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June 17, 2026Argumentation and AdvocacyOpen Access

What’s in a “therefore”?

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Authors

MMMatthew W. McKeon

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Overview

Explores the roles of therefore as a conclusion indicator and inference-claim designator, clarifying their impact on argumentation.

Key Points

  • The aim is to elucidate the dual functions of the term 'therefore' in argument presentation and its implications for reasoning processes.
  • Analysis of the linguistic roles of 'therefore' and similar expressions in arguments.
  • Identification of the distinction between conclusion indicators and inference-claim designators.
  • Examination of semantic and pragmatic determinants of the use of 'therefore'.
  • 'Therefore' functions both as a conclusion indicator and as an inference-claim designator, each with distinct implications for argumentation.
  • When used merely as a conclusion indicator, it does not imply an argument for the conclusion.
  • As an inference-claim designator, 'therefore' indicates a speaker's intention to present a reasoned argument.

Cite This Study

Matthew W. McKeon (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a3238acd50b63ecad20480dhttps://doi.org/10.1080/10511431.2026.2686916
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