English video summary cause and effect…

We can divide the most common linking words and expressions of cause ＆ effect into four
groups:

1. Coordinating conjunctions: for (cause), so (effect)

A coordinating conjunction comes between two main (independent) clauses. In
written English, you must put a comma before the conjunction, example :
 It's reasonably priced, so everyone buys it.
'so' is the most common conjunction to express an effect in spoken
English; however, it is not appropriate in written or formal English.
 A great number of people purchase it, for it is reasonably priced
The conjungsion ‘for’ is formal and only appropriate in formal written
English.
2. Subordinating conjunctions: because, since, as (cause)
These conjunctions join a main (independent) clause and a subordinate
(dependent) clause to each other, example :
 Everyone buys it because/as/since it’s reasonably priced.

In written English, if you start with the subordinate clause, you must separate
the two clauses with a comma:

 Because/Since/As it's reasonably priced, everyone buys it.

'as' and 'since' are more formal than 'because'; however all three can be used for
both speaking and writing.

3. Conjunctive adverbs: therefore, consequently (effect)

Conjunctive adverbs join two main clauses to each other :
In written English, you can separate the two clauses either with a semi-colon or with a
full-stop. Full-stop is better when the subordinate clause is long. Make sure you put a
comma after the adverb:
 It is reasonably priced; therefore, a great number of people purchase it.
 It is reasonably priced and offers exceptional quality as well.
Consequently, a great number of people purchase it.
'therefore' and 'consequently' are formal and appropriate in formal situations and
written English.
Note : Conjunctive adverbs 'hence' & 'thus' These two conjunctive adverbs are
sometimes used as even more formal synonyms for 'therefore'. However, their
usage is restricted to very formal and specific contexts. Although it is important
 to understand them when you occasionally come across them, I would
recommend that you do not use them as a synonym for 'therefore' yourself.

4. Prepositions: because of, due to (cause)

These expressions are not conjunctions. They are compound prepositions;
therefore, they need to be followed by a noun or the gerund form of a verb, not by a
clause, example :
 Everyone buys it because of/due to its reasonable price.
 Everyone buys it because of/due to it being reasonably priced.
'because of' and 'due to' are synonyms. 'because of' is common in both formal
and informal English. 'due to' is more formal and appropriate in formal situations and
written English.
If you start with a prepositional phrase, you must separate the two clauses with
a comma, example :
 Because of it’s reasonable price, everyone buys it.
 Due to it being reasonable priced, a great number of people purchase it.

Notice that when the subjects of the two clauses are different, you must leave the
second subject before the gerund:

 Everyone buys it because it is reasonably priced.

 Everyone buys it because of it being reasonably priced.
 It is bought a lot because it is reasonably priced.
 It is bought a lot because of it being reasonably priced.

Note : if you prefer to use a clause, you can add the expression ‘the fact that'

 Everyone buys it because of the fact that it is reasonably priced.

Note : Other compound prepositions that may be used in formal 'cause & effect'
sentences are:'owing to' and 'thanks to'. thanks to' always has a positive
connotation.
 A potential disaster has been avoided owing to/thanks to the diligence of the
technical team.