Resultative Linking (Hence, Thus, Accordingly)

These words all mean roughly the same thing. They mean "for this reason" or "as a result." Imagine you are a detective. You find a clue. Then, you find the answer. These words connect the clue to the answer. Hence usually points to the source or origin. Thus shows the logical conclusion of a fact. Accordingly suggests that you are following a rule or a plan. They usually sit in the middle of two ideas. You state a fact first. Then you use the linker. Finally, you state the result. It is like a math equation: Fact + Linker = Result. Using them makes your writing feel organized and high-level.

1. 1Using these words requires specific punctuation. It is like following a recipe for a perfect cake. Follow these steps:
2. 2Write your first complete sentence (the cause).
3. 3Place a semicolon ; or a period . at the end.
4. 4Write the linking word (hence, thus, or accordingly).
5. 5Add a comma , after the linking word.
6. 6Write your second complete sentence (the result).
7. 7Example: "The store was closed; hence, I could not buy milk."
8. 8Example: "He studied hard. Thus, he passed the exam."

Use these words when you want to be formal. They are perfect for job interviews. They work great in business emails to your boss. Use them when writing an essay for school. They help you explain why a decision was made. For example, if you are ordering food for a big office party. You might say, "We have ten vegetarians; accordingly, we ordered extra salad." It sounds much more professional than just using so. It shows you have thought about the situation carefully. Think of these words as your "business suit" for English. You wear them when you want to make a great impression.

Do not use these words with your friends at a party. If you say, "I am hungry; hence, let's get pizza," your friends might laugh. It sounds a bit too stiff for a casual chat. It is like wearing a tuxedo to the beach. Avoid using them in text messages or quick notes. Also, do not use them if the connection is weak. Only use them when the second part is a direct result of the first part. If there is no clear cause and effect, these words will feel out of place. Keep it simple when you are just hanging out.

One big mistake is the "Comma Splice." This happens when you only use a comma before the linker.

✗ "I was tired, thus I slept."

✓ "I was tired; thus, I slept."

Another mistake is using them too often. If every sentence has a hence or a thus, your writing becomes hard to read. It is like putting too much salt in your soup. A little goes a long way! Some people also forget the comma after the word. Always remember: Linker + Comma. Lastly, don't mix up hence with since. Since is about time or reason, but hence is only about the result.

How are these different from so or because? Because usually comes at the start or middle to give a reason. "I stayed home because it rained." So is the casual version of our three stars. "It rained, so I stayed home." Hence, thus, and accordingly are the "VIP" versions. Therefore is another cousin. Therefore is very common in logic. Thus is often used for "in this way." Hence is often used to mean "from this time forward." Accordingly is the most specific. It means "in a way that fits the situation." It is like choosing the right tool for a job. You can use a hammer for everything, but a screwdriver is better for screws!