por lo tanto
vs
esto

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"Por lo tanto" is a phrase which is often translated as "therefore", and "esto" is a pronoun which is often translated as "this". Learn more about the difference between "por lo tanto" and "esto" below.

por lo tanto(

pohr

loh

tahn

toh

)

A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).

phrase

1. (for that reason)

a. therefore

Has incurrido en una infracción, por lo tanto vas a la cárcel.You have broken the law; therefore, you are going to prison.

b. so

Te trato con respeto, por lo tanto espero que hagas lo mismo por mí.I treat you with respect, so I expect you to do the same for me.

c. thus (formal)

Firmó un contrato con nosotros, por lo tanto esperamos que cumpla con sus obligaciones.You signed a contract with us, thus we expect you to honor your obligations.

d. hence (formal)

Su rival político amenazó con ir a la prensa, por lo tanto se retiró de la carrera.His political rival threatened to go to the media, hence he withdrew from the race.

esto(

ehs

toh

)

A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).

pronoun

1. (demonstrative)

a. this

Esto es lo que buscaba.This is what I was looking for.

An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).

interjection

2. (used to express lack of certainty about what's going to be said)