Sam Let's start with what these words have in common. 'So', 'thus', 'therefore' and 'hence' are all adverbs and are all used to give the reason for something happening or the result of something.
Sam Now let's take a closer look at how each of them is used, starting with 'so'. Remember that 'so' can have different meanings, but in this programme we are only talking about when it gives a reason for something happening.
Sam Let's hear some examples now. As you listen, try to notice the position of 'so' in the sentences.
Examples We were hungry, so we got a snack. (我们饿了,所以吃了零食。)
His knee started hurting during the tennis match, so he stopped playing. (在网球比赛期间,他的膝盖开始疼,因此他停止了比赛。)
I was worried about my sister, so I called her. (我当时很担心我妹妹,所以我给她打了电话。)
Jiaying 注意,在上面的例句中,“so” 位于句中,用来连接事情的因果。
Sam Let's look at 'thus' now. 'Thus' can replace 'so' in many sentences, but remember the difference in formality. Because it's more formal, 'thus' is used more in writing and would be considered strange in a casual conversation.
Examples The company has announced that it plans to improve sales and thus to increase profits in the coming year. (该公司已宣布计划改善其销售状况,从而在来年增加利润。)
There is evidence that a shorter working week means people are better rested and thus more productive. (有证据表明,缩短工作周意味着人们能休息得更好,从而提高工作效率。)
The artist used mostly dark colours, thus reflecting the country's difficult history. (这位艺术家在画作中大多使用了深色,从而反映了这个国家艰难的历史。)
Jiaying 接着,来说一说 “therefore”,它的意思也是 “因此,所以”。
Sam With 'therefore', we have more flexibility about where it can go in a sentence. Here are some examples to show this.
Examples He's scared of flying. Therefore he doesn't travel much by plane. He's scared of flying, and therefore doesn't travel much by plane. He's scared of flying. He therefore doesn't travel much by plane. He's scared of flying. He doesn't, therefore, travel much by plane. (他害怕坐飞机,因此他不常乘飞机旅行。)
Sam Exactly! Let's look at 'hence' next. Like the other words we've looked at, 'hence' is used when giving a reason or explanation for something, but it has a more fixed position in a sentence.