Cause and Effect

Some transition words and phrases show a cause and effect relationship between ideas. In
a cause and effect relationship, one action (the cause) makes another action happen (the
effect).
These words and phrases introduce the cause.

since because because of due to as

I always eat at restaurants because I dislike cooking.

effect cause
Since the weather was so bad, we cancelled our plans.
cause effect

These words and phrases introduce the effect.

so thus therefore consequently

for this reason as a consequence

I dislike cooking, so I always eat at restaurants.

cause effect
The weather was bad. For this reason, we canceled our plans.
cause effect

Most of these words and phrases are used at the beginning of a sentence or clause.

Drivers should not use cell phones because they are distracting.

It is dangerous to talk on the phone while driving. Therefore, it should be illegal to

use a cell phone while driving.

Since restaurant meals are expensive, it is better for the family budget to eat at home.

Many people are too busy to care for their elderly relatives at home. Consequently,
there is a growing need for nursing homes.

Because ofand due to are followed by a noun or gerund.

People usually gain weight because of lack of exercise.

Some people don't have time to exercise because of working long hours.

Due to the increase in prices, sales went down.

PRACTICES
Rewrite each pair of sentences, linking the ideas with the transition word or phrase provided.

I Effect: It is easy to stay informed about current events.

Cause: The Internet provides us with instant access to news.

(since)

2 Cause: The Grand Hotel has comfortable rooms at reasonable rates.

Effect: I always stay there when rm in town.

(so)

3 Cause: Many websites contain information that isn't suitable for children.
Effect: Parents should control how their children use the Internet.
(therefore)

4 Effect: Many farmers lost their crops.

Cause: There was a severe drought in that region.

(because)

5 Cause: The rents in this district are very high.

Effect: Many people can't afford to live here.

(for this reason)

PRACTICE9
In each pair of sentences, identify which is the cause and which is the effect. Rewrite the sen­
tences, linking the ideas with a transition word or phrase. Then, rewrite the sentences again
using a different transition word. Use pronouns as appropriate.

Example
A major blizzard struck the region yesterday. (cause)
There were numerous accidents on the highway. (effect)

!>..��j9.�J�ti.���r.0.�fr.L:J.�.�.f�.�.r�.g.iRn.Y.�.���r.0�:t:.��.�..r:�.�.L:J.1�L��.�r.�.'!'!.�.r:�......................
n�m�rR��.��9.i.�.�n:t��.9.!'1.f�.�..�.igh��Y.·...........................................................................

T
Ihx.r1'=1.i:tl.�.�9.'=1.�.�.g.C?.i0�! !7:�.9.�.�h�.hi.g.�.��Y.1��f�.�0.�Y..����.0.��.�R.�h�.t:1:1..�JC?.r:...............
.�!!?.��r.�..t��f.�Y.�J* J.��. r.�gJ9.r1 ................... : ........... ; ....................................................

l A Smoking is popular among teenagers.

B Teenagers don't understand the health consequences of smoking.

2 A In most modern families, both parents work full time.

B Parents don't have enough opportunities to spend quality time with their children.
3 A I recently inherited a large amount of money.
B I have decided to take a trip around the world.

4 A Many people think the zoos are cruel places.

B Zoo animals are kept locked up in cages.

5 A I would like to find a new job as soon as possible.

B My current job is boring, and the salary is low.