Connecting cause and effect with because, so, therefore
Reason clause with because; result clause with so/therefore
Negate verb as needed inside clause
Use why for questions; because answers why
💡 Comma before so when connecting two independent clauses. Therefore usually after semicolon/period.
✓We stayed home because it was raining.
✗We stayed home, because it was raining (informal okay, often no comma).
Because clause follows main clause.
✓It was raining, so we stayed home.
✗It was raining so we stayed home (comma preferred with two clauses).
Use comma with so linking two independent clauses.
✓It was raining; therefore, we stayed home.
✗It was raining, therefore we stayed home.
Therefore needs semicolon/period + comma.