English grammar
So / that's why / therefore — giving the result
Explain a result using so, that's why and therefore.
From the scene Therefore
In short
So, that's why and therefore all give a result. So joins one sentence; that's why points back; therefore is formal.
Your turn
Which one goes with that's why (points back)?
Options: half-hour showers, that's why the bill goes up · I like hot water, so I have longer showers · that's why I'm buying a timer
Show answer
that's why (points back) → half-hour showers, that's why the bill goes up
How it works
All three link a cause to its result. So joins two parts of one sentence.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Well... (blank) I'm going to sing much faster!
Clue: a result of the timer
Options: however, · although · therefore,
Show answer
Well... therefore, I'm going to sing much faster!
Bueno... por lo tanto, ¡voy a cantar mucho más rápido!
Good to know
That's why points back to a cause just mentioned; therefore means the same but is formal, so it often starts a new sentence with a comma — in a chat it sounds deliberately serious (or funny).
so (everyday, one sentence) I like hot water, so I have longer showers
Javi
OK, I like hot water, so I have longer showers.
Bueno, me gusta el agua caliente, así que me ducho más.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
OK, (blank).
Options: Half-hour showers, that's why the bill goes up · That's why I'm buying a timer · I like hot water, so I have longer showers
Show answer
Javi
OK, I like hot water, so I have longer showers.
Bueno, me gusta el agua caliente, así que me ducho más.
that's why (points back) half-hour showers, that's why the bill goes up
Nuria
Half-hour showers, that's why the bill goes up so much.
Duchas de media hora, por eso la factura sube tanto.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) so much.
Options: That's why I'm buying a timer · Half-hour showers, that's why the bill goes up · I like hot water, so I have longer showers
Show answer
Nuria
Half-hour showers, that's why the bill goes up so much.
Duchas de media hora, por eso la factura sube tanto.
that's why + plan that's why I'm buying a timer
Nuria
I suggest shorter showers. That's why I'm buying a timer.
Propongo duchas más cortas. Por eso voy a comprar un temporizador.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
I suggest shorter showers. (blank).
Options: That's why I'm buying a timer · So I have longer showers · That's why the bill goes up
Show answer
Nuria
I suggest shorter showers. That's why I'm buying a timer.
Propongo duchas más cortas. Por eso voy a comprar un temporizador.
therefore (formal) Therefore, we're going to pay double
Nuria
Therefore, we're going to pay double this month.
Por lo tanto, vamos a pagar el doble este mes.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) this month.
Options: Therefore, we're going to pay double · So I have longer showers · That's why the bill goes up
Show answer
Nuria
Therefore, we're going to pay double this month.
Por lo tanto, vamos a pagar el doble este mes.
Common mistake
Not although or however here. The showers are the cause.
Half-hour showers, that's why the bill goes up so much.
Duchas de media hora, por eso la factura sube tanto.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| so (everyday, one sentence) | I like hot water, so I have longer showers |
|---|---|
| that's why (points back) | half-hour showers, that's why the bill goes up |
| that's why + plan | that's why I'm buying a timer |
| therefore (formal) | Therefore, we're going to pay double |
More lines from the story
- JaviWell... therefore, I'm going to sing much faster!Bueno... por lo tanto, ¡voy a cantar mucho más rápido!
- NuriaJavi, look at this water bill. It's huge!Javi, mira esta factura del agua. ¡Es enorme!