Giving reasons

Linking words for giving reasons

Linking words help you connect the ideas in a sentence. In this lesson, you’ll learn some common linking words to express reasons and results.

Linking Words: Reasons

Because / Because of

The difference between these two words is that because is followed by a subject + verb, and because of is followed by a noun:

·        The game was canceled because of the rain.

·        The game was canceled because it was raining.

In spoken English, many people say cause as a short form of “because.”

Due to / Owing to

Due to and owing to are also followed by a noun. These words are a little more formal.

·        There’s a lot of traffic today due to the upcoming holiday.

(holiday = noun)

·        The after-school program was canceled owing to lack of interest from the students.

(lack = noun)

Due to the fact that / Owing to the fact that

Use these phrases before a subject + verb. Again, these phrases are a little more formal.

·        Many people are still unemployed due to the fact that the economic recovery has been slower than anticipated.

·        The publisher rejected the author’s latest work owing to the fact that the manuscript was full of errors.

Since / As

Since and as are more informal, and they are followed by a subject + verb.

·        I’m going to bed at 10 PM since I need to get up early tomorrow morning.

·        I didn’t go to the gym today, as I had a lot of homework to do.

That’s (THE REASON) WHY (Conjunction)

This relative clause is very commonly used to express reason ( especially in its short version)

·        My car’s broke down, that’s the reason why I took a bus to work.

·        I didn’t know she was your sisters, that’s why I didn’t talk to her.

·        You speak very good English. Oh yes, I forgot your mother is English. That’s why.

Linking Words: Results

Therefore / Consequently / As a result

These words are more formal, and are more commonly used in written English.

·        Our company’s profits have increased 150% in the past year. Therefore, we’re going to invest in new equipment and training programs.

·        The tennis player had knee surgery mid-October; consequently, she took the rest of the season off.

·        There have been heavy rains throughout the interior of the state. As a result, several areas have experienced flooding.

So

“So” is more informal, and more commonly used in spoken English.

·        We were hungry, so we stopped at a cafe for a snack.

Sources:

https://www.espressoenglish.net/linking-words-in-english-reasons-and-results/

https://multimedia-english.com/grammar/how-to-express-reason-38

Activity 1: Choose the correct word or phrase to fill the space.

1) We stayed inside _______________ the storm. (because / because of)

2) I wanted to stay longer _______________ I was really enjoying the party. (since / because of)

3) Amanda stayed at home _______________ her illness. (as / due to)

4) Her lateness was _______________ a terrible traffic jam. (due to / as)

5) _______________ flights are cheaper in the winter, we decided to travel then. (since / owing to)

6) _______________ she hated cats, she wasn't happy when her husband bought three. (as / because of)

7) John didn't go to work, _______________ his illness. (owing to / as)

8) _______________ Lucy was very tired, she went to bed early. (because / due to)

9) _______________ his late night, John missed his train. (because / owing to)

10) Lucy was very unhappy, _______________ she missed James. (for / owing to)

11) _______________ the terrible weather, we decided not to walk home. (as / due to)

12) I was very happy with my present _______________ it was exactly what I wanted. (as / owing to)

13) Keiko ordered her meal without meat _______________ she is a vegetarian. (due to / since)

14) I didn't want to leave _______________ I was having a great time. (because of / as)

15) Luca bought the shoes _______________ they were perfect. (owing to / since)

16) We were late for the plane _______________ the traffic. (because of / because)

17) _______________ it was really cold, I put on my gloves and my hat. (for / as)

18) She couldn't come _______________ she had to work. (due to / because)

19) _______________ its high price, we didn't rent the flat. (owing to / because)

20) _______________ his great cooking, we love going to dinner at Taka's house. (because of / since)

Source: https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/linking-words-reason-exercise-2.html

You can further study this topic from the links below.

Test yourself by completing the exercise below.

• Linking Words Exercise 2 (Reason)

Useful Links:

• Basic English Grammar: Giving reasons with infinitives

• Reasons in English: How to use AS, SINCE, BECAUSE, BECAUSE OF, DUE TO! Improve English Grammar!

• Using linking words to show reason

• How to give reasons using ‘for’ and ‘to’ – Learners’ Questions

• Linking Words In English – Reasons And Results

• Learn English About how to Give Reasons in English – Use Because and Because of