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Cause and Effect Linkers

Words showing cause and result: due to, as a result, therefore

intermediate

When to Use Cause and Effect Linkers

  • •Showing cause: Due to the rain, the match was cancelled.
  • •Showing result: It rained heavily. As a result, the match was cancelled.
  • •Formal consequence: The evidence is clear. Therefore, we must act.
  • •Because of + noun: Because of the delay, we missed our flight.
  • •Owing to (formal): Owing to circumstances, the event is postponed.

How to Form Cause and Effect Linkers

Affirmative (+)

Cause linker + noun/-ing | Result linker + clause

Negative (-)

Due to not having enough time, we couldn't finish.

Question (?)

Rarely used in questions

💡 Due to/Because of/Owing to + noun. Therefore/Consequently/As a result + clause.

Examples of Cause and Effect Linkers

✓Due to the traffic, I was late.

✗Due to the traffic was heavy, I was late.

Due to + noun, not a clause.

✓The traffic was heavy. Therefore, I was late.

✗The traffic was heavy, therefore I was late.

Therefore starts a new sentence or needs semicolon before it.

✓Because of his hard work, he succeeded.

✗Because his hard work, he succeeded.

'Because of' + noun; 'Because' + clause.

Common Mistakes with Cause and Effect Linkers

💡 Practice Tips for Cause and Effect Linkers

  • • Cause + noun: due to, because of, owing to, on account of
  • • Result + clause: therefore, consequently, as a result, hence
  • • Because + clause; Because of + noun
  • • Therefore/Consequently = formal; So = informal
  • • Position: cause linkers often at start; result linkers after cause
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.  the heavy traffic, I was late.
  2. 2.Which sentence is correct? 
  3. Question 3: blank his hard work, he succeeded. (cause + noun, two words)
    3. his hard work, he succeeded. (cause + noun, two words)
  4. Question 4: Fix the error: Due to it was raining, we stayed home. → Due to blank ___, we stayed home.
    4.Fix the error: Due to it was raining, we stayed home. → Due to ___, we stayed home.
  5. Question 5: Punctuate: I was tired blank As a result, I went to bed.
    5.Punctuate: I was tired As a result, I went to bed.
  6. Question 6: Choose 'because' or 'because of': blank the rain, the match was cancelled.
    6.Choose 'because' or 'because of': the rain, the match was cancelled.
  7. Question 7: Owing to blank ___, he missed class. (replace 'he was sick' with a noun phrase)
    7.Owing to ___, he missed class. (replace 'he was sick' with a noun phrase)
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