“Ergo” is an adverbial connective used to express a result or effect. Being archaic and without due practice, it could be a bit complicated to know how to properly use this term.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Defining "Ergo"
Step 1. The meaning of “Ergo”
The term "Ergo" can mean "therefore" or "for this reason".
- Other synonyms are: "therefore", "therefore", "consequently", "therefore", "for which" and "according to this".
- You can use "ergo" to describe the relationship between cause and effect.
- Example: I like to read; ergo, I have a large library at home.
Step 2. The term “ergo” is an adverbial connective
It can also be called an adverbial conjunction. Two parts of the speech, which are interchangeable, essentially comprise words that have adverbial and connective characteristics in common.
- An adverb is a term that modifies a verb or adjective.
- A conjunction is used to connect two propositions, two sentences or two ideas.
- A connective adverb is a word that modifies the verb of an independent sentence to demonstrate a connection with another independent sentence.
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Example: I like to read; ergo, I have a large library at home.
In this period, “ergo” changes the verb “to have” in the independent sentence: “I have a large library at home”. Furthermore, it connects the sentence that begins with "I" to the independent sentence "I like to read" and indicates that the last sentence is a consequence of the initial one
Step 3. Be aware that “ergo” is considered an archaic term
Although you can use "ergo", hear it or read it on many occasions, the term is generally considered archaic, meaning "dated" and no longer common in the current language.
- This does not mean that you cannot use "ergo". You can use it, as long as you are careful about how you use it, because using it too often may seem not only forced, but also pretentious and fake. Since it can be replaced with other terms, such as "therefore", you should ask yourself if "ergo" is the best choice before using it.
- Despite being an archaic term, “ergo” is much more used than many other archaic terms, which gives it a sort of current relevance.
- Example: Instead of saying, “I like to read; ergo, I have a large library at home”, you can say“I like reading; therefore, I have a large library at home”.
Part 2 of 2: Using "Ergo" in a Sentence
Step 1. Use “ergo” with a semicolon
Often “ergo” is preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma. This is the correct way to use the term, which gives it a more natural look.
- You can typically use the term to indicate the result of the information in a sentence, compared to the previous sentence. Since the two sentences are independent, you need to connect them with a form of punctuation.
- Two independent sentences must be separated with a semicolon rather than a comma.
- Example: You had five cats at home; ergo, anyone allergic to cats didn't like being in that house.
Step 2. Begin the sentence with “ergo”
If done correctly you can also start a sentence with "ergo". The term must be followed by a comma, as happens when it is preceded by a semicolon.
- Essentially, “ergo” is used at the beginning of the sentence as when a semicolon follows. Basically, you are splitting two independent sentences into two different periods.
- Example: You had five cats at home. Ergo, anyone allergic to cats didn't like being in that house.
Step 3. Watch out for commas
The most common mistake that is usually made is to precede "ergo" with a simple comma. This happens when you replace the semicolon with the comma.
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Standard coordinating conjunctions can join sentences and sentences, as opposed to connective adjectives. Consequently, with "ergo" you cannot use punctuation as you would with standard conjunctions like "and", "o", "but".
- Wrong example: Jim got stuck in traffic on his way to work, ergo, he missed the meeting this morning.
- Correct example: Jim got stuck in traffic on his way to work; ergo, he missed the meeting this morning.
- Correct example: Jim got stuck in traffic on his way to work and missed this morning's meeting.
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You can put "ergo" between commas if you are using the term to further clarify the meaning of a period. If you remove "ergo" from the period, it should still have meaning.
Example: Carole likes trips. Ergo, you have decided to spend your camping holidays
Step 4. Follow the standard grammar rules
Every single sentence must make sense based on all grammatical aspects. Make sure you use "ergo" to match its definition.
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Use "ergo" to always express a result or effect. You cannot use it to contrast, emphasize, illustrate or describe the timeline, because its meaning does not accord with these purposes.
- Wrong example: The two friends were inseparable; ergo, one left during the fifth grade, losing contact with the other.
- Correct example: The two friends were inseparable; however one left during the fifth grade, losing contact with the other.
- As in all sentences, the subject must agree with the verb, all pronouns must clearly describe a previously mentioned noun. Furthermore, the period, on the whole, must be understandable. You must follow all the syntax and grammar rules you have learned.
Step 5. Apply the term in both serious and carefree contexts
As "ergo" is an archaic term, you will often see it applied ironically or jokingly. You can still use it seriously, although it is more used with light arguments.
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Example A: My neighbor Sally and the Queen of England are never in the same place at the same time; ergo, Sally must be the Queen of England.
In this example, "ergo" is used jokingly to give an academic or serious tone despite the fact that the statement is clearly absurd. Using a properly archaic term is a great way to emphasize the sarcasm of a statement
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Example B: Robert had a stressful day at work; ergo, he immediately went to sleep once at home.
In this example, “ergo” is used in a serious context. The grammar is correct, but it would have been better to use "therefore", "therefore" or "therefore"
