Cause and effect words

What is the primary function of words like "because," "so," and "therefore" in a sentence?

• To show a cause-and-effect relationship

• To compare two different ideas

• To describe the location of an event

• To indicate the time an event occurred

Answer explanation

These words are signal words used to connect a cause (the reason something happens) with an effect (the result), making the relationship between the events clear.

Match each word to the phrase that best describes its function in a sentence.

• Explains the reason why something happened

• Consequently

• Indicates a logical conclusion or result

• Since

• Shows an effect that follows directly from a cause

• Therefore

• Provides a reason, often at the beginning of a clause

• Because

Answer explanation

Each word is matched to its specific function. 'Because' and 'since' introduce causes, while 'therefore' and 'consequently' introduce effects, but each has a slightly different nuance.

Sort these words and phrases into two groups: those that typically signal a CAUSE and those that signal an EFFECT.

Groups:

(a) Signals a CAUSE

,

(b) Signals an EFFECT

• as a result

• consequently

• therefore

• led to

• because of

• due to

Answer explanation

Words like 'due to' and 'because of' introduce the reason (cause) for something, while words like 'therefore' and 'consequently' introduce the outcome (effect).

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The team practiced every day; _____, they won the championship.

• consequently

• because

• although

• meanwhile

Answer explanation

'Consequently' is the correct choice because it signals that winning the championship was the effect or result of practicing every day. 'Because' would incorrectly frame the win as the cause.

In the sentence, "The game was canceled due to the heavy storm," what is the cause?

• The game was canceled

• The heavy storm

• The cancellation

• The game itself

Answer explanation

The phrase 'due to' introduces the cause. The heavy storm is the reason why the game was canceled, making it the cause, and the cancellation is the effect.

Match each sentence frame on the left with the cause-and-effect phrase on the right that best completes it.

• consequently

• A power outage occurred; ___ , the entire neighborhood went dark.

• as a result

• The team practiced relentlessly; ___ , they won the championship.

• due to

• The flight was delayed ___ a severe thunderstorm.

Answer explanation

Each phrase fits a specific grammatical and logical context. 'due to' correctly introduces the cause as a noun phrase ('a severe thunderstorm'). 'consequently' and 'as a result' both introduce a result, but 'consequently' often implies a more direct, logical sequence, while 'as a result' fits well to show the outcome of a sustained effort.

Sort the sentences based on whether the underlined word introduces a CAUSE or an EFFECT.

Groups:

(a) Introduces a CAUSE

,

(b) Introduces an EFFECT

• Since you finished your chores, you can play video games.

• She missed the bus; therefore, she was late.

• The power went out, so we lit candles.

• He was tired because he stayed up late.

Answer explanation

'Because' and 'since' are used to introduce the reason (cause) for an event. 'Therefore' and 'so' are used to introduce the result (effect) of a previous event.

The announcement of a pop quiz had an immediate _____ on the class; everyone suddenly became quiet. Which word best fits the blank to show a strong effect?

• impact

• reason

• origin

• delay

Answer explanation

'Impact' means to have a strong effect on something. In this context, the pop quiz (cause) had a strong effect (impact) on the students' behavior.

Match each cause or effect word/phrase to its closest synonym.

• therefore

• consequently

• because of

• hence

• because

• due to

• as a result

• since

Answer explanation

These words are synonyms used to express cause and effect. 'Consequently' means 'as a result,' 'due to' means 'because of,' 'hence' means 'therefore,' and 'since' often means 'because.'

Read the sentence: "Forgetting to water the plants for a week resulted in them wilting." What is the effect in this sentence?

• Forgetting to water the plants

• Them wilting

• For a week

• The word 'resulted in'

Answer explanation

The phrase 'resulted in' signals an effect. The action of forgetting to water the plants (the cause) led to the outcome of them wilting (the effect).