Here is that list of what I call “The Ten Words of Logic.” You’ll notice that there are actually more than ten individual words. It’s more like ten categories of words, with some categories having more than one word, or combination of words, belonging to it. (Others also could be added to the ones I’ve given.)
- Therefore; Then; So; So then
- Wherefore; Wherein; Hence
- For; Because
- If; If then; If so be
- But; But now
- Now
- Let; Let us
- Moreover
- And; And so; Even; Even so
- Nevertheless; Notwithstanding; Howbeit
I call these “The Ten Words of Logic” because their function is to control the logical presentation of information as it is communicated, so that the information is properly handled by us as we deal with it. In view of their important function, these words most often occur at the beginning (or within the opening few words) of a sentence or paragraph; or at the beginning of a main or subordinate clause to a compound sentence or complex sentence. Without them all we have is pieces of information, but no instructions as to what to do with the information. We don’t know how the pieces of information fit together, or how to process them, if we do not have these “Words of Logic” providing us with the directions. As they control the logical presentation of information, they tell us what to do with the information as it comes along. For example, one of the simplest roles belonging to the word “therefore” is to tell us to take the information that has just been given to us in some preceding sentences, and in view of it, to come to the conclusion or stated result that is going to follow the word “therefore.” The word “therefore,” therefore, (ha ha) in one of its simplest roles signifies to us the need to deal with a conclusion or result as we process the information that is being given to us. And in view of the importance that is attached to any conclusion or result, the word “therefore” also signifies to us that if we do not, or cannot, clearly understand the conclusion that it presents to us, then we had better re-read and re-study the preceding information because we haven’t fully understood it yet.
In addition to controlling the logical presentation of information, the “Words of Logic” at the same time safeguard the information from being mishandled, misused, abused, and the like. They are a part of the context in which information occurs and they work to keep it so that the information is honestly handled within its proper context.
They are indeed powerful words. And even though we use them and encounter them every day, it’s helpful to us to be all the more alert them. They can then do their job all the more effectively that way.
Keith Blades
Enjoy The Bible Ministries
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