thereby

thereby — adverb

1. used to show that something happens as a direct result of an action or situation

1.副詞B2
釋義

used to show that something happens as a direct result of an action or situation that has just been described

例句

Mei paid for the repairs herself, thereby avoiding a lengthy insurance claim.

thereby + present participle: shows result of the action

The university expanded its scholarship programme; thereby, it attracted top students from across Asia.

clause; thereby, + clause: formal linking pattern

同義詞
  • thus

    Similar formality and often interchangeable; 'thus' can also mean 'in this way' in addition to 'as a result'.

  • therefore

    More common across registers; signals a logical conclusion rather than a direct result of the stated action.

  • consequently

    Slightly heavier in tone; focuses on the outcome as an inevitable or predictable result.

文法句型

thereby + present participle

clause; thereby, + clause

用法筆記

This adverb is primarily used in formal or academic writing. In everyday conversation, 'so' or 'as a result' is more natural.

常見錯誤

❌She missed the bus, thereby she was late for school.
✅She missed the bus, thereby arriving late for school.
💡'thereby' is usually followed by a gerund (-ing form), not a full clause with a subject.
❌I was tired; thereby, I went to bed early.
✅I was tired; therefore, I went to bed early.
💡'therefore' signals a logical conclusion, while 'thereby' emphasises the means or process that leads to the result.