Cause and Effect
Causes and Effects in English
When we
talk about a situation that makes another situation happen, we talk about cause
and effect.
In English, we use
certain expressions such as because, due to, since,
and as to talk about causes and effects.
In this lesson, you will
learn the meanings of cause, effect, and affect.
You will also learn how to express cause and effect in English.
(noun) a person or thing that makes something happen
- The cause of
the accident was a flat tire.
- The flat tire caused the
car to wreck.
Effect
(noun) a change that is a result of an action or cause
- The snowstorm
had an effect on his mood.
Affect
When effect is used as a verb, it is usually spelled with an a = affect.
(verb) to produce an effect; to cause a change in something.
- The
snowstorm affected his mood.
Talking about causes and effects in English
To express cause and effect in
English, we us certain words and phrases.
- due
to
- because
of
- owing
to
- thanks
to
- as
a consequence of
- as
a result of
- because
- since
- as
- for
To
express cause and effect, these words or phrases will either be followed by
a noun or a verb.
Followed by a noun
These cause/effect phrases are
followed by a noun or noun
phrase.
- due
to
- because
of
- owing
to
- as
a consequence of
- as
a result of
- thanks
to
In the following examples, the noun or
noun phrase will be underlined.
The cause always comes after
the cause/effect signal word or phrase.
Signal
word/phrase + Cause, + Effect
Effect + Signal
word/phrase + Cause
Examples:
1. Due to John's laziness, he did not pass the English test.
- Signal phrase: Due to
- Cause: John's laziness
- Effect: He did not pass the test
2. He failed the test because of his bad study habits.
- Signal phrase: Because of
Cause: His bad study habits
- Effect: He failed the test
3. As
a result of the rain, we canceled the
picnic.
- Signal phrase: As a result of
- Cause: The rain
- Effect: We canceled the picnic
4. David could not attend owing to his illness.
- Signal phrase: Owing to
- Cause: David's illness
- Effect: David could not attend
5. He was fired as a consequence of tardiness (being late).
- Signal phrase: As a consequence of
- Cause: Tardiness
- Effect: He was fired
Followed by a verb
These cause/effect signal words
are followed by a subject + verb or verb
phrase.
- because
- since
- as
- for
In these examples, the subject + verb or
verb phrase is underlined.
The cause comes after the cause/effect
signal word or phrase.
Signal
word/phrase + Cause, + Effect
Effect + Signal
word/phrase + Cause
Examples:
1. Because John was
lazy, he did
not pass the English test.
- Signal word: Because
- Cause: John was lazy
- Effect: He did not pass the test
2. He failed the test because he did not study well.
- Signal word: Because
- Cause: He did not study well
- Effect: He failed the test
3. The picnic was canceled since the rain was coming.
- Signal word: Since
- Cause: The rain was coming
- Effect: The picnic was canceled
4. David could not attend for he was ill.
- Signal word: For
- Cause: David was ill
- Effect: David could not attend
5. As he
arrived late to work, he will be fired.
- Signal word: As
- Cause: He arrived
- Effect: He will be fired
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