Adverbial clause of Reason (Cause and Effect)
An adverbial clause of reason or purpose describes why something has occurred or will
occur. Common subordinating conjunctions are because, as, since, and so.
e.g. I admire you because you are an inspiration to many people.
As it is raining, we probably shouldn’t go to the park today.
I’m going outside to play since my homework is finished.
He went to his room so he could be alone.
We use as, because, and since interchangeably to state the cause of something.
e.g: The project was successful as you all worked very hard.
The project was successful because you all worked very hard.
The project was successful since you all worked very hard.
Each of the three examples expresses the same causal relationship, although as is a bit more
formal in tone than because or since.
We can use as to state that two ideas are similar. We can also use just as to add extra
emphasis to this statement.
For example: It’s pouring rain, as I thought it would.
She was late again, just as we expected.
He didn’t turn up, as you told me he wouldn’t.
NB In examples above flow better with a comma, even though the subordinating conjunction is not in
the initial position
Identify the cause and the effect in each sentence below. THEN, try to join it.
1. In addition to extreme overpopulation, extended drought has contributed to severe
famine in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa.
2. Population growth in the Sunbelt States has come from many companies relocating to
that area.
3. The emigration of the first pilgrims from England to the New World was prompted by
religious persecution in their homeland.
4. Unfair employer practices brought about the establishment of labor unions.
EXERCISE
1. We were delayed____________________ an accident.
A/ because B/ because of there was C/ because there was D/ because of
2. I didn’t have enough time; _______, I couldn’t go.
A) nevertheless B) moreover C) therefore D) however
3. He wanted to go with us, _______ he packed his suitcase.
A) so B) nevertheless C) moreover D) but
4. _______ the global weather change that we are experiencing now, we will probably face drought
every two years.
A. As a result of B. However C. Though D. In spite of
4. I am very hungry_______ that I haven’t eaten my breakfast.
A. due to the fact B. so C. such D.as
5. She’s been working for eight hours; _______, she is tired.
A) consequently B) however C) nevertheless D) because
6. We left early _______ avoid the traffic.
A) because B) so as not to C) so as to D) not to
7. They tiptoed up the stairs _______ wake the children
A) in order to B) so as not to C) so as to D) because of
8. It was hot, _______ I didn’t need my coat.
A) Because B) so C) however D) although
9. I’ve written it down for her ___________she forgets it.
A) so as to B) therefore C) in case D) in order to
10. They built a high fence around the building _______ no one could get out.
A) as B) so that C) since D) because
11. He reduced the amount of time studying for his final exams.______, his marks were rather low.
A) As a result B) so C) however D) although
12. The government has drastically reduced its spending. ______,a number of programs have been
canceled.
A) Therefore B) so that C) since D) because
13) ________________her inability to arrive at work on time, she was sacked.
A. Because of B/Since C/Because D/ Therefore
