Conjunctions of Cause and Effect
In this lesson, master conjunctions of cause and effect to connect clauses showing reasons and results using combinations like "because," "since," and "so." Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Are Conjunctions of Cause and Effect?
Conjunctions of cause and effect are used to show the relationship between two clauses or phrases where one clause or phrase is the cause of the other. They indicate that one event or action triggers another event or action to occur.
Conjunctions of Cause
The main conjunctions of cause in English include:
These conjunctions introduce the clause that expresses the reason for an action or event. 'Because' shows a direct relationship between cause and effect and the reason is often new information and emphasized in the sentence.
'Since' and 'as' can also indicate a reason, but they often suggests that the reason is already known or understood and the result is more emphasized that the reason. Check out the examples:
I couldn't reach her because she was busy with the kids.
Since I am ten years older than you, you can learn from my experience.
As it was near midnight, we decided to wrap up the party.
Conjunctions of Effect
The conjunction of effect is used to express the result of an action or event that happens in the independent clause. Here is the conjunction of effect:
Take a look at some examples with the conjunction of effect:
I finally got my driving license, so my dad decided to buy me a car.
It was cold, so I wore a jacket.
Punctuation Rules for Conjunctions of Cause
Conjunctions of cause can be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a clause that expresses the cause of an action or event. However, in this case a comma must be used after the first clause to separate it from the main clause. Here are the examples:
As the store was closed, we left.
Since I've lost all the money, we should move into a smaller house.
These subordinating conjunctions can also be used between the clauses, in which case, no comma is needed. Check out the examples:
She was scared of swimming because they pushed her into the pool once.
Let's order a pizza since the pasta is burnt.
Punctuation Rule for the Conjunction of Effect
'So' shares some of the properties of coordinating conjunctions. As a result, you cannot use it at the beginning of a sentence, and when it is used between the clauses, it has to be preceded by a comma. For example:
My cat is white, so this one is not mine.
He is a wonderful doctor, so he deserves the prize.
Review
Conjunctions of cause and effect connect two clauses and provide information that explains the reasons or results of an action. They include:
Because
Since
As
So
Quiz:
Which sentence uses "because" correctly to emphasize a direct cause?
She apologized because she forgot the meeting.
Because of rain, the picnic is postponed.
He left early because feeling unwell.
Because the train was late, so we missed the ceremony.
Match each sentence starter with the correct ending.
Complete each sentence using the correct conjunction of cause and effect.
the bridge was unstable, engineers closed it for repairs.
Coral reefs are bleaching,
marine biologists are concerned.
We arrived late
there was a traffic jam on the highway.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Which sentence uses "so" correctly to show effect?
So it rained all day, the picnic was canceled.
The picnic was canceled so it rained all day.
So the picnic was canceled, it rained all day.
It rained all day, so the picnic was canceled.
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