1. Linking words of cause and result
The linking words of cause introduce a sentence that tells the cause or reason why an action occurs. The linking words of result introduce a sentence that expresses the consequence or effect of the cause.
LINKING WORDS OF CAUSE

The road has been closed due to snow.
LINKING WORDS OF RESULT

There was a traffic jam. That's why I'm late.
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2. Different linking words of cause
We have different words to introduce a cause or a reason why something happens. They can be used interchangeably:
Linking word | Examples |
---|---|
AS | As I was late, I took a taxi. |
SINCE | You need a jacket since it's cold at night. |
SEEING THAT | Seeing that it's so hot, we'll take a parasol. |
BECAUSE OF | The race was postponed because of the rain. |
DUE TO | Public transport is often late due to heavy traffic. |
OWING TO | Several airports are closed owing to fog. |

Since the judge is here, the trial can start.

Some flights have been cancelled owing to the strike.
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3. Different linking words of result
We have different words to introduce a sentence that expresses the consequence or effect caused by a sentence that expresses cause:
Linking word | Examples |
---|---|
SO | His behaviour was unacceptable, so he was expelled. |
THAT'S WHY | My cousin appears in this soap opera, that's why I watch it. |
AS A RESULT |
There were road works and as a result, there were traffic jams. |
THEREFORE | You might need legal advice, therefore, I'll give you my lawyer’s number. |
FOR THIS REASON |
Loads of people will attend the concert. For this reason, we want to provide more access. |
CONSEQUENTLY |
We are under a lot of pressure and, consequently our level of stress increases. |
ACCORDINGLY |
We wanted to reduce pollution. Accordingly, we launched a recycling campaign. |
So and that's why are more informal and more commonly used in spoken English, while the others are used in a more formal language.

There have been robberies, that's why we have installed an alarm.

There was a big fire, consequently people had to be evacuated.
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Remember!
The linking words of cause introduce a sentence that tells the cause or reason why an action occurs. The linking words of result introduce a sentence that expresses the consequence or effect of the cause.
Linking words of cause | Linking words of result | ||
---|---|---|---|
AS |
We're going home as it's late. |
SO |
Autumn is here, so the leaves are falling off the trees. |
SINCE | He works in London since his family live there. | THAT'S WHY |
The baby is hungry, that's why he's crying. |
SEEING THAT | Seeing that public transport is expensive I bought a bike. | AS A RESULT |
He didn't study hard and as a result, he failed his exams. |
BECAUSE OF | We looked for shelter because of the storm. | THEREFORE | The police suspected of the man, therefore, they arrested him. |
DUE TO | Due to his experience he got the job. | FOR THIS REASON | Eating fruit and vegetables is essential. For this reason, we should all eat 5 a day. |
OWING TO | The school is closed owing to storm damage. | CONSEQUENTLY | He always drives too fast, consequently, he gets lots of fines. |
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