Giving reasons

See the video  about giving reasons

Using linking words to show reason

We use linking words to join ideas together when we're talking or writing. Sometimes we want to show that one thing happened because of another thing. We can use linking words like 'because' or 'since' or 'due to' to do this.

Words (or groups of words) that are followed by a clause

We can use these words at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. They are used in front of a clause (a clause has at least a subject and a verb that agrees with the subject). They go before the reason. If they are at the beginning of the sentence, we put a comma in the middle to separate the clauses.

Because

• We cancelled the picnic because it was raining.
• Because it was raining, we cancelled the picnic.

As

• We cancelled the picnic as it was raining.
• As it was raining, we cancelled the picnic.

Since

• We cancelled the picnic since it was raining.
• Since it was raining, we cancelled the picnic.

For

We can also use 'for' to mean 'because'. This is very literary and we don't really use it in spoken English. 'For' can only go in the middle of the two clauses. We often add a comma before it.

• We cancelled the picnic, for it was raining.

Words (or groups of words) that are followed by a noun

Because of + noun

• We cancelled the picnic because of the rain.
• Because of the rain, we cancelled the picnic.

Due to + noun*

• We cancelled the picnic due to the rain.
• Due to the rain, we cancelled the picnic.

Owing to + noun

• We cancelled the picnic owing to the rain.
• Owing to the rain, we cancelled the picnic.

Exercise 1: linking words reason 1

Exercise 2: because, Because of, Due to,and Since

Exercise 3: "Because of/Because"

Describing purpose

To, in order to, so as to, so that.

These structures express purpose and answer the question why something is done.


To                      We use 'to + verb' to say why we do something.

                   Examples: I'm going to Ireland to visit my family.
                   I went to the post office to buy some stamps.


In order to
So as to                  
We can also use 'in order to' or 'so as to'.
Examples: I'm going to Ireland in order to visit my family.


I went to the post office so as to buy some stamps.


Note                   
 1-  'in order to' and 'so as to' are more common before stative verbs like:
          be, have, know, appear, seem, understand, etc.
 Example: she left work early in order to be at home with the children.

  2-  Before a negative infinitive, we normally use 'so as' or 'in order'.
 Example: I am leaving now so as not to be late.
 (not: I am leaving now not to be late).

3-  Do not use 'for' before the infinitive of purpose.
     Example: I phoned Jenny to invite her to dinner.

    (not: I phoned Jenny for invite her to dinner).



So that                        
This structure is also frequently used to talk about purpose.
 It is normally followed by modal such as can or will.

 Example: I am saving money so that I can buy a new car.




Exercise 1:   choose the correct word.
Exercise 2:  expressing Purpose
Exercise 3: clause of purpose