Showing Reason and Cause and Effect in English

Here are some common ways to express reason, cause, and effect in English:

Using "because" and "because of"

• Because: Introduces a reason or cause.
  • Example: He couldn't attend the meeting because he was sick.
• Because of: Introduces a noun or noun phrase that is the reason or cause.
  • Example: The game was canceled because of the rain.

Using "since"

• Since: Introduces a reason or cause, often implying a logical connection.
  • Example: Since it's raining, we'll stay indoors.

Using "as"

• As: Introduces a reason or cause, often implying a simultaneous action.
  • Example: As I was walking, I saw a cat.

Using "so"

• So: Introduces a result or effect.
  • Example: It's raining, so we'll stay indoors.

Using "due to"

• Due to: Introduces a noun or noun phrase that is the cause.
  • Example: The delay was due to heavy traffic.

Using "owing to"

• Owing to: Introduces a noun or noun phrase that is the cause.
  • Example: The concert was canceled owing to bad weather.

Using conditional clauses (if/when/unless)

• If/when/unless: Introduces a condition that leads to a result.
  • Example: If it rains, we'll stay indoors.
  • Example: When I finish my work, I'll go home.
  • Example: Unless you study hard, you won't pass the exam.

Here are some examples to illustrate these structures:

• Reason and cause: He couldn't go to the party because he was sick.
• Effect: It's raining, so we'll stay indoors.
• Condition and result: If you study hard, you'll pass the exam.

Would you like to practice using these structures in sentences?