In the English language, expressing cause and effect is a fundamental aspect of communication. One of the primary ways to convey these relationships is through the use of conjunctions. Conjunctions that express cause help to explain why something happens and show the connection between an action and its result. Understanding and using these conjunctions effectively can significantly enhance your fluency and precision in English. In this article, we will explore various conjunctions that express cause, their usage, and examples to illustrate their application.
Because
One of the most commonly used conjunctions to express cause is “because.” It is straightforward and directly links a cause with its effect.
Example:
– She stayed home because she was feeling ill.
In this sentence, “because” explains the reason why she stayed home.
Usage Notes
– “Because” is typically used in both spoken and written English.
– It can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
– When starting a sentence with “because,” ensure that the sentence is not a fragment.
Example:
– Because it was raining, the match was postponed.
Since
“Since” is another conjunction used to express cause. It is often used interchangeably with “because,” though it can sometimes imply a sense of time.
Example:
– Since it was late, we decided to leave.
In this sentence, “since” indicates the reason for deciding to leave.
Usage Notes
– “Since” can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
– It can also indicate a time relationship, so context is crucial to determine its meaning.
Example:
– Since we finished our work early, we went for a walk.
As
“As” is another conjunction that implies cause. It is often used in more formal contexts and can sometimes suggest a weaker cause-effect relationship compared to “because.”
Example:
– As it was getting dark, we headed back home.
In this sentence, “as” explains why they decided to head back home.
Usage Notes
– “As” is commonly used in written English.
– It can also indicate simultaneous actions, so the context is important.
Example:
– As she was tired, she went to bed early.
Due to
“Due to” is a phrase that functions similarly to a conjunction. It is often used in more formal writing and is followed by a noun phrase.
Example:
– The flight was canceled due to bad weather.
In this sentence, “due to” explains the reason for the flight cancellation.
Usage Notes
– “Due to” is typically used in formal contexts.
– It should be followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Example:
– The event was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
Because of
“Because of” is another phrase that expresses cause and is followed by a noun phrase. It is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
– The picnic was canceled because of the rain.
In this sentence, “because of” explains why the picnic was canceled.
Usage Notes
– “Because of” should be followed by a noun or noun phrase.
– It is suitable for both spoken and written English.
Example:
– The match was delayed because of technical issues.
Owing to
“Owing to” is a formal phrase used to express cause. It is often found in written English and is followed by a noun phrase.
Example:
– The project was delayed owing to a lack of resources.
In this sentence, “owing to” explains why the project was delayed.
Usage Notes
– “Owing to” is more formal than “because of” or “due to.”
– It should be followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Example:
– The concert was canceled owing to poor ticket sales.
For
“For” is a less common conjunction that can express cause. It is often used in literary or formal contexts and is typically followed by a complete clause.
Example:
– She decided to stay home, for she was not feeling well.
In this sentence, “for” explains the reason for her decision to stay home.
Usage Notes
– “For” is more formal and less commonly used in everyday speech.
– It should be used to connect two independent clauses.
Example:
– He was happy, for he had received good news.
Seeing that
“Seeing that” is a phrase used to express cause, often in informal contexts. It introduces a reason or explanation for something.
Example:
– Seeing that it was your birthday, we brought you a gift.
In this sentence, “seeing that” explains the reason for bringing a gift.
Usage Notes
– “Seeing that” is typically used in informal contexts.
– It introduces a reason or explanation.
Example:
– Seeing that he was busy, we decided to help him out.
Inasmuch as
“Inasmuch as” is a formal conjunction used to express cause. It is often found in written English and introduces a reason or justification.
Example:
– The proposal was accepted, inasmuch as it was well-researched.
In this sentence, “inasmuch as” explains why the proposal was accepted.
Usage Notes
– “Inasmuch as” is very formal and typically used in written English.
– It introduces a reason or justification.
Example:
– The policy was implemented, inasmuch as it aligned with our goals.
Now that
“Now that” is a conjunction used to express cause, particularly when a new situation has arisen. It introduces a reason based on a change in circumstances.
Example:
– Now that you have graduated, you can start looking for a job.
In this sentence, “now that” explains why it is time to start looking for a job.
Usage Notes
– “Now that” is used to indicate a change in circumstances.
– It is suitable for both spoken and written English.
Example:
– Now that the weather is warmer, we can go hiking.
In view of
“In view of” is a formal phrase used to express cause. It introduces a reason based on a particular consideration or circumstance.
Example:
– The meeting was postponed in view of the recent developments.
In this sentence, “in view of” explains why the meeting was postponed.
Usage Notes
– “In view of” is formal and often used in written English.
– It should be followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Example:
– The decision was made in view of the evidence presented.
Considering
“Considering” is a conjunction used to express cause by taking into account a particular factor or circumstance. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
– Considering the traffic, we should leave early.
In this sentence, “considering” explains why it is advisable to leave early.
Usage Notes
– “Considering” can be used in both spoken and written English.
– It introduces a reason based on a particular factor or circumstance.
Example:
– Considering his experience, he is the best candidate for the job.
Given that
“Given that” is a phrase used to express cause by presenting a fact or condition that influences the situation. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
– Given that it is a holiday, the office will be closed.
In this sentence, “given that” explains why the office will be closed.
Usage Notes
– “Given that” can be used in both spoken and written English.
– It introduces a reason based on a fact or condition.
Example:
– Given that she has a busy schedule, it is impressive that she managed to attend.
Seeing as
“Seeing as” is a less formal alternative to “seeing that.” It introduces a reason or explanation for something.
Example:
– Seeing as it is your birthday, let’s go out to celebrate.
In this sentence, “seeing as” explains why they should go out to celebrate.
Usage Notes
– “Seeing as” is typically used in informal contexts.
– It introduces a reason or explanation.
Example:
– Seeing as he was the only one available, he took on the task.
So
“So” is a versatile conjunction that can express cause and effect. It is often used in both spoken and written English.
Example:
– She was tired, so she went to bed early.
In this sentence, “so” explains why she went to bed early.
Usage Notes
– “So” is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
– It connects two independent clauses.
Example:
– It was raining, so we stayed indoors.
As a result
“As a result” is a phrase used to express cause and effect. It often follows a statement that explains the cause.
Example:
– The company lost a major client. As a result, they had to downsize.
In this sentence, “as a result” explains the consequence of losing a major client.
Usage Notes
– “As a result” is more formal and often used in written English.
– It typically follows a statement that explains the cause.
Example:
– The weather was bad. As a result, the event was canceled.
Therefore
“Therefore” is a formal conjunction that expresses cause and effect. It is often used in written English to indicate a logical conclusion.
Example:
– The experiment failed. Therefore, we need to revise the methodology.
In this sentence, “therefore” explains the logical conclusion of the experiment failing.
Usage Notes
– “Therefore” is more formal and often used in written English.
– It indicates a logical conclusion based on the preceding statement.
Example:
– She did not meet the requirements. Therefore, her application was rejected.
Consequently
“Consequently” is another formal conjunction that expresses cause and effect. It indicates a result or outcome based on the preceding statement.
Example:
– The team did not practice enough. Consequently, they lost the match.
In this sentence, “consequently” explains the outcome of not practicing enough.
Usage Notes
– “Consequently” is more formal and often used in written English.
– It indicates a result or outcome based on the preceding statement.
Example:
– The company did not invest in marketing. Consequently, their sales declined.
In Conclusion
Understanding and using conjunctions that express cause is essential for clear and effective communication in English. These conjunctions help to explain why something happens and show the connection between an action and its result. By mastering these conjunctions, you can enhance your fluency and precision in English, making your speech and writing more coherent and persuasive. Whether you are writing an essay, giving a presentation, or engaging in everyday conversation, the ability to express cause and effect accurately will serve you well.
