, "because" explains the reason for something while "therefore" indicates the conclusion or result that follows from it. Understanding the difference between these two words can help you express your thoughts and ideas more clearly and effectively in writing and speaking.

Difference Between ‘Because’ and ‘Therefore’ in Tabular Form

Parameters of Comparison	Because	Therefore
Grammatical Usage	It is used to indicate the reason for something.	It is used as an adverb. Commonly, it is used in run-off sentences.
Usage	Used as both conjunction(formal) and preposition(informal) to give a reason for something.	Used when providing a result of or in consequence of something. It refers to something that was previously stated.
Synonyms	It’s important to note that ‘because’ can be replaced by ‘due to’ or ‘on account of’.	‘Therefore’ can be replaced by ‘consequently’, ‘hence’, or ‘as a result’ in most cases.
Concatenation of Phrases	This word is a conjunction. So, it can be used to connect two phrases or clauses.	It is a conjunctive adverb. So, it cannot be used to connect two phrases or clauses.
Sample Sentences	Conjunction(formal): I was unable to answer that question because I was inattentive in class. Preposition (Informal): Sita was found not guilty, because of her mental disorder.	Conjunctive adverb: The company was seeking a good candidate. Therefore, they found a suitable one.

What is 'Because'?

The Alternative forms of Because: * 'cause, coz, coz, coz, 'cos, 'cuz, 'coz,

• Adverb - For the reason (that ).
• 1611, Authorized King James Version of Genesis 2:3: - On account (of"), for sake ("of ).

Derived Terms

• because of
• just because

For example,

The boy got bad marks because of his laziness. 

Conjunction - By or for the cause that; on this account that; for the reason that.

The word 'because' is used to introduce a word or phrase which stands for a clause and expresses an explanation or reason. For example, 'He couldn't attend school because he was suffering from fever'. The word signifies the 'reason' behind any action or activity. This word is the most direct and complete for giving the reason or causes of something. 'Because' is used to connect two phrases or clauses. It is a word commonly used in daily conversation and writing to explain or justify an action or statement. 

One of the most interesting things about the word "because" is its ability to convey causality. It helps to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between two statements, making it a powerful tool for logical reasoning. Another important aspect of "because" is its ability to indicate the speaker's perspective. It gives the speaker a chance to express their reasoning and thought process, making it a valuable tool for persuasion and convincing others. For example, "I think we should invest in renewable energy because it is good for the environment and will save us money in the long run." This sentence provides a reason for the speaker's opinion and shows their values and priorities.

Moreover, in psychology, it is believed that the word "because" is a powerful motivator. Studies have found that when people are given a reason for a request, they are more likely to comply. The word "because" creates a sense of responsibility and accountability, making it more likely for people to take action. The word "because" is a small but powerful word that plays a significant role in our daily lives. It helps us understand the reasoning behind actions and statements, conveys causality, and even plays a role in persuasion. It is a word that helps us make sense of the world around us and is essential for clear and logical communication. The following examples will help you to understand various usages of the word 'because.'

Examples:

1. They were angry because their plan had been postponed.
2. I like to eat mango because it tastes sweet.
3. This is because you deserve it.
4. She is a pluviophile because she loves rain.
5. Ram didn't join the meeting because he was sick.
6. Riya was angry with Rahul because he refused to give her class notes.
7. He stood first in the class because he worked hard
8. I was unable to answer that question because I was inattentive in class.
9. The company rejected him because he needs more communication skills.

Synonyms of 'because' and usage in sentences:

1. Ritu couldn't pass the exam because her preparation was not up to mark.
2. Since there is life, there is hope.
3. Our class teacher canceled today's exam due to heavy rain.
4. Afreen retired early because of her ill health.
5. Mohit couldn't sing well on account of his sore throat.
6. People cannot cross the road because the highway is clogged up with traffic jams.
7. Sita was found not guilty because of her mental disorder.
8. She cracked the exam by means of her hard work and dedication.

What is 'Therefore'?

The word 'therefore' is used to denote the reason. 'Therefore' is used when giving a result of or in consequence of something. It refers to something that was previously stated. It is used as an adverb. Generally, it is used in run-off sentences. The adverb, therefore, is also used to present a conclusion that comes after based on logic. You can perceive this construction a lot in logic, math, and science. 'Therefore' is used to connect two independent clauses. An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. On the other hand, a dependent clause cannot stand alone and must be connected to an independent clause. One of the most significant features of the word "therefore" is its ability to indicate a logical conclusion. It helps to establish a transparent connection between the premise and the conclusion, making it a powerful tool for argumentation and critical thinking. The following examples will help you to understand various usages of the word 'therefore'. Besides this, these examples will help you to get acquainted with the differences between 'because' and 'therefore.'

Examples:

1. Ashish was busy. Therefore he couldn't receive the call.
2. The car was classy and, therefore more attractive.
3. I have supplied her with all my notes of mine. Consequently, she got good marks in the exams.
4. I am a novice software developer. Consequently, I indulged myself in teamwork.
5. She stood first in the race. Therefore, she got a medal.
6. The company was seeking a good candidate. Consequently, they found a suitable one.
7. The boy was tense because of his career. Consequently, he got a job opportunity.
8. He was wringing her hand in agitation. Consequently, he got a call from the HR of the company.

Synonyms of 'Therefore: The synonyms of 'therefore' are – 'for that reason, 'consequently,' 'hence,' 'accordingly,' 'so,' 'then,' 'thence,' 'for,' 'forasmuch as,' 'thus,' 'therefrom,' 'thereupon,' 'whence,' 'wherefore,' 'ergo' etc. The following examples will help you comprehend the usage of synonyms of the word 'therefore.'

Usage in Sentences:

1. Consequently, Rima needs more time to crack the national-level exam.
2. Consequently, they have to work hard to get a promotion.
3. Hence, he had to complete his work.
4. Manoj is considered a data analyst and is paid accordingly.
5. That is regarded as an expensive item and is priced accordingly.
6. Thus, he got a conclusion.
7. Therefore, he became a successful person.
8. His salary was too low to fulfill his dreams. So, he left the job.
9. Then, he bought his new bicycle.
10. Then, he faced an accident while crossing the road.
11. Therefore, he got an apology letter from the girl.
12. Consequently, he got a call from his mother.

Main Differences between 'Because' and 'Therefore' in Points

• Because is a conjunction that is used to indicate the reason for something. For example, "I am tired because I stayed up late last night." In this sentence, the reason for being tired is staying up late. Therefore, on the other hand, 'therefore' is a conjunctive adverb used to indicate the result of something. For example, "I stayed up late last night; therefore, I am tired." In this sentence, the development of staying up late is being tired.
• 'because' is used to introduce a word or phrase which stands for a clause and expresses an explanation or reason. Whereas, 'therefore' is used when providing a result of or in consequence of something. It refers to something that was previously stated. In addition, 'because' can be used to join two independent clauses, which is mostly used to connect two dependent clauses.
• As the word 'because' is a conjunction, so can be used to connect two phrases or clauses. On the other hand,' therefore' is a conjunctive adverb. So, it cannot be used to connect two phrases or clauses.
• Another way to understand the difference between the two is that 'because' is used to explain the cause for something, while "therefore" is used to indicate the result or consequence of that cause.

Conclusion

Well, we have summarized the differences between because and therefore. I hope you got a clear understanding of the dissimilarities between 'because' and 'therefore. These are two important conjunctions in the English language that are used to connect ideas and express different relationships between those ideas. If you spark a light on the examples mentioned above, you can identify some similarities between these two words. We often use these words in our daily life. Moreover, it is essential to keep in mind the usage of those words. Although, It's essential to understand the differences between the two to use them correctly in your writing and speech.

References

• https://hinative.com/en-US/questions/2287534