Comma Before “Therefore” – Rules With A Practice Sheet

Comma placement can pose a challenge for many students, particularly in academic writing. This is typically due to a lack of awareness of the rules and exceptions surrounding comma usage. In this article, we aim to help clarify one instance where comma placement can be tricky. We provide examples and explain the exceptions to the rules of when to use a comma before “therefore.” Additionally, we offer a practice sheet for students to test their understanding.

When to place a comma before “therefore”

A comma before “therefore” is typically used in specific situations to enhance clarity and indicate a logical relationship between clauses. In general, you put a comma before conjunctive adverbs, like therefore, when you combine two independent clauses. You do not put a comma before “therefore” if the word is part of the same clause or closely connected to the preceding words. Furthermore, a comma isn’t placed if “therefore” introduces a dependent clause.

Always consider the context and the specific relationship between clauses to determine whether a comma is needed before “therefore.”

Comma placement rules vary based on style guides and sentence complexity, resulting in exceptions. Consider readability without commas.

Comma before “therefore”

A comma before “therefore” is only placed in one case: when “therefore” joins two independent clauses. We will explain this below, along with examples to illustrate its use.

For emphasis

Using commas before and after “therefore” when it is used for emphasis in a sentence is a matter of clarifying the sentence structure and ensuring the flow of the text. “Therefore” is a conjunctive adverb, a word that connects two clauses and shows the relationship between them, often indicating a cause-and-effect relationship.

When “therefore” is used for emphasis, especially in the middle of a sentence, it typically functions as a parenthetical element or an interruption to the main flow of the sentence. The commas around “therefore” in this case work like brackets, indicating that the word could be removed without changing the fundamental meaning of the sentence, but adding another layer of meaning or emphasis.

Framing “therefore” with commas highlights the cause-and-effect relationship more strongly. The commas make the reading pause slightly at “therefore,” drawing attention to the logical connection being made. Without the commas, the sentence could become more difficult to read and the emphasis on the logical connection might be lost.

Independent clauses

A comma, more precisely a semicolon, before “therefore” is used when it introduces an independent clause following another independent clause to indicate a logical relationship between the two clauses. This punctuation helps to signal a transition or a cause-and-effect relationship between the ideas expressed in the clauses.

When two independent clauses are connected by a conjunction like “therefore,” the comma serves as a visual cue, making the sentence structure clearer for readers. It separates the two independent thoughts, making it easier for the reader to understand the relationship between the ideas and enhancing overall readability.

In essence, the semicolon before “therefore” helps to maintain proper punctuation and structure in complex sentences, while ensuring that the logical flow of ideas is conveyed effectively.

No comma before “therefore”

A comma before “therefore” is not placed when the word is written within the same clause or closely connected to the following words. Another case of not putting a comma before “therefore” is if it introduces a dependent clause. These rules will be explained more thoroughly below, along with sentences.

Within the same clause

A comma before “therefore” is not necessary when the word is part of the same clause or closely connected to the preceding words. This is because the clause itself functions as a single unit, and there is no need for a visual separation between the elements. In such cases, the relationship between the ideas is typically clear, and a comma is not required for grammatical correctness.

When “therefore” is closely tied to the preceding words, it often functions as part of the sentence’s natural flow, and the lack of a comma maintains a smooth connection between the ideas. The absence of a comma in these instances is consistent with the general guideline that commas are not used before conjunctions that are integral to the structure of a single clause.

Dependent clause

If “therefore” introduces a dependent clause, a comma is generally not used because dependent clauses do not require a comma before a coordinating conjunction. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, so it is typically joined with an independent clause to form a complete thought.

Special case: Comma after “therefore”

There is, however, a case where you put a comma after “therefore.”  A comma after “therefore” is placed when it is at the beginning of a sentence to indicate a transition or logical connection between the current sentence and the preceding information. In this usage, the comma acts as a visual cue, signaling that the statement following “therefore” is a conclusion or result drawn from the information presented earlier.

Practice sheet

In the following sentences, practice examples of using commas before “therefore” are provided. Check the answer in the second tab labelled “answers.”