1. Comma before "thereby":
* Use a comma before "thereby" when it introduces a dependent clause.
* *Example:* "The company implemented new safety protocols, thereby reducing accidents by 20%."
2. Semicolon before "thereby":
* Use a semicolon before "thereby" when it connects two independent clauses.
* *Example:* "The city's budget was cut drastically; thereby forcing the closure of several libraries."
3. No punctuation before "thereby":
* Use no punctuation before "thereby" when it appears in a dependent clause that follows an independent clause.
* *Example:* "The team practiced hard and improved their performance, thereby earning a place in the playoffs."
Additional Notes:
* Sometimes, you can use a period instead of a semicolon, depending on the context. For example, "The city's budget was cut drastically. Thereby, forcing the closure of several libraries."
* Be careful not to use "thereby" to simply connect two sentences that are not logically related.
Examples:
* He lost his keys, thereby preventing him from getting into his car.
* The artist used bold colors, thereby creating a vibrant and eye-catching painting.
* The children were playing loudly; thereby disturbing the neighbors.
* We finished the project early, thereby exceeding expectations.