What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thereby
Example
She earned her degree, thereby fulfilling her lifelong dream. [thereby: adverb]
Example
The company improved its customer service, thereby increasing its sales. [thereby: present participle]
hence
Example
He forgot his keys at home, hence he couldn't enter the house. [hence: adverb]
Example
The company's profits declined, hence the need for cost-cutting measures. [hence: conjunction]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hence is more commonly used than thereby in formal writing, while thereby is more commonly used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thereby and hence?
Hence is considered more formal than thereby and is often used in academic or professional writing, while thereby is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
