hereby

Everyday

1. (formal, law) Hereby means «by this statement, letter or document» — the words themselves make something happen. tree →
2. (formal) It is used in official announcements, certificates and old-fashioned speeches. tree →

In the lessons

A stiff legal and ceremonial word: certificates, contracts and proclamations use it — «I hereby declare the fete open». Children use it playfully to sound important. It tells the reader that saying or signing these words makes it so. Phrases: «I hereby declare», «you are hereby», «I hereby promise».

Examples

• I hereby declare this library open! tree →
• You are hereby invited to my birthday party. tree →
• We hereby agree to share the toys fairly. tree →
• «I hereby name this ship Explorer,» said the queen. tree →
• The certificate says: «This hereby certifies that Sam can swim twenty-five metres.» tree →
• I hereby promise to tidy my room every Saturday. (playful) tree →
• In the latter case, though not unconscious that there may be taller men among you, I hereby offer myself for that enviable duty. tree →

Note

Very formal; everyday English does not need it. It usually goes before the verb: «I hereby declare». Related formal words: herewith, hereafter, whereby. Do not confuse with «nearby».

In Jewish tradition

A stiff legal and ceremonial word: certificates, contracts and proclamations use it — «I hereby declare the fete open». Children use it playfully to sound important. It tells the reader that saying or signing these words makes it so. Phrases: «I hereby declare», «you are hereby», «I hereby promise».

Examples

• Hereby ye shall be proved, as Pharaoh liveth, ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither. (Torah GEN.42.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Moses said: 'Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works, and that I have not done them of mine own mind. (Torah NUM.16.28, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the man, the lord of the land, said unto us: Hereby shall I know that ye are upright men: leave one of your brethren with me, and take corn for the famine of your houses, and go your way. (Torah GEN.42.33, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Very formal; everyday English does not need it. It usually goes before the verb: «I hereby declare». Related formal words: herewith, hereafter, whereby. Do not confuse with «nearby».