What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thereby
Example
She saved money on groceries, thereby reducing her monthly expenses. [thereby: adverb]
Example
He completed his degree program, thereby fulfilling his lifelong dream. [thereby: gerund or present participle]
thus
Example
The company cut costs, thus increasing its profit margin. [thus: adverb]
Example
She missed the deadline, thus forfeiting her chance to apply for the scholarship. [thus: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thus is more commonly used than thereby in academic and formal writing, but both words are used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thereby and thus?
Thus is more formal than thereby, which is often used in casual or informal contexts. However, both words can be used in formal writing depending on the context and tone of the text.
