Using the phrase “it follows that” in a sentence can add a touch of sophistication and authority to your writing. This phrase is often used to introduce a logical conclusion or inference based on previous statements or evidence. By understanding the proper way to use this phrase, you can enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of your writing.
When using “it follows that” in a sentence, it is important to remember that it should be followed by a clause or statement that logically follows from the preceding information. This phrase is typically used to indicate a logical consequence or result of a previous statement or argument. It helps to establish a clear and logical flow of ideas in your writing.
In this article, we will explore the correct usage of “it follows that” in a sentence and provide examples to illustrate its proper application. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to use this phrase effectively in your own writing.
Definition Of It Follow That
When it comes to logical reasoning and argumentation, the phrase “it follows that” holds a significant role. This phrase, often used in formal discourse, indicates that a certain conclusion can be logically deduced or inferred from a given set of premises or statements. It serves as a powerful tool for establishing logical connections and drawing valid conclusions based on the information provided.
In its simplest form, “it follows that” is an expression used to indicate that something logically follows or can be derived from something else. It is commonly employed in deductive reasoning, where the truth of a conclusion is guaranteed by the truth of its premises. By using this phrase, speakers and writers can demonstrate the logical progression of their arguments and provide a clear line of reasoning for their claims.
Historical Evolution
The phrase “it follows that” has a long-standing history in the realm of philosophy and logic. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, where philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato explored the principles of deductive reasoning. However, it was during the medieval period that the phrase gained prominence as scholars like Thomas Aquinas and Duns Scotus further developed logical systems and formalized the rules of inference.
Throughout the centuries, the concept of “it follows that” has evolved alongside advancements in logic and reasoning. In the 19th and 20th centuries, logicians such as Gottlob Frege, Bertrand Russell, and Ludwig Wittgenstein contributed to the refinement of logical systems, including the use of “it follows that” as a key component of valid reasoning. Today, the phrase continues to be an essential tool in various disciplines, including mathematics, philosophy, and legal argumentation.
Different Meanings In Different Contexts
While the core meaning of “it follows that” remains consistent across contexts, its precise interpretation can vary depending on the subject matter and the specific discipline in which it is used.
In mathematics, “it follows that” often denotes a logical consequence or implication. For example, if one states that “if x is greater than 5, then it follows that x squared is greater than 25,” they are asserting a logical connection between the two statements. The phrase is used to highlight that the truth of the second statement is a direct result of the truth of the first statement.
In philosophical discourse, “it follows that” is frequently employed to demonstrate the logical progression of an argument or to draw conclusions from a set of premises. Philosophers use this phrase to establish the validity and soundness of their reasoning, ensuring that their claims are supported by logical connections.
In legal contexts, “it follows that” is often utilized to establish the necessary consequences of a legal principle or precedent. Lawyers and judges employ this phrase to demonstrate the logical implications of legal arguments, ensuring that their conclusions align with established laws and precedents.
How To Properly Use “It Follows That” In A Sentence
When it comes to using the phrase “it follows that” in a sentence, it is important to understand the grammatical rules that govern its usage. This phrase is commonly used to indicate a logical conclusion or consequence based on a previous statement or premise. By following a few guidelines, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing to convey a clear and logical progression of ideas.
Grammatical Rules
To use “it follows that” correctly, it is essential to adhere to the following grammatical rules:
- Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject of the sentence must agree with the verb in terms of number and person. Ensure that the verb form matches the subject, whether it is singular or plural, first, second, or third person.
- Proper Punctuation: Place a comma after the introductory phrase “it follows that” to separate it from the main clause that follows. This helps to create a clear distinction between the logical conclusion and the supporting statement.
- Logical Coherence: The sentence should present a logical sequence of ideas, where the conclusion naturally follows from the preceding statement or evidence. Make sure to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses.
Parts Of Speech
The phrase “it follows that” primarily functions as a subordinating conjunction. However, the word “follows” can also be a verb or a noun, depending on its usage in a sentence.
As a verb, “follows” is the third-person singular form of the verb “follow.” For example, in the sentence “He follows the instructions,” “follows” is a verb that describes the action of the subject, “he.”
Alternatively, “follows” can also be a noun, specifically the plural form of the noun “follow.” For instance, in the sentence “She has many followers on social media,” “followers” is a noun that refers to the people who follow or support someone on a particular platform.
Understanding the different parts of speech associated with “it follows that” allows for greater versatility and precision in your writing.
Examples Of Using It Follow That In A Sentence
When using the phrase “it follow that” in a sentence, it is essential to employ a mix of simple and complex sentences to illustrate its proper usage. By doing so, we can effectively demonstrate the versatility and depth of this phrase. Moreover, it is crucial to highlight different contexts or nuances if the word or phrase has multiple meanings. Let’s explore some examples:
Examples:
- Given the current economic situation, it follows that companies must adapt their business strategies to remain competitive.
- After analyzing the data, it follows that the hypothesis proposed in the research paper is valid.
- If the weather forecast predicts heavy rain, it follows that we should bring umbrellas and raincoats.
- Considering his extensive experience and qualifications, it follows that he would be the ideal candidate for the job.
- When studying the laws of physics, it follows that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
In these examples, we can observe the varied contexts in which “it follow that” can be used. From logical deductions to cause and effect relationships, this phrase allows us to express a range of ideas with clarity and precision.
Edge Cases Or Things To Consider
When it comes to using the phrase “it follow that” in a sentence, there are a few edge cases and important considerations to keep in mind. By being aware of these factors, you can ensure that your usage of this phrase is accurate and effective.
Common Mistakes People Make When Using “It Follow That”
While “it follow that” may seem like a straightforward phrase, it is not uncommon for people to make mistakes when incorporating it into their sentences. Here are some of the most common errors to avoid:
- Using incorrect subject-verb agreement: One common mistake is failing to match the subject and verb correctly in a sentence containing “it follow that.” Remember that the verb should agree with the subject that follows “it.” For example, instead of saying “it follow that he is wrong,” the correct form would be “it follows that he is wrong.”
- Neglecting to provide logical reasoning: Another mistake is using “it follow that” without providing a clear logical connection or reasoning between the two ideas. This phrase is often used to indicate a logical consequence or conclusion, so it is crucial to ensure that the sentence logically follows from the preceding statement.
- Overusing the phrase: While “it follow that” can be a useful tool for expressing logical relationships, it is important not to overuse it. Using this phrase excessively can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Instead, vary your sentence structures and consider alternative ways to convey logical connections.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your usage of “it follow that” is grammatically accurate and effectively conveys the intended meaning.
Cultural Or Regional Differences
It is worth noting that the usage and understanding of “it follow that” may vary across different cultural or regional contexts. While this phrase is commonly used in formal English writing, its frequency of use may differ depending on the linguistic conventions of a particular culture or region.
In some cultures, more direct and explicit expressions of logical connections may be preferred over the use of “it follow that.” Therefore, it is important to consider the cultural and regional context in which you are writing to ensure that your use of this phrase aligns with the linguistic norms and expectations of your audience.
Additionally, idiomatic expressions and logical connectors may vary across different languages. It is crucial to be mindful of these differences when translating or communicating ideas across linguistic boundaries.
Overall, understanding and respecting cultural and regional differences in the usage of “it follow that” can contribute to effective communication and ensure that your writing resonates with a diverse audience.
Synonyms Or Alternates To Use
When it comes to using alternatives to the phrase “it follow that,” there are several options that can be employed to convey a similar meaning. Here are four synonyms or alternate words that can be used in place of this phrase, along with their subtle differences in meaning or usage:
1. Consequently
Consequently is an adverb that can be used to indicate a logical conclusion or result. It implies that the outcome or consequence is a direct result of a preceding action or event. While “it follow that” suggests a logical progression, “consequently” emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship between two ideas. It is often used to denote a more immediate or expected outcome.
Example: The company experienced a significant increase in sales; consequently, they decided to expand their production facilities.
2. Therefore
Therefore is an adverb that signifies a logical conclusion or inference. It is often used to indicate that the information presented supports or leads to a particular outcome or decision. Unlike “it follow that,” which implies a direct and logical sequence, “therefore” emphasizes the logical connection between the premises and the conclusion. It is commonly used in formal writing to express a cause-and-effect relationship.
Example: The experiment yielded consistent results; therefore, we can conclude that the hypothesis is valid.
3. Hence
Hence is an adverb that indicates a logical consequence or inference. It suggests that the following statement or action logically follows from what has been previously stated or established. Similar to “it follow that,” “hence” emphasizes the logical progression of ideas. However, it often implies a more distant or indirect relationship between the premises and the conclusion.
Example: The project faced numerous delays; hence, the deadline had to be extended.
4. Ergo
Ergo is a Latin adverb that is used to denote a logical inference or deduction. It is often employed to express a conclusion that is derived from logical reasoning. Unlike “it follow that,” which is more commonly used in formal writing, “ergo” is often used in more philosophical or academic contexts to convey a logical consequence.
Example: The evidence presented supports the theory; ergo, we can confidently assert its validity.
Each of these synonyms can be used effectively in place of “it follow that” to convey a logical progression or conclusion. However, the choice of synonym depends on the specific context and the writer’s intended emphasis. Here is a summary of the contexts where one synonym might be preferred over another:
| Synonym | Preferred Contexts |
|---|---|
| Consequently | When emphasizing a direct and expected outcome |
| Therefore | When expressing a cause-and-effect relationship |
| Hence | When implying a more distant or indirect relationship |
| Ergo | When writing in a philosophical or academic context |
Related Phrases Or Idioms
When it comes to the phrase “it follow that,” there are several related phrases and idioms that can be explored. These expressions often incorporate the concept of logical deduction or the inevitable outcome of a particular situation. Let’s delve into a few of these phrases and idioms, understanding their meanings and providing example sentences to illustrate their usage.
1. It Stands To Reason That
Meaning: This phrase is used to express that something is logical or obvious based on the given information or circumstances.
Example sentence: After studying diligently for months, it stands to reason that she would perform well on the exam.
2. It Follows Naturally That
Meaning: This phrase indicates that a particular result or consequence is expected or logical based on preceding events or facts.
Example sentence: If you keep neglecting your health, it follows naturally that you will eventually face serious consequences.
3. It Is A Foregone Conclusion That
Meaning: This idiom suggests that the outcome or result of a situation is already known or certain, often due to the existence of strong evidence or overwhelming odds.
Example sentence: With her exceptional skills and experience, it is a foregone conclusion that she will secure the promotion.
4. It Is Self-evident That
Meaning: This phrase is used to indicate that something is apparent or obvious without the need for further explanation or proof.
Example sentence: Given the current economic climate, it is self-evident that businesses need to adapt and innovate to survive.
5. It Goes Without Saying That
Meaning: This idiom implies that something is so obvious or well-known that it doesn’t need to be explicitly stated.
Example sentence: When visiting a foreign country, it goes without saying that one should respect the local customs and traditions.
These related phrases and idioms provide various ways to convey the concept of logical deduction or the expected outcome of a situation. By incorporating them into your writing or conversations, you can effectively express your thoughts and ideas with precision and authority.
Conclusion
Using “it follow that” correctly is of utmost importance in effective communication. By understanding the proper usage and employing it in our sentences, we can convey logical conclusions and strengthen our arguments. This phrase allows us to connect ideas, demonstrate cause and effect, and establish logical reasoning.
When used correctly, “it follow that” adds a level of sophistication and authority to our writing, enabling us to present our thoughts in a clear and concise manner. It helps us convey our ideas with precision and accuracy, leaving no room for ambiguity or confusion. By mastering the usage of this phrase, we can elevate the quality of our writing and enhance our overall communication skills.
However, mastering the correct usage of “it follow that” requires practice. Just like any other language skill, it requires consistent effort and application to become proficient. Therefore, I encourage readers to actively incorporate this phrase into their own sentences and written work. By doing so, they can familiarize themselves with its proper usage and develop a natural ability to employ it effectively.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more we practice using “it follow that” in our sentences, the more comfortable and adept we will become at utilizing it in our writing. So, let us embrace this powerful linguistic tool and make it an integral part of our communication toolkit.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.