Cause and Effect
Cause and Effect
When we talk about an effect resulting from a certain cause, we use expressions such as: because, since, as, owing to, due to...
Examples:
- The police arrested him because he broke into a bank.
- The police arrested him since he broke into a bank.
- She can't read the letter as she is illiterate.
- He can't run fast because he is too fat.
- Owing to his intelligence, he managed to solve the problem.
- Due to the bad weather, they didn't go for a picnic.
Other Ways to Express Cause and Effect:
You can also express cause and effect as follows:
- The cause of global warming is pollution.
- Global warming is caused by pollution.
- Global warming is due to pollution.
- Thanks to his hard work, he passed the exam.
Is There a Difference Between "Due to" and "Owing to"?
- Due to: Use "due to" when you can replace it with "caused by":
- Example: "The cancellation of the flight was due to (caused by) high winds."
- Owing to: Use "owing to" when you can replace it with "because of":
- Example: "The flight was canceled owing to (because of) high winds."
Use of "Thanks to":
- People tend to use "thanks to" in positive situations.
- Example: "Thanks to his intelligence, he managed to find the solution to that math problem."
- Sometimes "thanks to" is used ironically in a negative way.
- Example: "Did she lose the election?"
- "Yeah, thanks to you and to all the others who didn't bother to vote."
- "The baby is awake thanks to your shouting."
- Example: "Did she lose the election?"
Things to Remember About Cause and Effect:
- Due to, because of, owing to, and thanks to are followed by a noun.
- Because, since, as, and for are followed by a verb.
Examples:
- Due to his laziness, he didn't pass the exam.
- Thanks to her beauty, she attracted the attention of all the guests.
- Because / since / as / they are in love, they forgive each other's mistakes.