Causality, the concept of cause and effect, is a fundamental aspect of human understanding and communication. In English, we use a variety of words and phrases to express this relationship between events. Below, I will delve into a comprehensive list of terms that can be used to convey causality, along with explanations and examples to illustrate their usage.
Words to Express Causality
Basic Connectors
because: Used to introduce a reason for an action or event.
- Example: “I didn’t go to the party because I was feeling sick.”
since: Implies a reason or cause that is already known.
- Example: “Since it’s raining, we should take an umbrella.”
as: Indicates a cause that is obvious or understood.
- Example: “As the sun sets, the temperature begins to drop.”
Indicators of Cause
due to: Indicates the cause of something.
- Example: “The project was delayed due to technical difficulties.”
owing to: Similar to “due to,” it implies a reason or cause.
- Example: “Owing to the late delivery, the event had to be postponed.”
caused by: Directly states the cause of an event or action.
- Example: “The accident was caused by a sudden loss of control.”
Resulting from
resulting from: Implies that an effect follows from a cause.
- Example: “The increase in sales was resulting from the successful marketing campaign.”
from: Can indicate a source or cause.
- Example: “The story originated from a true event.”
Gratitude and Consequence
thanks to: Expresses gratitude for a favorable outcome.
- Example: “Thanks to your help, I was able to finish the project on time.”
due to the fact that: Emphasizes the specific reason for something.
- Example: “Due to the fact that the roads were closed, we had to take a different route.”
Additional Connectors
in that: Explains why something is true or the reason for it.
- Example: “I prefer tea over coffee, in that it is less bitter.”
on account of: Similar to “due to,” it indicates a cause.
- Example: “On account of the weather, the event was canceled.”
Consequences and Effects
with the result that: Indicates the outcome or consequence of an event.
- Example: “With the result that the deadline was missed, the project was delayed.”
consequently: Follows an event to show the result or effect.
- Example: “He studied hard; consequently, he passed the exam.”
Cause and Purpose
as a result: Shows the outcome of an event or action.
- Example: “As a result of the rain, the garden is lush.”
thus: Indicates a conclusion based on a previous statement.
- Example: “The evidence is conclusive; thus, the defendant is guilty.”
Reason and Basis
hence: Used to introduce a logical conclusion.
- Example: “He is tired; hence, he went to bed early.”
therefore: Introduces a conclusion or result.
- Example: “The experiment failed; therefore, we need to try a different approach.”
Purpose and Intention
- in order to: Expresses the purpose or intention behind an action.
- Example: “I am saving money in order to buy a new car.”
Cause and Means
by reason of: Indicates the cause or reason for something.
- Example: “By reason of the poor weather, the event was canceled.”
inasmuch as: Indicates the extent or degree of a cause.
- Example: “Inasmuch as the evidence is strong, we can conclude that the defendant is guilty.”
Grounds and Virtue
on the grounds that: Indicates the basis for a decision or action.
- Example: “On the grounds that the evidence is insufficient, the case was dropped.”
by virtue of: Indicates that something is due to a particular quality or right.
- Example: “By virtue of her hard work, she earned a promotion.”
Consequences and Reason
as a consequence: Indicates the result of an event or action.
- Example: “As a consequence of the storm, the power was out for three days.”
for this reason: Indicates the cause of a decision or action.
- Example: “For this reason, we decided to cancel the trip.”
Basis and Intent
on the basis that: Indicates the grounds or foundation for a belief or action.
- Example: “On the basis that the market is declining, we should invest in other sectors.”
with the intention of: Expresses the purpose or plan behind an action.
- Example: “With the intention of improving our skills, we decided to take additional training.”
Means and Aim
by means of: Indicates the method or way used to achieve something.
- Example: “By means of hard work and determination, she achieved her goals.”
with the aim of: Expresses the purpose or goal of an action.
- Example: “With the aim of promoting education, the charity donates books to schools.”
Fact and Purpose
by the fact that: Indicates a truth or fact that justifies a conclusion.
- Example: “By the fact that the contract was signed, we are legally bound to fulfill our obligations.”
with the purpose of: Similar to “with the aim of,” it expresses the intention behind an action.
- Example: “With the purpose of encouraging reading, the library offers free books to children.”
Context and Presence
in the context of: Indicates the circumstances or situation in which something occurs.
- Example: “In the context of the current economic climate, job security is a major concern.”
in the presence of: Indicates that something is in the presence of another thing.
- Example: “In the presence of my colleagues, I presented my research findings.”
Event and Aftermath
in the course of: Indicates the period during which an event or action occurs.
- Example: “In the course of the investigation, several leads were followed up.”
in the aftermath of: Indicates the period after an event or disaster.
- Example: “In the aftermath of the disaster, the community came together to help those affected.”
Wake and Response
in the wake of: Indicates the period after an event or occurrence.
- Example: “In the wake of the election, there was a shift in policy.”
in response to: Indicates the action taken in reply to a situation or event.
- Example: “In response to the increasing crime rates, the government introduced new laws.”
Light and View
in light of: Indicates considering a situation or fact.
- Example: “In light of the new evidence, the decision was reconsidered.”
in view of: Indicates considering the circumstances or situation.
- Example: “In view of the potential risks, the project was delayed.”
Face and Presence
in the face of: Indicates despite a challenge or difficulty.
- Example: “In the face of adversity, the team remained determined.”
in the presence of: Indicates being in the vicinity of someone or something.
- Example: “In the presence of the judge, the defendant entered a guilty plea.”
Conclusion
Understanding and effectively using these words to express causality in English can greatly enhance your ability to communicate complex ideas and relationships between events. Whether you are writing an essay, giving a presentation, or engaging in a conversation, these terms can help you convey your message clearly and coherently.