therefore

therefore, hence, consequently, then, accordingly, so are adverbs used as connectives to indicate logical or causal sequence. They vary in the degree of closeness of connection suggested as well as in the kind of sequence implied. Therefore and hence are employed chiefly to indicate that what follows is a necessary deduction from what has preceded. Therefore commonly introduces a conclusion

{

all men are rational beings, John Jones is a man, therefore John Jones is a rational being

}

Hence, though often interchangeable with therefore, stresses the importance of what precedes

{

both statements may be false, but both cannot be true since they are contradictory; hence, if A be true, B is false, or if B be true, A is false

}

Consequently, though often used to introduce a deduction, does not always imply necessity in the inference. Rather it suggests good grounds for the conclusion or implies a strong antecedent probability

{

he said he would come; consequently I expect him

}

It also may indicate that what follows is a result of what precedes

{

he said he would come; consequently I am waiting for him

}

Then, when used to indicate logical sequence, is employed chiefly in the consequent clause or conclusion in a conditional sentence

{

if A is true, then B is false

}

Accordingly usually indicates logical or causal sequence but connotes naturalness or usualness in what follows as a consequence rather than necessity or inevitability

{

he said he was hungry; accordingly they shared their meager lunch with him

}

So is typically found in more casual expression and is often indefinite in its suggestion of which kind of sequence is indicated

{

the day was fine and so we set out

}