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English grammar

so, therefore, as a result

B1 · Intermediate Joining sentences Questions 10

The rule

A2 gave you so for a result and because for a reason. B1 adds the written forms and the reason phrases that take a noun. therefore and as a result do the job of so in more formal writing and, like however, they join two SENTENCES: The line was closed. Therefore, we took a taxi. because of and due to take a noun where because takes a clause: because it snowed but because of the snow. that is why points forward to the consequence and is the natural spoken choice.

Pattern

. Therefore, … · . As a result, … · because + clause / because of + noun

Examples

  1. The line was closed. Therefore, we took a taxi.

  2. We missed the deadline. As a result, the order was cancelled.

  3. The match was called off because of the snow.

  4. My train was cancelled. That is why I am late.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: Because of it snowed, the match was cancelled.

    Right: Because it snowed, the match was cancelled.

    because of takes a noun; a clause needs plain because.

  • Wrong: It was raining, therefore we stayed in.

    Right: It was raining. Therefore, we stayed in.

    therefore joins sentences, not clauses with a comma.

  • Wrong: The road was icy, as a result of we drove slowly.

    Right: The road was icy. As a result, we drove slowly.

    as a result stands on its own; as a result of needs a noun.

Practice questions

Try each one yourself first, then open “Show answer” for the solution and the reason.

  1. 1Choose the correct sentence.

    1. The shop closed early. Therefore I could not buy it.
    2. The shop closed early therefore, I could not buy it.
    3. The shop closed early. Therefore, I could not buy it.
    4. The shop closed early, therefore I could not buy it.
    Show answer

    Answer: C The shop closed early. Therefore, I could not buy it.

    Full stop before, comma after.

  2. 2Choose the correct sentence.

    1. The flight was delayed because the fog.
    2. The flight was delayed due the fog.
    3. The flight was delayed because of it was foggy.
    4. The flight was delayed because of the fog.
    Show answer

    Answer: D The flight was delayed because of the fog.

    because of + a noun.

  3. 3Choose the correct sentence.

    1. Prices rose. As result, fewer people bought tickets.
    2. Prices rose. As a result, fewer people bought tickets.
    3. Prices rose as a result of fewer people bought tickets.
    4. Prices rose, as a result fewer people bought tickets.
    Show answer

    Answer: B Prices rose. As a result, fewer people bought tickets.

    As a result opens a new sentence and takes a comma.

  4. 4Choose the correct sentence.

    1. I forgot my card so that I could not pay.
    2. I forgot my card, so I could not pay.
    3. I forgot my card, therefore I could not pay.
    4. I forgot my card, because of I could not pay.
    Show answer

    Answer: B I forgot my card, so I could not pay.

    so is the one that joins two clauses with a comma.

  5. 5Fill in the gap.

    The office was closed _____ a power cut.

    1. therefore
    2. because
    3. so that
    4. because of
    Show answer

    Answer: D The office was closed because of a power cut.

    A noun phrase follows, so because of.

  6. 6Fill in the gap.

    The results were poor. _____, the manager resigned.

    1. Because of
    2. As a result
    3. So that
    4. Because
    Show answer

    Answer: B The results were poor. As a result, the manager resigned.

    Between two sentences, As a result with a comma.

  7. 7Fill in the gap.

    She has two young children. _____ she works part time.

    1. Because of
    2. Because
    3. That is why
    4. Despite
    Show answer

    Answer: C She has two young children. That is why she works part time.

    That is why points forward to the consequence.

  8. 8Fill in the gap.

    The event was cancelled _____ to the weather.

    1. because
    2. due
    3. so
    4. therefore
    Show answer

    Answer: B The event was cancelled due to the weather.

    due to + a noun.

  9. 9Put the words in the right order.

    The bridge was closed because of the flood

    Show answer

    Answer: The bridge was closed because of the flood.

    because of + noun, after the main clause.

  10. 10Put the words in the right order.

    We had no internet so I worked from the library

    Show answer

    Answer: We had no internet so I worked from the library.

    so links the cause to what you did about it.

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