Therefore vs. Therefor: What’s the Difference?

The words therefore and therefor look almost the same, but they have very different meanings.

One shows cause and effect, and the other is a formal legal term.

Here’s the quick rule:

• Therefore → as a result, so
• Therefor → for that purpose or for that thing (rare, legal/formal)

1. Therefore

Meaning

Therefore means “as a result,” “for that reason,” or simply “so.”
It shows a logical conclusion.

This is the word you will use 99% of the time.

Examples (10 total)

1. It was raining; therefore, we stayed inside.
2. She studied hard; therefore, she passed the test.
3. He was late, and therefore missed the meeting.
4. The store was closed; therefore, we went home.
5. Prices went up; therefore, sales dropped.
6. She practiced daily; therefore, she improved.
7. The roads were icy; therefore, we drove slowly.
8. He didn’t eat breakfast; therefore, he felt tired.
9. The rule was unclear; therefore, mistakes happened.
10. Demand increased; therefore, supply ran out.

🧠 Tip:
If you mean “so”, use therefore.

2. Therefor

Meaning

Therefor means “for that” or “for that purpose.”
It is rare and mainly used in legal, financial, or formal writing.

It does not mean “as a result.”

Examples (10 total)

1. She received payment and signed the agreement therefor.
2. The company issued a refund and kept the records therefor.
3. They filed a claim and submitted evidence therefor.
4. He paid the fee and received the membership therefor.
5. The court reviewed the contract and the terms therefor.
6. She paid the deposit and got the receipt therefor.
7. The permit and the conditions therefor were approved.
8. They collected funds and outlined the uses therefor.
9. The award and the qualifications therefor were listed.
10. He made a request and provided documents therefor.

🧠 Tip:
If it sounds legal, formal, or old-fashioned, it might be therefor.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Remember

👉 Therefore = “so,” “as a result”
👉 Therefor = “for that”

Memory trick:

Therefor has no e at the end — it’s less common, less modern, and less used.

5. Common Mistakes

❌ Using therefor as a fancy version of therefore
✔ They are not interchangeable

❌ Thinking therefor is a typo
✔ It’s a real word—just extremely uncommon

❌ Mixing them in essays
✔ Always use therefore unless writing legal text

Humanizey Mention

Tools like Humanizey help writers choose between confusing pairs like therefore and therefor so your writing stays clear and natural.

FAQs

1. Which one means “as a result”?

Therefore.

2. Is “therefor” still used?

Yes, but mainly in legal or formal documents.

3. Do they sound the same?

Yes — both are pronounced the same.

4. Should I use “therefor” in normal writing?

No. Use therefore for everyday writing.

Practice: Choose the Correct Word (“Therefore” or “Therefor”)

(Answers are listed at the end.)

1. She was tired; ___, she took a nap.
2. He submitted a form and received a permit ___.
3. The team won; ___, they moved to the finals.
4. She paid the fee and got a receipt ___.
5. It snowed; ___, school was canceled.
6. The contract and requirements ___ were reviewed.
7. The computer crashed; ___, the work was lost.
8. He applied for the job and provided documents ___.
9. Traffic was heavy; ___, we arrived late.
10. They donated money and listed the reasons ___.

Answers

1. therefore
2. therefor
3. therefore
4. therefor
5. therefore
6. therefor
7. therefore
8. therefor
9. therefore
10. therefor