Hence
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use `hence` to link a cause to a result when you want to sound professional and logical.
En 15 segundos
- A formal way to say 'therefore' or 'that is why.'
- Connects a cause to its logical effect or result.
- Best used in writing, professional settings, or serious explanations.
Significado
Think of it as a fancy bridge between a cause and a result. It is a more formal way of saying 'and that is why' or 'therefore' when you want to sound logical and smart.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Explaining a work delay
The server crashed this morning; hence, the report will be late.
The server crashed this morning; therefore, the report will be late.
Texting a friend about a mistake
I forgot my wallet. Hence the awkward silence when the bill came.
I forgot my wallet. That's why there was an awkward silence.
Academic writing
The data was corrupted; hence, the results are inconclusive.
The data was corrupted; for this reason, the results are inconclusive.
Contexto cultural
The word 'hence' evolved from the Old English word 'henane,' meaning 'from here.' While it originally described physical movement away from a location, it shifted over centuries to represent logical movement from a premise to a conclusion. Today, it is a hallmark of the 'Academic Register' in English-speaking cultures.
The Noun Phrase Trick
Unlike 'therefore,' you can use 'hence' followed immediately by a noun phrase without a verb. Example: 'He lied; hence the trouble.' It sounds very sophisticated!
Avoid 'Hence Why'
You will hear native speakers say 'hence why' often, but it is technically redundant because 'hence' already includes the meaning of 'why.' In a formal exam, just use 'hence.'
En 15 segundos
- A formal way to say 'therefore' or 'that is why.'
- Connects a cause to its logical effect or result.
- Best used in writing, professional settings, or serious explanations.
What It Means
Hence is a logical connector that points to a result. It tells your listener that what you just said is the reason for what comes next. It acts like a signpost for logic. You use it to show a clear cause-and-effect relationship. It feels more deliberate than just saying so or because.
How To Use It
You usually place hence after a semicolon or at the start of a new sentence. It often introduces a noun phrase or a short clause. For example, The weather was terrible; hence the delay. You do not always need a full verb after it. It is a very efficient way to link two ideas. Just remember to keep the logic tight between the two parts.
When To Use It
Use it when you are writing an essay or a business report. It works great in professional emails to explain a decision. You can also use it when you are explaining something complex to a friend. It makes your argument feel more solid and well-thought-out. It is perfect for those 'A leads to B' moments in life.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in very casual settings like a loud bar. If you say I am hungry; hence, pizza to a close friend, they might laugh. It is too stiff for a quick text about weekend plans. Do not use it if the connection between ideas is weak. It requires a strong logical link to feel natural. Also, avoid overusing it in one paragraph, or you will sound like a textbook.
Cultural Background
Historically, hence meant 'from this place' in Middle English. It was about physical distance before it became about logical distance. It carries the weight of hundreds of years of academic tradition. In the UK and US, it is a staple of legal and scientific writing. It signals that the speaker values reason and clarity.
Common Variations
You might hear people say hence why, though grammarians often dislike it. Henceforth is another version meaning 'from this point forward.' From hence is an old-fashioned way to say 'from where.' Most modern speakers stick to the simple, single-word version. It remains one of the most powerful 'smart' words in the English toolkit.
Notas de uso
Use 'hence' when you want to sound authoritative and logical. It is most at home in writing; in spoken English, it can sound slightly pretentious unless used for humorous effect.
The Noun Phrase Trick
Unlike 'therefore,' you can use 'hence' followed immediately by a noun phrase without a verb. Example: 'He lied; hence the trouble.' It sounds very sophisticated!
Avoid 'Hence Why'
You will hear native speakers say 'hence why' often, but it is technically redundant because 'hence' already includes the meaning of 'why.' In a formal exam, just use 'hence.'
The 'Smart' Signal
Using 'hence' is a subtle way to signal to others that you are educated. It is a 'prestige' word that can change how people perceive your authority in a meeting.
Ejemplos
6The server crashed this morning; hence, the report will be late.
The server crashed this morning; therefore, the report will be late.
A classic professional use to explain a delay.
I forgot my wallet. Hence the awkward silence when the bill came.
I forgot my wallet. That's why there was an awkward silence.
Using a noun phrase after 'hence' in a text.
The data was corrupted; hence, the results are inconclusive.
The data was corrupted; for this reason, the results are inconclusive.
Standard use in a scientific or academic context.
I haven't slept in three days; hence, I am currently hallucinating a giant squirrel.
I haven't slept in three days; that's why I'm seeing things.
Using formal language for a ridiculous situation creates humor.
We simply wanted different things in life; hence our decision to part ways.
We wanted different things; that is why we decided to break up.
A serious and respectful way to explain a life change.
It is pouring rain outside; hence my wet shoes.
It is raining hard; that explains why my shoes are wet.
Connecting a physical cause to a visible effect.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best way to complete the sentence using 'hence'.
The company lost its biggest client; ___ the need for budget cuts.
'Hence' is used here to introduce a noun phrase ('the need for budget cuts') as a result of the previous clause.
Identify the correct punctuation for using 'hence' between two full sentences.
I missed the last train ___ I had to take a taxi.
When connecting two independent clauses, a semicolon before and a comma after 'hence' is the standard formal punctuation.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of Logical Connectors
Very casual and common in speech.
I'm tired, so I'm going to bed.
Neutral to formal, used in arguments.
He was late; therefore, he missed the start.
Formal and concise, common in writing.
The road is closed; hence the detour.
Very formal, often used in literature.
Thus, the experiment concluded.
Where to use 'Hence'
Business Email
The deadline has moved; hence the urgency.
University Essay
The sample size was small; hence the bias.
Sarcastic Text
I forgot my coffee. Hence my bad mood.
Legal Document
The contract was breached; hence the penalty.
Scientific Report
Pressure increased; hence the explosion.
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasEssentially yes, but 'hence' is much more formal. You would use so with friends and hence in a research paper or a serious email.
If 'hence' starts a new clause, it is common to put a comma after it, like this: The store was closed; hence, I went home.
Yes, you can. For example: The results were poor. Hence, we must change our strategy.
They are very similar, but thus often refers to 'in this way,' while hence refers to 'from this reason.' They are often interchangeable in formal writing.
It is considered a tautology (saying the same thing twice). It is better to just say hence or that is why.
You can, but it usually sounds a bit sarcastic or overly dramatic. Example: I'm broke. Hence the ramen for dinner.
In modern English, yes. In very old books, it might mean 'from here,' but you won't see that in daily life.
It is used equally in both, primarily in formal, academic, and professional contexts.
Try mixing it up with other connectors like consequently, as a result, or therefore to keep your writing interesting.
Yes, in the phrase 'a week hence,' which means 'a week from now,' though this is quite formal and less common today.
It is technically an adverb, which is why it usually needs a semicolon when connecting two full sentences.
Because of its history in legal and academic texts. It carries a 'weight' of logic that simpler words like so lack.
Frases relacionadas
Therefore
For that reason; used to introduce a logical conclusion.
Consequently
As a result of something mentioned before.
Ergo
A Latin word for 'therefore,' used mostly in logic or humorously.
Thus
As a result or consequence of this; in this manner.
That being the case
A longer way to say 'because of that' or 'therefore.'
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