Before you go on to work on the grammar and writing exercises in this unit, read through this brief review of linking words and phrases for cause and effect. There are three main types of linking words: conjunctions, transitions, and prepositions.
1. ConjunctionsThe most important conjunctions are because, as, since, and so. “Because”, “as”, and “since” introduce a cause; “so” introduces an effect. These are used to join two complete sentences (or independent clauses) together. They are often used like this:arrrow to the right First sentence conjunction second sentence
2. TransitionsThe most important transitions are therefore, consequently, and as a result. All of these introduce an effect. These are used to join two complete sentences (or independent clauses) together. They are often used like this:arrrow to the right First sentence; transition, second sentence.
3. PrepositionsThe most important prepositions are due to and because of. Both of these introduce a cause in the form of a noun phrase. They are often used like this:arrrow to the right Sentence due to noun phrase.