Grammar · Free lesson
TOEIC connectors: however or therefore?
Two options can fit the same blank grammatically while telling the reader different things.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
However signals contrast: “The item is in stock. However, delivery is unavailable.” Therefore signals a consequence or conclusion: “Delivery is unavailable. Therefore, customers must collect their orders.” Read both sentences before choosing.
Choose the relationship before the word.
Ask whether the second sentence limits or contrasts with the first, or follows from it. In the stock example, availability does not cause the delivery restriction; however marks the contrast. In the collection example, no delivery explains the collection requirement, so therefore fits. Keep two complete sentences, with a period before However or Therefore and a comma after it in this pattern.
Compare the examples
The office is closed. However, online support is available.
The office is closed. Therefore, visitors cannot enter today.
However does not mean because of that.
Do not select a connector only because it often appears in business emails.
Build the meaning step by step
Identify the relationship
No delivery → collection required.
Choose the matching connector
Delivery is unavailable. Therefore, collection is required.
Try it now
Choose the intended connection
Read all answers and explanations
Show a contrast: The repair is expensive. ___, it is covered by our warranty.
HoweverWarranty coverage limits the bad news about cost; expense is not stated as its cause.
State the consequence: The shipment did not arrive. ___, we cannot fill your order today.
ThereforeThe missing shipment explains why the order cannot be filled today.
Use the two-sentence pattern taught here.
The office is closed. However, online support is available.A period separates the complete sentences. However alone does not repair a comma splice.
Put it into practice
Keep the notice’s intended logic
Facts: the morning session is full, but the afternoon session still has places. Show that remaining option, not a cause.
The morning session is full. Therefore, places remain in the afternoon session.
See a model answer
The morning session is full. However, places remain in the afternoon session.
The task states the intended relationship. Do not invent a booking policy to justify a different connector.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Can I always replace but with however?
No. They can express similar contrast but use different sentence structures. Check punctuation and clause boundaries.
The office is closed, but online support is available.
Does therefore prove a cause?
No. It states a connection. The facts must support that connection; the word cannot create evidence.
The order is incomplete. Therefore, we need the missing item.
Take it into your day
However contrasts; therefore draws a consequence.
Your next step · Available on Udemy
Build the English foundations behind this skill.
The English Grammar and English Speaking Master Course develops broader grammar, sentence-building, and communication foundations. Understanding sentence relationships supports clearer reading and writing. The dedicated exam course is coming soon; the available main course is not a complete exam-preparation program.
Explore the course English Master Course: English Grammar and English Speaking