Do you use a comma before and after therefore?

You don't need a comma before "therefore," but you might need one after it, depending on the sentence structure.

Here's a breakdown:

* No comma before "therefore": It's almost always incorrect to use a comma before "therefore." It acts as a conjunctive adverb, connecting two clauses, and doesn't require a comma before it.

* Comma after "therefore" (optional): You may need a comma after "therefore" if the clause following it is a complete sentence. However, if the clause is a short, simple phrase, the comma is often optional.

Examples:

* No comma after "therefore": "The weather was bad, therefore we decided to stay home." (The clause after "therefore" is short and doesn't require a comma.)

* Comma after "therefore": "The weather was bad. Therefore, we decided to stay home." (The clause after "therefore" is a complete sentence, so a comma is needed.)

Key takeaway: Always consider the sentence structure and whether the clause after "therefore" is a complete sentence.