Expressing Cause and Effect in English

Expressing Cause and Effect in English

Hello, dear English learners! Welcome back. Today we are looking at one of the most useful areas of English grammar: how to express cause and effect. If you are writing an essay for school, preparing for a Cambridge exam, or simply trying to communicate more clearly, understanding these structures will give your English real precision and power.

Cause explains why something happens, while effect describes what happens as a result. For example:

• Brian ate too much, so he’s now feeling sick.

Here, the cause is Brian’s overeating; the effect is that he feels ill. The sentence shows a clear relationship between two events.

We can reverse the order as well:

• Brian is now feeling sick because he ate too much.

Both versions express the same idea, just with a different emphasis.

EXPRESSING CAUSE

Below are the most common words and phrases used to talk about reasons.

Because / Because of

We use because before a clause (subject + verb) and because of before a noun or noun phrase. Expressing Cause and Effect in English

• Sara couldn’t lock her suitcase because it was too full.
• Nick was delighted yesterday because he got a job in Sweden.
• Two children are not going to school because of illness.
• Simon stopped taking the medication because of side effects.
• I can’t join you on the trip because of my family obligations.

By reason of (formal)

A formal alternative to because of, used before a noun phrase.

• The aeroplane made an emergency landing by reason of severe weather conditions.
• Many prisoners in the camp died by reason of starvation and torture.

Due to

Used to explain the reason for a noun, often in more formal writing.

• Most factory accidents are due to human error.
• His business success was largely due to his persistence and hard work.

Given that

A formal phrase used when presenting a reason that is already known or accepted.

• Given that pollution is highest in urban areas, cars and taxis are considered major contributors.
• Terry was very careful with money, given that he didn’t earn much. Expressing Cause and Effect in English

In view of / In light of

Used to show that an action has been taken after considering certain facts.

• In view of his poor behaviour, the school board decided to expel him.
• In light of the experts’ findings, the government evacuated residents from the area.

On account of (formal)

Meaning because of, typically used in formal situations.

• The meeting was postponed on account of the CEO’s health problems.
• The tennis match had to be cancelled on account of bad weather.

Owing to (formal)

Another formal phrase used to introduce a noun phrase.

• The football match was cancelled owing to heavy rain.
• Michael didn’t finish his studies owing to a serious illness.

Thanks to

Used for reasons that lead to a positive result.

• Thanks to the lifeguard, the boy was rescued in time.
• The fire was spotted early thanks to the neighbour.

EXPRESSING EFFECT

These expressions highlight the result or outcome of a situation.

Accordingly

Shows that something happened as a logical result.

• Gary complained of hip pain and, accordingly, was admitted to hospital. Expressing Cause and Effect in English
• Material prices rose rapidly and, accordingly, the company increased its product prices.

As a result

Means because of something that has happened.

• Richard was injured as a result of a car accident.
• Many homes were destroyed as a result of the earthquake.

Bring about

A phrasal verb meaning to cause something to happen.

• The drop in interest rates brought about job growth.
• The new education law is expected to bring about a rise in academic performance.

Consequently

A formal way of showing a result.

• Ryan spent most of his money immediately and, consequently, had to borrow money for food.
• The operation was complicated and, consequently, worsened the patient’s condition.

For this/that reason

Refers back to something previously mentioned.

• Chris didn’t do his homework and, for this reason, the teacher kept him after class.
• John never attended staff meetings and, for that reason, he was dismissed.

Hence

Means as a result or for that reason.

• David fell off his bike, hence the bruises.
• His mother is French, hence his name, René.

Therefore

Used to link two ideas in a cause-and-effect relationship. Expressing Cause and Effect in English

• Your opinion is subjective and therefore not reliable.
• Sofia was in a bad mood and therefore not very responsible.

Thus

Used to present a logical conclusion, often in academic writing.

• Alan sold his car and thus had enough money to travel to Brazil.
• The witness died, thus it was impossible to prove him guilty.

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