Have you ever used the word hence too many times in writing or speech? You’re not alone. Hence is a formal word that shows cause, effect, or a result. For example, “I was late, hence I missed the bus.” While useful, it can sound stiff or old-fashioned. That’s why it helps to know the best synonyms of hence.
In this guide, you’ll find 30 simple and clear alternatives to hence. Each one comes with meaning and examples, so you can choose the right word for your tone and context.
These words will help you write with more variety and flow. By learning them, you can make your sentences sound more natural and easier to read.
What Does Hence Mean?
Hence is an adverb that typically means:
- As a result of something
Example: She was the top scorer, hence her promotion. - From this time forward
Example: Two weeks hence, we’ll have the final results.
It is formal and somewhat old-fashioned, mostly used in written English. You’ll often find it in academic papers, formal speeches, or sophisticated narrative writing. However, overusing “hence” can make your writing sound stiff or outdated, which is why knowing its alternatives is useful.
How to Use Synonyms of Hence
Before jumping into the list, let’s quickly look at the 3 key tones in which you might use “hence” or its alternatives:
- Formal/Academic – To express logical relationships or conclusions.
- Casual/Conversational – For everyday use in explaining reasons.
- Persuasive/Emotional – When you want to highlight cause-and-effect with stronger emotion or emphasis.
Each synonym below will include:
- A quick definition
- A sample sentence
- Guidance on when and where it fits best
Synonyms of Hence with Examples and Usage Notes
1. Therefore
Meaning: As a logical result
Example: He didn’t study; therefore, he failed the test.
Best for: Formal writing, logical arguments
2. Thus
Meaning: In this way, as a result
Example: The two variables are related; thus, we must consider both.
Best for: Academic tone, concise explanations
3. Consequently
Meaning: As a consequence
Example: He missed the deadline. Consequently, he lost the contract.
Best for: Professional tone, clear cause-and-effect
4. As a result
Meaning: Resulting from something
Example: Sales dropped, and as a result, the store closed early.
Best for: Business writing, simple logic
5. So
Meaning: Indicates cause and effect
Example: It was raining, so we stayed indoors.
Best for: Conversational tone
6. Accordingly
Meaning: In accordance with what happened
Example: The budget was cut. Accordingly, we reduced staff.
Best for: Formal emails, reports
7. Due to this
Meaning: Because of what was mentioned
Example: The delay in shipment occurred. Due to this, customer complaints rose.
Best for: Formal-explanatory writing
8. For that reason
Meaning: Because of that
Example: She didn’t qualify. For that reason, she wasn’t invited.
Best for: Emphatic explanations
9. As such
Meaning: In that capacity of that reason
Example: He’s a senior manager. As such, he leads the hiring process.
Best for: Precise transitions in analytical writing
10. Then
Meaning: As a consequence (older or rhetorical usage)
Example: If you break the law, then you must accept the penalty.
Best for: Philosophical or literary tone
11. Ergo
Meaning: Therefore (Latin origin)
Example: He lied. Ergo, he cannot be trusted.
Best for: Intellectual, slightly playful or rhetorical contexts
12. Subsequently
Meaning: Later, as a result
Example: He was found guilty. Subsequently, he was imprisoned.
Best for: Legal, historical, or narrative writing
13. In turn
Meaning: As a sequence of effects
Example: His kindness built trust, which in turn created loyalty.
Best for: Cause-and-effect chains in storytelling or essays
14. So then
Meaning: Emphasizing a result
Example: You skipped breakfast, so then you felt weak.
Best for: Conversational writing
15. Resultantly
Meaning: As an outcome
Example: The machine overheated. Resultantly, it shut down.
Best for: Technical writing, though less common
16. Therefrom
Meaning: From that source or cause
Example: The idea was proposed; all changes stemmed therefrom.
Best for: Legal or old-fashioned documents
17. Whence
Meaning: From where or from what source (archaic)
Example: He returned whence he came.
Best for: Historical or poetic style
18. From that
Meaning: Indicates derivation or cause
Example: She heard the news. From that, she knew what to do.
Best for: Narrative with logical flow
19. Because of that
Meaning: Cause-and-effect explanation
Example: She was late. Because of that, she missed the meeting.
Best for: Clarity in explanatory writing
20. Owing to that
Meaning: Due to the previous cause
Example: The lights went out. Owing to that, we paused the presentation.
Best for: Polite/formal tone
21. Thusly
Meaning: In this manner (informal play on “thus”)
Example: He divided the land thusly.
Best for: Creative or humorous tone
22. In consequence
Meaning: As a consequence
Example: The treaty failed. In consequence, trade was disrupted.
Best for: Academic or diplomatic writing
23. This being so
Meaning: Given the situation
Example: The evidence is weak. This being so, we must reconsider.
Best for: Thoughtful, persuasive writing
24. As follows
Meaning: Leading into a result or explanation
Example: The reasons are as follows.
Best for: Listing results or effects
25. For this reason
Meaning: Based on what was mentioned
Example: The price was too high. For this reason, we declined.
Best for: Emphasized formal writing
26. From here
Meaning: Moving forward (temporal or directional)
Example: From here, the process becomes faster.
Best for: Instructional or visionary writing
27. Going forward
Meaning: From this point onward
Example: Going forward, we’ll focus on sustainability.
Best for: Business tone, planning language
28. To that end
Meaning: For that purpose or result
Example: We need better data. To that end, we hired analysts.
Best for: Formal, goal-oriented writing
29. In that case
Meaning: If that’s true, then…
Example: You’re not hungry? In that case, we won’t order food.
Best for: Conversational, conditional reasoning
30. According to that
Meaning: Following the earlier idea
Example: The law changed. According to that, companies must adapt.
Best for: Logical flow in formal writing
Choosing the Right Synonym for Hence
Selecting the right alternative depends on tone, context, and emotional intention. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Use Case | Best Alternatives |
| Formal Academic Writing | Therefore, Thus, Consequently, Accordingly |
| Business or Reports | As a result, going forward, to that end |
| Conversational Tone | For that reason, this being so, In turn |
| Persuasive or Emotional | From that, in turn, Thusly, Ergo |
| Creative/Storytelling | For that reason, this being so, in turn |
Cultural Tip: In modern writing, words like “thus” and “hence” are often viewed as too formal or old-fashioned. If you’re writing for a young audience, opt for “so,” “because of that,” or “as a result.” If you’re writing academically, “therefore” or “consequently” are preferred.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Hence Alternatives
The word hence is useful, but it is not the only option. By using synonyms of hence like therefore, thus, so, or as a result, you can make your writing stronger and more natural. Each synonym has its own tone—some feel formal, while others are simple and casual.
Choosing the right word helps you connect ideas clearly and keep your reader engaged. With these synonyms, you now have the tools to avoid repetition and add variety to your sentences.
They can improve both casual speech and formal writing. The more you practice, the easier it will be to pick the best synonym for every context.
