Thus
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use `thus` to link facts to conclusions when you want to sound professional, logical, and authoritative.
En 15 secondes
- A formal way to say 'therefore' or 'in this way.'
- Connects a logical cause to a specific result.
- Best reserved for writing, presentations, and professional settings.
Signification
Think of `thus` as a fancy bridge. It connects a cause to a result, showing that the second thing happened because of the first.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Explaining a business decision
Profits have dropped; thus, we must reduce our monthly spending.
Profits have dropped; therefore, we must reduce our monthly spending.
Describing a scientific result
The chemical reacted with oxygen, thus creating a bright blue flame.
The chemical reacted with oxygen, in this way creating a bright blue flame.
A humorous text to a friend
I forgot my wallet at home. Thus, you are buying me dinner tonight!
I forgot my wallet. As a result, you are buying me dinner!
Contexte culturel
The word `thus` originates from Old English 'thus,' serving as a pillar of logical transitions for over a millennium. It is heavily associated with the Enlightenment era, where precise language was used to define scientific and philosophical breakthroughs. Today, it remains a hallmark of high-level English proficiency and academic rigor.
The Semicolon Secret
If you use `thus` to connect two full sentences, put a semicolon before it and a comma after it. It makes you look like a grammar pro!
Don't Overdo It
Using `thus` more than once or twice in a single email can make you sound like you're trying too hard. Mix it up with 'so' or 'therefore'.
En 15 secondes
- A formal way to say 'therefore' or 'in this way.'
- Connects a logical cause to a specific result.
- Best reserved for writing, presentations, and professional settings.
What It Means
Thus is a sophisticated way to say "as a result" or "therefore." It acts like a logical arrow pointing from a fact to a conclusion. When you use it, you are telling your listener that what comes next is the direct consequence of what you just said. It is clean, precise, and carries a lot of intellectual weight.
How To Use It
You usually place thus at the beginning of a sentence or after a semicolon. It often follows a statement of fact. For example, "The store was closed; thus, I could not buy milk." You can also use it to mean "in this way." If you show someone how to tie a knot, you might say, "And thus, the rope is secure."
When To Use It
This word shines in academic writing, business reports, and formal speeches. Use it when you want to sound authoritative or highly organized. It is perfect for explaining a complex process in a meeting. It also works well in serious journalism or when writing a cover letter for a job.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid thus in very casual settings unless you are joking. Do not use it while ordering a burger or chatting at a loud party. If you say, "I am hungry; thus, I want fries," your friends might think you are acting like a 19th-century professor. It can feel stiff and robotic if overused in daily conversation.
Cultural Background
Thus has deep roots in Old English and has survived for centuries. It carries the "DNA" of logic and legal precision. In English-speaking cultures, using thus signals that you are educated and careful with your thoughts. It is the language of philosophers, scientists, and lawyers. It feels very "British" to some, though it is used globally in formal English.
Common Variations
You will often see thus far, which means "until now." Another common one is and thus, used to add a bit of dramatic flair to a conclusion. Sometimes people use thusly, but be careful—many grammarians think thusly is unnecessary because thus is already an adverb. Stick to thus to stay safe and sound smart.
Notes d'usage
Use `thus` primarily in written English or formal presentations. It is a 'high-register' word that signals logical progression and intellectual rigor.
The Semicolon Secret
If you use `thus` to connect two full sentences, put a semicolon before it and a comma after it. It makes you look like a grammar pro!
Don't Overdo It
Using `thus` more than once or twice in a single email can make you sound like you're trying too hard. Mix it up with 'so' or 'therefore'.
The 'Thusly' Trap
You might hear people say `thusly`. Most native speakers only use this to be funny or sarcastic because it sounds 'extra' formal.
Exemples
6Profits have dropped; thus, we must reduce our monthly spending.
Profits have dropped; therefore, we must reduce our monthly spending.
Here, it acts as a logical connector in a professional setting.
The chemical reacted with oxygen, thus creating a bright blue flame.
The chemical reacted with oxygen, in this way creating a bright blue flame.
Used here to show the immediate result of an action.
I forgot my wallet at home. Thus, you are buying me dinner tonight!
I forgot my wallet. As a result, you are buying me dinner!
The formal word makes a casual demand sound funny and dramatic.
Fold the paper twice, thus forming a small triangle.
Fold the paper twice, in that way forming a small triangle.
Shows the method or manner in which something is done.
The contract was never signed; thus, the agreement is void.
The contract was never signed; consequently, the agreement is void.
Provides a clear legal or logical consequence.
He ignored every warning, and thus he failed the final exam.
He ignored every warning, and because of that, he failed.
Adds a sense of inevitable consequence to a sad situation.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete this formal sentence.
The bridge was damaged during the storm; ___, all traffic has been diverted.
`Thus` is the correct choice because it logically connects the cause (storm damage) to the result (traffic diversion).
Complete the phrase to mean 'until now'.
We have had great success with the project ___ far.
`Thus far` is a common fixed expression meaning 'up to this point' or 'until now'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of Connectors
Casual conversation
I was tired, so I slept.
Standard professional
The report is late; therefore, we wait.
High academic/legal
The evidence is clear; thus, we conclude...
Where to use 'Thus'
University Essay
The data suggests...
Legal Document
The party failed to...
Sarcastic Joke
I am a genius; thus...
Formal Presentation
We pivoted, thus saving...
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsEssentially, yes, but thus is much more formal. You use so with friends and thus in a research paper or a legal contract.
Yes, you can! Just make sure to put a comma after it, like this: Thus, the experiment was a success.
It is a common idiom meaning 'until this point in time.' For example, Thus far, we haven't had any problems.
It is used in both! It is a standard part of formal English worldwide, though it might feel slightly more common in British academic writing.
Yes, that is its second meaning. For example, He spoke thus: means He spoke in this manner:.
Not at all, but it is restricted to specific 'high-level' contexts. It is still the gold standard for academic and scientific writing.
Usually, yes. If it starts a sentence or follows a semicolon, a comma helps the reader pause and understand the logic.
Only if you are being ironic or funny. If you use it seriously in a text, people might think you are being overly dramatic.
Therefore is used for logic and reasoning, while thus can mean both 'therefore' and 'in this way.' They are often interchangeable.
It is in the dictionary, but it's often considered a 'non-standard' or humorous version of thus. It's better to avoid it in serious writing.
Expressions liées
Therefore
Consequently
Hence
As a result
Accordingly
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