Therefore vs. Therefor: What's the Difference?
Distinguish therefore, meaning consequently, from the rare legal word therefor, meaning for that, with examples, a quiz, and FAQs.
Therefore means for that reason or consequently. Therefor, without the final e, is a rare formal word meaning for that or in return for that, mainly seen in legal and contractual writing. Most everyday sentences need therefore.
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A conclusion reads, “The sample was incomplete; therefor, we repeated the test.” The sentence signals a consequence, so it needs therefore with a final e.
Therefore vs. Therefor at a glance
| Word | Typical role | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| therefore | Adverb | for that reason; consequently | The road was closed; therefore, we used another route. |
| therefor | Rare formal adverb | for that thing, action, or reason | Payment and a receipt therefor were recorded. |
How to use therefore
Use therefore to connect a reason with its logical result. It can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a clause. Punctuation depends on the sentence structure, not on the word alone.
The road was closed; therefore, we used another route.
How to use therefor
Therefor survives mainly in legal language, where it points back to a specific item and means for it or for that. Because it is unfamiliar to many readers, plain-language alternatives are often clearer when legal precision does not require it.
Payment and a receipt therefor were recorded.
Rules that make the choice easier
Use therefore for a conclusion
If consequently or so expresses the meaning, choose therefore.
Reserve therefor for for that
If the phrase literally means for it or in exchange for it in formal prose, therefor may be correct.
Prefer plain language when possible
Outside specialized legal drafting, replacing therefor with for it or for that often helps readers.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Incorrect: The file was missing; therefor, we called again. Correct: therefore.
- Do not remove the final e merely because therefore contains the word for.
- Avoid therefor as a legal-sounding decoration when a plain phrase is clearer.
Quick practice
1. The data were invalid; ___, we reran the test.
Answer: therefore
2. Which word can mean for that in legal prose?
Answer: therefor
3. Which form is common in everyday writing?
Answer: therefore
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between therefore and therefor?
Therefore means consequently; therefor is a rare formal word meaning for that.
Is therefor a real word?
Yes, but it is uncommon and appears mainly in legal writing.
Does therefore need a comma?
Often, but punctuation depends on its position and the clause structure.
Which word should I use for as a result?
Use therefore.