For this reason means therefore, that's why. It introduces a consequence of what was said before it and usually starts a new sentence. It's neutral and sounds good in essays, letters and reports.
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cause. For this reason, + result; cause; for this reason, + result; It is for this reason that + result
- The museum is very popular with tourists. For this reason, it is best to book tickets online.
- My sister works night shifts; for this reason, she rarely joins us for dinner.
- Many students have part-time jobs. It is for this reason that the library stays open until midnight.
What changed
First versionRents in the city centre are very high. By this reason, many families move to the suburbs.
RevisionRents in the city centre are very high. For this reason, many families move to the suburbs.
By this reason can sound logical, since by often explains how or why something happens. But with reason in this sense, English uses for: for this reason, for personal reasons, for many reasons. Nothing else in the sentence was changed.
That's why also means “this is the reason”, but it sounds more conversational: That's why I'm late. In an essay, For this reason or therefore fits better. And don't confuse it with the reason for: there, for introduces not a consequence but the thing being explained: the reason for the delay.
Your turn
The new bridge has cut travel times in half. ___, more people now live in the villages across the river.
Show the answer
For this reason — The bridge has halved travel times, and that's why more people now live across the river. That's a consequence, and it's introduced by For this reason. In spite of this means “despite this” and fits when the result goes against expectations, but here everything is logical.
Write two sentences for an essay about a problem in your city. In the first, name the problem; in the second, use For this reason to say what people do because of it.
Traffic jams in our city centre can last for hours. For this reason, many office workers have started cycling to work.
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