What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to examine how the word 'therefore' functions narratively and to challenge its traditional semantic interpretation.

February 22, 2026Open Access

Narrative therefore

Key Points

The aim is to examine how the word 'therefore' functions narratively and to challenge its traditional semantic interpretation.
Analysis of narrative structures involving 'therefore'
Critique of Grice's semantic views
Exploration of alternative accounts of 'therefore'
Narrative uses of 'therefore' are found to undermine Grice's semantic view.
Two attempts to revive the Gricean perspective are considered inadequate.
A more effective interpretation of narrative 'therefore' is proposed.

Abstract

Abstract ‘Therefore’ can be used narratively to explain how events came about, as in ‘John pushed Max. Therefore, Max fell’. I argue that such narrative uses undermine a popular view on the semantic contribution of ‘therefore’ that dates back to Grice’s infamous ‘He is an Englishman; he is, therefore, brave’ passage. I consider two ways of resuscitating the Gricean view and find them wanting. I conclude with a more promising account of narrative ‘therefore’. Along the way, I argue that ‘therefore’ is polysemous.

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Cite This Study

Bram Vaassen (Tue,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/699a9e2d482488d673cd4a84 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/pq/pqag011

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