Mastering synonyms for common phrases like “for this reason” is crucial for effective communication. It allows you to express yourself more precisely, avoid repetition, and add nuance to your writing and speech.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to various alternatives, helping you to enrich your vocabulary and improve your overall English proficiency. Whether you’re an ESL student, a professional writer, or simply someone looking to enhance their communication skills, this guide offers valuable insights and practical examples.
By understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms and their appropriate contexts, you can convey your intended meaning more accurately and persuasively. Let’s explore the diverse range of alternatives available and how to use them effectively.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “For This Reason”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Synonyms
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “For This Reason”
“For this reason” is a transitional phrase used to indicate a direct cause-and-effect relationship between two statements. It introduces the consequence or outcome resulting from a previously mentioned cause or explanation.
It serves as a connector, linking ideas and providing a logical flow within a sentence or paragraph. Essentially, it signals to the reader or listener that what follows is a direct result of what has been stated before.
The phrase belongs to a category of expressions known as conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases. These phrases function to connect independent clauses or sentences, showing the relationship between them. “For this reason” specifically indicates a causal relationship, similar to phrases like “therefore,” “consequently,” and “as a result.”
In context, “for this reason” is typically placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause, followed by a comma. It helps to maintain coherence and clarity in writing, ensuring that the reader understands the logical connection between ideas.
Its primary function is to provide a clear explanation for a subsequent action, decision, or state of affairs.
Structural Breakdown
The phrase “for this reason” consists of three distinct components, each contributing to its overall meaning and function:
- For: This preposition indicates purpose or cause. It sets the stage for explaining the reason or justification behind something.
- This: This demonstrative adjective refers back to a previously mentioned fact, situation, or explanation. It creates a direct link to the preceding information.
- Reason: This noun signifies the justification, explanation, or cause for something. It highlights the logical basis for the subsequent statement.
Together, these elements form a cohesive phrase that clearly signals a causal relationship. The phrase is typically followed by a comma, which separates it from the main clause and enhances readability.
The structure allows for a smooth transition between the cause and the effect, ensuring that the connection is easily understood by the audience.
The typical sentence structure using “for this reason” is: [Cause/Explanation], for this reason, [Effect/Consequence]. For example: “The weather was terrible, for this reason, the event was cancelled.”
Types and Categories of Synonyms
Synonyms for “for this reason” can be categorized based on their level of formality and the specific nuance they convey. Understanding these categories can help you choose the most appropriate synonym for a given context.
Formal Synonyms
These synonyms are suitable for academic writing, professional communication, and other formal settings. They tend to be more sophisticated and precise.
- Therefore: A direct and concise synonym, emphasizing the logical consequence.
- Consequently: Similar to “therefore,” but often implies a more significant or far-reaching result.
- Hence: A more formal and somewhat archaic synonym for “therefore.”
- Thus: Another formal synonym indicating a logical conclusion.
- Accordingly: Suggests that an action or decision is made in response to a previous situation.
- Ergo: A Latin term used in formal logic to indicate a conclusion.
- Wherefore: An archaic term, similar to “therefore,” often used in legal or philosophical contexts.
- In consequence: A more emphatic version of “consequently.”
Informal Synonyms
These synonyms are appropriate for casual conversations, informal writing, and everyday communication. They are generally more relaxed and less precise.
- So: A simple and common synonym, suitable for most informal contexts.
- That’s why: A more conversational way of expressing the reason for something.
- That’s the reason why: A slightly more emphatic version of “that’s why.”
- Because of that: A straightforward and easily understood synonym.
- Due to that: Similar to “because of that,” but slightly more formal.
Synonyms Emphasizing Cause
These synonyms highlight the causal relationship more explicitly, focusing on the reason or explanation behind the result.
- As a result of this: Clearly indicates that the following statement is a direct outcome of the previous one.
- On account of this: Similar to “because of this,” but slightly more formal.
- By virtue of this: Suggests that the result is a direct consequence of the inherent qualities or characteristics of the cause.
- In light of this: Implies that new information or understanding has led to the subsequent action or decision.
- Given this: Indicates that the following statement is a logical conclusion based on the preceding information.
Synonyms Emphasizing Result
These synonyms place greater emphasis on the outcome or consequence, highlighting the effect of the previous statement.
- As such: Indicates that the following statement is a direct consequence of the preceding one.
- In that case: Suggests that the following action or decision is a logical response to the previous situation.
- On that account: Similar to “because of that,” but often used to justify a particular action or decision.
- For that reason alone: Emphasizes that the preceding reason is the sole justification for the subsequent statement.
Examples
To illustrate the usage of these synonyms, here are several examples categorized by formality and emphasis.
Formal Synonym Examples
The following table provides examples of formal synonyms used in sentences.
| Synonym | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Therefore | The data was inconclusive; therefore, further research is needed. |
| Consequently | The company failed to meet its targets; consequently, several employees were laid off. |
| Hence | The evidence was circumstantial; hence, the defendant was acquitted. |
| Thus | The experiment was carefully controlled; thus, the results are considered reliable. |
| Accordingly | The regulations were updated; accordingly, all staff members must undergo retraining. |
| Ergo | All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; ergo, Socrates is mortal. |
| Wherefore | The witness testimony was inconsistent; wherefore, the judge dismissed the case. |
| In consequence | The river flooded its banks; in consequence, many homes were damaged. |
| Therefore | The hypothesis was proven incorrect; therefore, a new approach is required. |
| Consequently | The stock market crashed; consequently, investors lost significant amounts of money. |
| Hence | The infrastructure was poorly maintained; hence, frequent breakdowns occurred. |
| Thus | The study was conducted rigorously; thus, its findings are considered valid. |
| Accordingly | The policy was revised; accordingly, all departments must adhere to the new guidelines. |
| Ergo | The premise is flawed; ergo, the conclusion is invalid. |
| Wherefore | The contract was breached; wherefore, legal action was initiated. |
| In consequence | The earthquake struck without warning; in consequence, widespread destruction ensued. |
| Therefore | The project was underfunded; therefore, it was delayed indefinitely. |
| Consequently | The company implemented cost-cutting measures; consequently, employee morale plummeted. |
| Hence | The system was vulnerable to cyberattacks; hence, security protocols were strengthened. |
| Thus | The experiment yielded consistent results; thus, the theory was supported. |
| Accordingly | The law was passed; accordingly, citizens are now required to comply. |
| Ergo | All squares are rectangles; this shape is a square; ergo, this shape is a rectangle. |
| Wherefore | The evidence was deemed inadmissible; wherefore, the charges were dropped. |
| In consequence | The factory released pollutants into the air; in consequence, the local residents suffered respiratory problems. |
Informal Synonym Examples
The following table provides examples of informal synonyms used in sentences.
| Synonym | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| So | I was feeling tired, so I went to bed early. |
| That’s why | The car broke down; that’s why we were late. |
| That’s the reason why | He didn’t study; that’s the reason why he failed the exam. |
| Because of that | The store was closed; because of that, I couldn’t buy the groceries. |
| Due to that | The flight was delayed; due to that, we missed our connection. |
| So | It started raining; so, we decided to stay inside. |
| That’s why | I didn’t have any money; that’s why I couldn’t go to the concert. |
| That’s the reason why | She was feeling unwell; that’s the reason why she called in sick. |
| Because of that | The traffic was terrible; because of that, we missed the beginning of the movie. |
| Due to that | The power went out; due to that, we couldn’t finish cooking dinner. |
| So | I forgot my umbrella; so I got soaked in the rain. |
| That’s why | The printer is out of ink; that’s why I can’t print the document. |
| That’s the reason why | He didn’t get enough sleep; that’s the reason why he’s so grumpy today. |
| Because of that | The restaurant was fully booked; because of that, we had to go somewhere else. |
| Due to that | The road was closed for construction; due to that, we had to take a detour. |
Synonyms Emphasizing Cause Examples
The following table provides examples of synonyms that emphasize the cause used in sentences.
| Synonym | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| As a result of this | The company invested heavily in research; as a result of this, they developed several innovative products. |
| On account of this | The weather was exceptionally cold; on account of this, the crops failed. |
| By virtue of this | He possessed exceptional leadership skills; by virtue of this, he was promoted to CEO. |
| In light of this | New evidence emerged; in light of this, the investigation was reopened. |
| Given this | The budget was limited; given this, we had to prioritize our spending. |
| As a result of this | The government implemented new policies; as a result of this, the economy improved. |
| On account of this | The team worked tirelessly; on account of this, they achieved their goals. |
| By virtue of this | She had a strong work ethic; by virtue of this, she excelled in her career. |
| In light of this | The market conditions changed; in light of this, the company adjusted its strategy. |
| Given this | The project had a tight deadline; given this, the team had to work efficiently. |
| As a result of this | The city invested in public transportation; as a result of this, traffic congestion decreased. |
| On account of this | The athlete trained rigorously; on account of this, he won the gold medal. |
| By virtue of this | The software was user-friendly; by virtue of this, it gained widespread adoption. |
| In light of this | New research findings were published; in light of this, the medical community revised its guidelines. |
| Given this | The company faced financial challenges; given this, it implemented cost-saving measures. |
Synonyms Emphasizing Result Examples
The following table provides examples of synonyms that emphasize the result used in sentences.
| Synonym | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| As such | He was the team captain; as such, he was responsible for motivating the players. |
| In that case | You’re not feeling well; in that case, you should stay home and rest. |
| On that account | He had a prior commitment; on that account, he couldn’t attend the meeting. |
| For that reason alone | The service was excellent; for that reason alone, I would recommend this restaurant. |
| As such | She was the leading expert in the field; as such, her opinion was highly valued. |
| In that case | You’re running late; in that case, you should take a taxi. |
| On that account | The product was defective; on that account, the company offered a full refund. |
| For that reason alone | The location was perfect; for that reason alone, we chose to build the new office there. |
| As such | The building was a historical landmark; as such, it was protected by law. |
| In that case | You don’t have a ticket; in that case, you can’t enter the venue. |
| On that account | The project was over budget; on that account, the scope was reduced. |
| For that reason alone | The view was breathtaking; for that reason alone, it was worth the trip. |
Usage Rules
When choosing a synonym for “for this reason,” consider the following rules:
- Formality: Select a synonym that matches the tone of your writing or speech. Use formal synonyms in academic or professional contexts and informal synonyms in casual settings.
- Emphasis: Choose a synonym that highlights the specific aspect you want to emphasize, whether it’s the cause or the result.
- Clarity: Ensure that the synonym you choose clearly conveys the intended meaning and maintains the logical flow of your ideas.
- Avoid Overuse: Vary your vocabulary by using different synonyms throughout your writing to avoid repetition.
- Punctuation: Remember to use a comma after the synonym when it introduces an independent clause (e.g., “Therefore, we decided to cancel the event.”).
Exception: In very informal speech, the comma after “so” might be omitted, but it’s generally recommended to include it for clarity.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using synonyms for “for this reason”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The weather was bad for this. We stayed inside. | The weather was bad. For this reason, we stayed inside. | “For this reason” needs to be a separate phrase, typically starting a new sentence or clause. |
| So, the reason was bad weather, we stayed inside. | The weather was bad, so we stayed inside. | The structure is incorrect. “So” should directly connect the cause and effect. |
| Consequently, we stayed inside because the weather. | Consequently, we stayed inside because of the weather. | The phrasing is awkward. “Because of” is needed to correctly express the cause. |
| Therefore we decided to stay inside. | Therefore, we decided to stay inside. | A comma is needed after “therefore” when it introduces an independent clause. |
| Due to the fact the weather was bad, we stayed inside. | Due to the bad weather, we stayed inside. OR The weather was bad. Due to that, we stayed inside. | The phrasing is unnecessarily wordy. Simplify the sentence for clarity. |
| As result of this, our trip was cancelled. | As a result of this, our trip was cancelled. | The article “a” is missing before “result.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of synonyms for “for this reason” with these exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate synonym for “for this reason” from the list provided: therefore, so, consequently, hence, because of that.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The company’s profits declined; __________, they had to reduce their workforce. | therefore/consequently |
| I didn’t study for the exam; __________, I failed. | so |
| The flight was delayed; __________, we missed our connecting flight. | consequently |
| The evidence was circumstantial; __________, the defendant was acquitted. | hence |
| The store was closed; __________, I couldn’t buy the ingredients. | because of that |
| The traffic was terrible; __________, we were late for the meeting. | so |
| The project was over budget; __________, the scope had to be reduced. | therefore/consequently |
| The system was vulnerable to cyberattacks; __________, security protocols were strengthened. | hence |
| The power went out; __________, we couldn’t finish cooking dinner. | because of that |
| The team worked tirelessly; __________, they achieved their goals. | therefore/consequently |
Exercise 2: Sentence Rewriting
Rewrite the following sentences using a synonym for “for this reason.”
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| The weather was terrible; for this reason, the event was cancelled. | The weather was terrible; therefore, the event was cancelled. |
| He didn’t have any money; for this reason, he couldn’t go to the concert. | He didn’t have any money, so he couldn’t go to the concert. |
| The company failed to innovate; for this reason, it lost market share. | The company failed to innovate; consequently, it lost market share. |
| The evidence was insufficient; for this reason, the case was dismissed. | The evidence was insufficient; hence, the case was dismissed. |
| The store was out of stock; for this reason, I had to go to another store. | The store was out of stock; because of that, I had to go to another store. |
| She was feeling unwell; for this reason, she called in sick. | She was feeling unwell, so she called in sick. |
| The flight was delayed; for this reason, we missed our connection. | The flight was delayed; therefore, we missed our connection. |
| The system was unreliable; for this reason, it was replaced. | The system was unreliable; consequently, it was replaced. |
| The project was underfunded; for this reason, it was delayed. | The project was underfunded; hence, it was delayed. |
| The traffic was heavy; for this reason, we were late. | The traffic was heavy, so we were late. |
Exercise 3: Contextual Choice
Choose the most appropriate synonym for “for this reason” based on the context provided.
| Context | Synonym Choices | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| A formal research paper discussing the impact of climate change. | (a) So (b) Therefore (c) That’s why | (b) Therefore |
| A casual conversation explaining why you were late to a friend. | (a) Consequently (b) Hence (c) So | (c) So |
| A legal document outlining the reasons for a decision. | (a) Wherefore (b) Because of that (c) That’s the reason why | (a) Wherefore |
| A business report explaining the decline in sales. | (a) Accordingly (b) That’s why (c) So | (a) Accordingly |
| An email to a colleague explaining why you couldn’t complete a task. | (a) Due to that (b) Ergo (c) That’s why | (a) Due to that |
| A scientific article discussing experimental results. | (a) Thus (b) So (c) Because of that | (a) Thus |
| A presentation to investors explaining a change in strategy. | (a) Consequently (b) That’s why (c) So | (a) Consequently |
| A informal text message to a friend. | (a) Hence (b) So (c) Therefore | (b) So |
| A formal letter of complaint. | (a) Therefore (b) That’s why (c) Because of that | (a) Therefore |
| Explaining a simple cause and effect relationship. | (a) Ergo (b) So (c) Wherefore | (b) So |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider the subtle nuances between synonyms and their impact on the overall tone and persuasiveness of your writing. Explore how different synonyms can be used to emphasize specific aspects of the cause-and-effect relationship, and how this can influence the reader’s perception.
Also, research less common and more sophisticated synonyms for even greater precision and expressiveness.
Another advanced topic is understanding how cultural contexts might influence the appropriateness of certain synonyms. Some synonyms may be more common or preferred in certain regions or dialects of English.
Being aware of these variations can help you communicate more effectively with diverse audiences.
FAQ
- What is the best synonym for “for this reason”?
The best synonym depends on the context. “Therefore” is a good formal option, while “so” is suitable for informal settings. Consider the level of formality and the specific emphasis you want to convey.
- Is it necessary to use a comma after synonyms like “therefore” or “consequently”?
Yes, it is generally necessary to use a comma after these synonyms when they introduce an independent clause. This helps to improve readability and clarity. However, in very informal writing, the comma after “so” might be omitted.
- Can I use “due to” and “because of” interchangeably?
While they are similar, “due to” is often used after a linking verb (e.g., “The cancellation was due to the weather”), and “because of” is typically used before a noun phrase (e.g., “The event was cancelled because of the weather”). However, in many cases, they can be used interchangeably without significantly affecting the meaning.
- Are there any synonyms for “for this reason” that should be avoided?
Avoid using overly formal or archaic synonyms in informal settings, as this can sound pretentious or unnatural. Similarly, avoid using overly informal synonyms in formal settings, as this can undermine your credibility.
- How can I improve my vocabulary of synonyms for “for this reason”?
Read widely and pay attention to the different ways that writers express cause-and-effect relationships. Use a thesaurus to explore alternative synonyms and practice using them in your own writing and speech.
- Is “that is why” an appropriate synonym for “for this reason”?
“That is why” is a perfectly acceptable and often used synonym for “for this reason,” especially in spoken English and less formal writing. It directly connects a cause or explanation to its resulting effect, making it clear to the listener or reader why something happened or is the case. For example, “I didn’t study; that is why I failed the test.” It’s a clear and straightforward way to express causation.
- Can I use “henceforth” as a synonym for “for this reason”?
No, “henceforth” is not an appropriate synonym for “for this reason.” “Henceforth” means “from this time on” or “from now on,” indicating a future action or state. It doesn’t explain a cause-and-effect relationship like “for this reason” does. For example, you might say, “Henceforth, all employees must wear ID badges,” meaning starting now, this rule applies.
- How does the choice of synonym affect the tone of my writing?
The choice of synonym significantly affects the tone of your writing. Formal synonyms like “therefore,” “consequently,” and “hence” create a more professional and academic tone, suitable for research papers, business reports, and legal documents. Informal synonyms like “so” and “that’s why” create a more relaxed and conversational tone, appropriate for casual conversations, emails to friends, or informal blog posts. Selecting the right synonym ensures that your writing matches the intended audience and purpose.
Conclusion
Mastering synonyms for “for this reason” is an essential step in enhancing your English communication skills. By understanding the nuances of different synonyms and their appropriate contexts, you can express yourself more precisely and effectively.
Remember to consider the level of formality, the emphasis you want to convey, and the overall clarity of your message. Practice using these synonyms in your writing and speech to solidify your understanding and expand your vocabulary.
By incorporating a variety of these synonyms into your repertoire, you can avoid repetition, add depth to your writing, and communicate with greater confidence and clarity. Continue to explore and experiment with different synonyms to find the ones that best suit your individual style and communication needs.
With consistent practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more articulate and persuasive communicator.