Signal words - giving reasons

When you read a text try to identify the cause and effects within the story to help you identify how events and ideas are related to each other.

​

Look for signal words like because, if/then, since, so, therefore,

and as a result as a signal.

​

​

• Because

• So

• Since

• As

• As a result

• Therefore

We use "because" to explain the cause of something.

-She always gets poor marks in the exams because she doesn't study.

-I want to go to bed early tonight because I'm to tired.

-We can't buy that car because it's too expensive.

We use "so" to explain the effect something. This word can be only at the middle of a sentence.

-He is deaf so he can't hear you.

-Brian is overweight, so he can't run fast.

-I have got an example tomorrow, so I'm studying hard.

The reason is already known.

As we read, we learn.

The reason is already known. (more formal than as)

Since we were in the computer lab, our English has improved.

As can introduce the reason or cause.

-As we read, we learn.
-As it was getting late, we decided to head home.
-She was feeling unwell, as she hadn’t slept well the night before.

Since can also indicate a cause-and-effect relationship (more formal than as)

-Since we were in the computer lab, our English has improved.
-Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
-She was late since her bus was delayed.

We use therefore to introduce a conclusion drawn from previous statements.

-It was raining heavily; therefore, the match was postponed.
-The weather forecast predicted a big storm. Therefore, classes were cancelled.

We use as a result also to indicate a consequence, but can feel a bit more formal.

-The team practiced hard all week; as a result, they won the game
-The weather forecast predicted a big storm. Therefore, classes were cancelled.