したがってtherefore; consequently
The "therefore" of written argument. The facts have been set out, and したがって brings in the conclusion they lead to. In conversation the word is だから.
The same result was obtained in three experiments. Therefore, it is hard to see it as mere coincidence.
How to form it
Facts。 したがって、+ the conclusion
It opens the new sentence, usually with a comma after it. It comes from 従う, "to follow", and is also written 従って.
- After it
- A conclusion or a judgment: something can't be done, is unlikely, is dangerous, has to be so.
- Tone
- Cool and impersonal. It argues a case; it doesn't tell a story.
- Where you'll meet it
- Reports, essays, textbooks, academic papers, math proofs, exam reading passages. Out loud, in lectures and presentations.
In use
Every application requires the applicant's signature. This document has no signature. Therefore, it cannot be accepted as it is.
A rule, a case, and what follows.
This year's budget is twenty percent lower than last year's. Therefore, it will be difficult to carry out every plan as scheduled.
This number is divisible by both two and three. Therefore, it is also divisible by six.
From a math textbook.
Two things to know
With friends it sounds like a report
したがって reasons on paper. Across a table, people say だから.
Sounds odd: 明日は
I've got an early start tomorrow. Therefore, I'm going to bed now.
To a friend: だから、もう寝るね.
したがって or そのため?
Both are formal, and often either would fit. そのため gives a cause and what it led to. したがって gives what you conclude from the facts, so it is the one for an argument or a proof.
Heavy snow has continued since last night. Therefore, the afternoon flights are likely to be canceled too.
No afternoon flight is canceled yet. This is what the snow lets you conclude.
そのためN3
"Because of that". The morning flights were canceled, and the snow is why.
Heavy snow has continued since last night. Because of that, all morning flights were canceled.
Close neighbours
だからN5
The everyday "so", in conversation and in messages.
The rain is getting heavier, so let's go home early today.
にしたがってN2
After に, inside a sentence, it isn't "therefore". It is "following" an instruction, or "as" something changes.
Please follow the arrows.
Check yourself
1Which one fits?
この
Choose an answer to see why.
2You are messaging a friend. Which sounds natural?
Choose an answer to see why.
More detail
よって
よって is another "therefore", met in proofs, legal writing and certificates. A certificate of commendation ends like this.
You achieved outstanding results in this competition. Therefore, we hereby commend you.
More sentences
The submitted materials contain no date. Therefore, it is not possible to determine when they were prepared.
Some of the documents needed for the contract are missing. Therefore, the procedure cannot be started at present.
This product does not meet the safety standards. Therefore, shipment will be postponed.
The kanji spelling.
At this stage there is not enough evidence. Therefore, we cannot conclude that the theory is correct.