Reason and Result helps you communicate about cause-and-effect relationships. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can distinguish connectors of reason from connectors of result.
- Recognise and build the form: because + clause; because of + noun; so + clause; therefore as conjunctive adverb.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Reason and Result for cause-and-effect relationships. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
The flight was delayed because the weather was bad.
'Because' introduces a reason expressed as a full clause.
The weather was bad, so the flight was delayed.
'So' introduces the result in a coordinated clause.
The data were incomplete; therefore, we repeated the study.
'Therefore' is a conjunctive adverb introducing a logical result.
because + clause; because of + noun; so + clause; therefore as conjunctive adverbKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- 'Because' introduces a reason expressed as a full clause.
- 'So' introduces the result in a coordinated clause.
- 'Therefore' is a conjunctive adverb introducing a logical result.
- 'Because of' is followed by a noun phrase.
- Use 'because' before the reason clause.
Common mistakes
Not:The flight was delayed so the weather was bad.
Use:The flight was delayed because the weather was bad.
'Because' introduces a reason expressed as a full clause.
Not:The weather was bad, because the flight was delayed.
Use:The weather was bad, so the flight was delayed.
'So' introduces the result in a coordinated clause.
Not:The data were incomplete; because, we repeated the study.
Use:The data were incomplete; therefore, we repeated the study.
'Therefore' is a conjunctive adverb introducing a logical result.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
The event was cancelled ____ low attendance.
because of
'Because of' is followed by a noun phrase.
She left early ____ she felt ill.
because
Use 'because' before the reason clause.
The road was closed; ____, we took another route.
therefore
'Therefore' connects a cause in the previous clause to its result.