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1. Expressions Followed by a Noun or Gerund
These expressions are prepositional phases. They are always followed by a Noun, a Noun Phrase, or a Gerund (Verb + ing). They are never followed by a full sentence (Subject + Verb).
- despite (Concession / Contrast)
- in spite of (Concession / Contrast)
- because of (Cause)
- due to (Cause)
- owing to (Cause)
- thanks to (Cause — usually for a positive reason or helpful factor)
Examples:
- We stayed at home because of the heavy rain. (followed by a noun phrase)
- She succeeded thanks to her hard work. (followed by a noun phrase)
- In spite of feeling ill, he still went to work. (followed by a gerund)
2. Expressing Cause (Focus on the Cause)
When we want to show that one thing produces another, we can put the Cause first, followed by a specific active verb, and then the Effect.
[ CAUSE ] + Verb + [ EFFECT ]
Verbs used to link a cause to its effect:
- lead(s) to
- cause(s)
- result(s) in
Example:
- [Smoking] (Cause) leads to [lung cancer] (Effect).
- [Smoking] causes [lung cancer].
- [Smoking] results in [lung cancer].
Join these parts of sentences using the words given.
- Pollution. The smoke of cars. (lead to) Hint: Which one is the cause and which is the effect?
- High speed. Road accidents. (cause)
- The flood in the region. The heavy rain. (result in)
3. Expressing Effect (Focus on the Effect)
When we want to focus on the end result or consequence, we put the Effect first, followed by a passive form or linking verb, and then the Cause.
[ EFFECT ] + Verb + [ CAUSE ]
Verbs used to link an effect back to its cause:
- be due to
- be caused by
- result(s) from
Example:
- [Cancer] (Effect) is due to [smoking] (Cause).
- [Cancer] is caused by [smoking].
- [Cancer] results from [smoking].
To link two independent sentences together where one is the cause and the other is the effect, we use sentence connectors (transition words).
[Sentence 1: CAUSE] ; Connector , [Sentence 2: EFFECT]
Other connectors:
- Therefore,
- Consequently,
- Accordingly,
- As a result,
- So,
Examples:
- He didn't study for the test; therefore, he failed.
- It was raining hard. Consequently, we stayed home.
- He was sick, so he went to the doctor.
Join these parts of sentences using the words given.
- Pollution. The smoke of cars. (due to) Hint: Start with the effect!
- High speed. Road accidents. (caused by)
- The flood in the region. The heavy rain. (result from)
4. Practice
Re-write these sentences as suggested.
- His car broke down. Mark came late to school. (because)
- He got a good mark. He studied hard. (Therefore)
- He left school as he was poor. (because of)
- The death of animals and trees. The destruction of the forest. (due to)
- She made efforts. She could read and write. (thanks to)
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