"Ergo" is a conjunction or conjunction that comes from Latin. In English, this word can be used to show the effect or effect of something described in the main sentence. Since this term is, one might say, archaic, it can be a little tricky to figure out how to use the term properly. However, with a little practice you can figure out how to use "ergo" conjunctions properly.
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Part 1 of 2: Defining "Ergo"
Step 1. Know the meaning of “ergo
The term “ergo” can be defined as “therefore” or “as a result.” In English, “ergo” has the same meaning as “as a result” or “for that reason.”
- Some conjunctions in English that have the same meaning as “ergo” are “therefore,” “hence,” “consequently,” “so,” “thus,” and “accordingly.”
- You can use "ergo" to show a causal relationship in two sentences.
- For example: I love reading; ergo, I have a large library at home. (I enjoy reading. Therefore, I have a large library in my house).
Step 2. Understand the word class of “ergo
In English, "ergo" can be categorized into a conjunctive adverb or adverbial conjunction. Basically, the two word classes include words that can act as either adverbs or conjunctions. Therefore, the terms conjunctive adverb and adverbial conjunction can be used interchangeably.
- Adverbs are words that provide information on a verb (verb) or an adjective (adjective).
- Conjunctions are words that are used to join or connect two sentences, clauses, or ideas.
- A conjunctive adverb is a word that gives information to a verb in an independent clause (a clause or sentence that can stand alone), and the adverb indicates that the clause has a relationship with another independent clause (for example, as an effect marker)..
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For example: I love reading; ergo, I have a large library at home. (I enjoy reading. Therefore, I have a large library in my house).
In the sentence above, "ergo" provides an explanation of the verb "have" in the clause "I have a large library at home." In addition, the word "ergo" also connects the clause "I have a large library at home" with the clause "I love reading," and shows a causal relationship between the two clauses. In other words, there is a large library in the speaker's house because the speaker likes to read
Step 3. Keep in mind that “ergo” is an archaic term
While you may use the term “ergo” or perhaps hear it occasionally, the term “ergo” is generally considered an archaic term. This means that the term is an old term and is no longer considered a common term in modern English.
- Even though it's an archaic term, that doesn't mean you can't use it. However, you have to be careful when using it. Using it too often can actually make you sound 'forced', fancy, or even unnatural. Since there are other words that have the same meaning as "ergo", such as "therefore" (therefore), it's a good idea to think about whether "ergo" is appropriate before you use the term.
- Despite its status as an archaic term, “ergo” is the term most frequently used among other ancient terms. This is what makes the term still has a kind of 'bond' with modern English.
- For example, instead of saying “I love reading; ergo, I have a large library at home,” try saying “I love reading; therefore, I have a large library at home.” The two sentences have the same meaning, but the use of the conjunction “therefore” is more familiar in modern English.
Part 2 of 2: Using “Ergo” in Sentences
Step 1. Use a semicolon when using the term “ergo
Usually, the use of the term "ergo" in a sentence begins with a semicolon and is followed by a comma. Writing like this is the right writing to use "ergo" in sentences and tends to look the most natural.
- You can use this term specifically to indicate that the information in one clause is a result of the information in the previous clause. Since the two clauses are independent clauses, you need to connect them using proper punctuation.
- Because the two clauses are independent, the clause is separated by putting a semicolon, not just a comma.
- For example: She had five cats at home; ergo, anyone allergic to cats never enjoyed staying at her house. (He has five cats in his house. Therefore, anyone who has an allergy to cats never feels comfortable visiting his house).
Step 2. Begin your sentence with “ergo
” You can start a sentence with “ergo,” as long as it is used correctly. The term must still be followed by a comma, as is the case when used after a semicolon.
- Basically, using "ergo" at the beginning of a sentence is the same as using "ergo" after a semicolon. You just have to separate the two independent clauses into two separate sentences.
- For example: She had five cats at home. Ergo, anyone allergic to cats never enjoyed staying at her house.
Step 3. Be careful with the use of commas
The most common mistake made when using the term “ergo” is connecting clauses with commas. This happens when the punctuation mark that should be affixed is a semicolon, but instead, only a comma is used.
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Sentences and clauses can be connected with regular conjunctions, but cannot be connected with conjunctive adjectives. Therefore, punctuation for sentences containing "ergo" is different from giving punctuation for sentences containing ordinary conjunctions, such as "and" or "but".
- Example of an imprecise sentence: Jim got caught in traffic on his way to work, ergo, he missed this morning's meeting.
- Example of a proper sentence: Jim got caught in traffic on his way to work; ergo, he missed this morning's meeting.
- Another good example (without the use of "ergo"): Jim got caught in traffic on his way to work and missed this morning's meeting.
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If "ergo" is used to further explain the meaning of a sentence, you can insert the term in the sentence and add two commas before and after the term. Make sure the sentence can stand alone if "ergo" is omitted from the sentence.
For example: Carol enjoyed the outdoors. She decided, ergo, to spend her vacation camping. (Carol loves the outdoors. Therefore, she decides to spend her vacation camping)
Step 4. Follow all applicable grammar rules
Sentences made using "ergo" must always be appropriate and precise in relation to grammatical aspects. In addition, you also have to make sure that the use of "ergo" in the sentences you make is in accordance with its definition (context).
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Always use "ergo" to denote a cause-and-effect relationship. You may not use "ergo" to show comparison, emphasis, description of something, or explain the timeline of events because the meaning of "ergo" does not match these functions.
- Improper example: The two friends used to be inseparable; ergo, one moved away in the fifth grade, and the two lost contact after that. (There is a pair of best friends who are usually inseparable. Therefore, one of them moved when he was in fifth grade and the two of them lost contact after that)
- Good example: The two friends used to be inseparable; however, one moved away in the fifth grade, and the two lost contact after that. (There was a pair of best friends who were usually inseparable. Unfortunately, one of them moved when he was in fifth grade and the two lost contact after that).
- As with all sentences, the subject and verb you use must match each other. All pronouns used must clearly represent the previously mentioned noun, and the entire sentence must be parallel. All the rules you have learned regarding sentence syntax and grammar must still be followed.
Step 5. You can use the term “ergo” for sentences in both serious and light contexts
Since "ergo" is an archaic term, you'll often find it used in sarcastic or humorous sentences. Although the term can still be used for serious sentence contexts, the most striking use of "ergo" in modern English is when the term is used in light contexts.
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Example 1: My neighbor Sally and the Queen of England are never in the same place at the same time; ergo, Sally must secretly be the Queen of England. (My neighbor Sally and the Queen of England are never in the same place at the same time. Thus, Sally must be secretly Queen of England).
In the example above, "ergo" is used to indicate some sort of satire in a serious or academic sense, apart from statements that are clearly absurd (that Sally is definitely not Queen of England). The use of standard and formal ancient terms such as "ergo" marks the speaker's sarcastic side of the statement he makes
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Example 2: Robert had a stressful day at work; ergo, he went straight to sleep as soon as he got home. (Robert had a tiring day at work. Therefore, he fell asleep as soon as he got home).
In the example above, “ergo” is used in a serious context (the sentence is not a satire or ridicule, and describes a real event). Grammatically, the sentence is correct. However, it is possible that other people (listeners) prefer to use more general terms, such as “therefore,” “as a result,” or “as such.”
