Therefore komma im satz

Wer kennt das nicht: Man schreibt und ist so auf seinen Text konzentriert, dass man nicht auf Grammatik und Rechtschreibung achtet.

Aber für die umfassende, professionelle Textprüfung ist sie nicht besonders gut, zeigt sie einem doch nur an, dass Fehler im Dokument vorkommen, aber nicht, was genau nicht stimmt. In such cases, commas should surround “therefore.”

Correct Usage:

• The data, therefore, were inconclusive.
• She is, therefore, unable to attend.

Incorrect Usage:

• The data therefore were inconclusive.
• She is therefore unable to attend.

Explanation: Commas before and after “therefore” in the middle of a sentence indicate a pause and emphasize the consequential relationship.

Rule 4: Without Commas for Direct Cause and Effect

In cases where “therefore” directly links a cause and its effect without needing a pause for clarification or emphasis, commas may be omitted.

Correct Usage:

• She was the only candidate qualified and therefore got the job.
• It rained heavily last night therefore the ground is still wet.

Incorrect Usage:

• She was the only candidate qualified, therefore, got the job.
• It rained heavily last night, therefore, the ground is still wet.

Explanation: Avoiding commas in these instances can make the cause-and-effect relationship more immediate and direct.

Rule 5: “Therefore” in a Nonrestrictive Clause

When “therefore” introduces a nonrestrictive clause (additional information that can be removed without changing the sentence’s meaning), it should be preceded by a comma, but whether a comma follows can depend on the sentence structure.

Correct Usage:

• The decision, therefore, was unanimous.
• We have decided to move forward with the project, therefore entering a new phase.

Incorrect Usage:

• The decision therefore was unanimous.
• We have decided to move forward with the project therefore entering a new phase.

Explanation: The use of commas in these examples clarifies that the information “therefore” introduces is additional and not essential to the main clause’s meaning.

Read More: Is There a Comma After “In Fact”?

Rule 6: Emphasizing a Point

When used to emphasize a point strongly in the middle or at the end of a sentence, “therefore” may be set off with commas to draw attention to the emphasis.

Correct Usage:

• This is, therefore, an exceptional case.
• Your work has been outstanding, therefore.

Incorrect Usage:

• This is therefore an exceptional case.
• Your work has been outstanding therefore.

Explanation: Commas are used here to highlight the causal connection or conclusion as a point of emphasis.

Rule 7: “Therefore” in Lists

When “therefore” appears in a list to introduce a result or conclusion related to the listed items, it is typically followed by a comma.

Correct Usage:

• We need flour, sugar, and eggs; therefore, a trip to the store is necessary.
• The team was tired, overworked, and underappreciated; therefore, morale was low.

Incorrect Usage:

• We need flour, sugar, and eggs therefore a trip to the store is necessary.
• The team was tired, overworked, and underappreciated therefore morale was low.

Explanation: The structure emphasizes “therefore” as a pivot from listing items to stating a conclusion or result, necessitating a comma for clarity.

Rule 8: Avoiding Commas in Compact Sentences

In short, compact sentences where “therefore” is used without interrupting the flow, commas might be unnecessary.

Correct Usage:

• He’s ill and therefore unable to come.
• They were late and therefore missed the train.

Incorrect Usage:

• He’s ill, and therefore, unable to come.
• They were late, and therefore, missed the train.

Explanation: These sentences demonstrate a direct cause-and-effect relationship where additional commas could disrupt the sentence flow.

Rule 9: Before “Therefore” in a Conclusion

When “therefore” is used to introduce a concluding statement, especially in arguments or analyses, it is often preceded by a comma.

Correct Usage:

• The evidence is clear, therefore, we must act.
• All attempts have failed, therefore, a new approach is necessary.

Incorrect Usage:

• The evidence is clear therefore we must act.
• All attempts have failed therefore a new approach is necessary.

Explanation: The comma sets up the conclusion, signaling a shift from presentation of evidence or previous statements to the resulting action or decision.

Rule 10: “Therefore” for Dramatic Pause

In literary or rhetorical contexts, “therefore” may be used with commas to create a dramatic pause, enhancing the impact of the statement.

Correct Usage:

• You knew the risks, therefore, you bear the responsibility.
• We have triumphed against all odds, therefore, we celebrate.

Incorrect Usage:

• You knew the risks therefore you bear the responsibility.
• We have triumphed against all odds therefore we celebrate.

Explanation: This usage strategically employs commas to heighten the drama or significance of the conclusion.