Understanding how to use prepositions correctly is crucial for mastering any language, and English is no exception. One particular area that often causes confusion for learners is the use of prepositions to express reason and purpose. These prepositions help us explain why something happens or what the goal of an action is. In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the most commonly used prepositions of reason and purpose, providing examples and explanations to help you incorporate them effectively into your speech and writing.
Prepositions of Reason
Prepositions of reason are used to explain why something happens. They answer the question “Why?” Here are some of the most frequently used prepositions of reason:
Because of
Because of is used to introduce the reason for something. It is followed by a noun or a noun phrase.
Example:
– The match was canceled because of the rain.
– She couldn’t attend the meeting because of a family emergency.
In these examples, “the rain” and “a family emergency” are the reasons why the match was canceled and why she couldn’t attend the meeting, respectively.
Due to
Due to is another preposition used to introduce the reason for something. It is often used in more formal contexts and is followed by a noun or a noun phrase.
Example:
– The flight was delayed due to technical issues.
– The event was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
It’s worth noting that due to can often be used interchangeably with because of, although some grammarians suggest using due to when it follows a form of the verb “to be” (is, was, etc.).
Owing to
Owing to is a slightly more formal preposition that serves the same purpose as because of and due to. It is also followed by a noun or a noun phrase.
Example:
– The concert was canceled owing to bad weather.
– The company’s profits increased owing to higher sales.
In these sentences, “bad weather” and “higher sales” are the reasons for the concert’s cancellation and the company’s increased profits, respectively.
On account of
On account of is another preposition used to express reason. It is somewhat formal and is followed by a noun or a noun phrase.
Example:
– The school was closed on account of the snowstorm.
– She was late on account of traffic.
Here, “the snowstorm” and “traffic” are the reasons for the school’s closure and her tardiness.
Prepositions of Purpose
Prepositions of purpose are used to explain the goal or aim of an action. They answer the question “For what purpose?” Let’s explore some of the most commonly used prepositions of purpose:
For
For is one of the most versatile prepositions in English and is frequently used to express purpose. It is followed by a noun or a gerund (the -ing form of a verb).
Example:
– She went to the store for some milk.
– He is studying for the exam.
In these examples, “some milk” and “the exam” represent the purpose of going to the store and studying, respectively.
To
To is another common preposition used to indicate purpose. It is often followed by the base form of a verb (the infinitive).
Example:
– She went to the library to study.
– He called to ask for help.
In these sentences, “to study” and “to ask for help” indicate the purpose of going to the library and making the call.
In order to
In order to is a more formal way to express purpose. It is followed by the base form of a verb.
Example:
– She took a day off work in order to relax.
– They saved money in order to buy a house.
In these examples, “to relax” and “to buy a house” are the purposes of taking a day off and saving money.
So as to
So as to is another formal expression used to indicate purpose. It is also followed by the base form of a verb.
Example:
– He left early so as to avoid traffic.
– She spoke softly so as to not wake the baby.
In these sentences, “to avoid traffic” and “to not wake the baby” are the purposes of leaving early and speaking softly.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners can sometimes struggle with prepositions of reason and purpose. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
Mixing Up “Because of” and “Due to”
One common error is using because of and due to interchangeably in all contexts. While they are often used similarly, remember that due to is more formal and is usually best used after a form of the verb “to be.”
Incorrect: The flight was canceled because of technical issues.
Correct: The flight was canceled due to technical issues.
Incorrect: He missed the meeting due to traffic.
Correct: He missed the meeting because of traffic.
Incorrect Use of “For” with Verbs
When expressing purpose, learners sometimes mistakenly use for before a verb in its base form instead of using the infinitive with to.
Incorrect: She went to the gym for exercise.
Correct: She went to the gym to exercise.
Incorrect: He is studying for pass the exam.
Correct: He is studying to pass the exam.
Using “In order to” and “So as to” Incorrectly
These expressions are more formal and should be used in the appropriate context. Also, they should be followed by the base form of the verb, not the gerund.
Incorrect: She took a day off work in order to relaxing.
Correct: She took a day off work in order to relax.
Incorrect: He left early so as to avoiding traffic.
Correct: He left early so as to avoid traffic.
Exercises to Practice Prepositions of Reason and Purpose
To solidify your understanding of these prepositions, it is essential to practice. Here are some exercises that can help you master prepositions of reason and purpose:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct preposition of reason or purpose:
1. The picnic was canceled _________ the rain.
2. She went to the store _________ buy some groceries.
3. He stayed late at work _________ finish the project.
4. The school was closed _________ a power outage.
5. They are saving money _________ buy a new car.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. She couldn’t attend the meeting because of she was sick.
2. He called to his friend for ask advice.
3. The flight was delayed owing to of bad weather.
4. She went to the library for studying.
5. He left early in order avoid traffic.
Exercise 3: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the sentences using the preposition given in parentheses:
1. She was late because of the traffic. (owing to)
2. He is learning English to get a better job. (in order to)
3. The concert was canceled due to the rain. (because of)
4. She took a day off work so as to relax. (to)
5. The school was closed on account of the snowstorm. (due to)
Answers to Exercises
To help you check your understanding, here are the answers to the exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. The picnic was canceled because of the rain.
2. She went to the store to buy some groceries.
3. He stayed late at work to finish the project.
4. The school was closed due to a power outage.
5. They are saving money to buy a new car.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
1. She couldn’t attend the meeting because she was sick.
2. He called his friend to ask for advice.
3. The flight was delayed owing to bad weather.
4. She went to the library to study.
5. He left early in order to avoid traffic.
Exercise 3: Sentence Transformation
1. She was late owing to the traffic.
2. He is learning English in order to get a better job.
3. The concert was canceled because of the rain.
4. She took a day off work to relax.
5. The school was closed due to the snowstorm.
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions of reason and purpose is an essential step in becoming proficient in English. These prepositions allow you to clearly and accurately express why something happens or what the goal of an action is. By understanding the nuances of prepositions like because of, due to, for, to, and others, you can enhance the clarity and precision of your communication. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the context in which these prepositions are used. Happy learning!
