main clause + because + reason clauseBecause introduces the cause. The because-part is a full clause with its own subject and verb.
Reason, Purpose and Result
B1Use because for reason, so or therefore for result, and to, in order to, or so that for purpose. Choose the connector by meaning first.
What you'll learn
- Show the cause with because.
- Show the consequence with so or therefore.
- Use to or in order to before a base verb for purpose.
- Use so that before a full clause when purpose needs its own subject or modal.
- Pick the connector by meaning: reason, purpose, or result.
Structure
cause clause + so + result clauseSo introduces the consequence. The second part is the result of the first part.
main clause + to / in order to + base verbUse this pattern when the purpose part does not need its own subject. After to, use the base verb.
main clause + so that + subject + modal/base verbUse so that when the purpose part is a full clause, often with can, could, will, or would.
cause clause. Therefore, result clause.Therefore is a formal result linker. It often starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon.
Build a sentence
Situation
Linker
We took a taxibecause it was late
We took a taxi because it was late.
Use because before the reason clause.
When to use
Give a cause
Use because when you explain why something happened. Maria stayed home because she felt sick.
Show intention
Use to or in order to when someone acts for a goal. Tom left early to catch the bus.
Show consequence
Use so when one fact leads to another. The store was closed, so Anna went home.
Make a formal conclusion
Use therefore in formal writing or presentations. The road was blocked; therefore, we changed the route.
Markers
becausesoso thattoin order totherefore
Common mistakes
Wrong
It was late because we took a taxi.
Correct
It was late, so we took a taxi.
Taking a taxi is the result of being late here, not the reason. Use so for the consequence.
Wrong
We stayed inside so it was raining.
Correct
We stayed inside because it was raining.
Raining is the cause of staying inside. Use because for the reason.
Wrong
Maria called Anna for to ask a question.
Correct
Maria called Anna to ask a question.
After a main verb of action, purpose uses to or in order to, not for to.
Wrong
Tom went early to he catch the train.
Correct
Tom went early to catch the train.
After to for purpose, use the base verb, not a full clause with its own subject.
Wrong
I wrote it down so I can remember it.
Correct
I wrote it down so that I can remember it.
For purpose with a full clause, use so that. Without that, so often sounds like a result link.
Wrong
Because it was cold, so we stayed inside.
Correct
Because it was cold, we stayed inside.
Choose one linker for the same connection. Because already links the reason and the main clause.
Common misconceptions
❝ To and so that mean exactly the same in every sentence. ❞
Both can express purpose, but to is followed by a base verb, while so that introduces a full clause and often includes a modal or a new subject.
❝ Therefore is just a stronger version of so, so I can use it in any sentence. ❞
Therefore is more formal and has different punctuation patterns. In everyday conversation, so is often the natural choice.
Skills in this rule (6)
USE_BECAUSE_FOR_REASONw5Use because to give the reason for something
Use because before the reason clause. It answers Why? and introduces the cause of the action or situation.
USE_SO_FOR_RESULTw5Use so to show the result of a situation
Use so between two clauses when the second clause is the consequence of the first one. The result comes after so.
USE_TO_OR_IN_ORDER_TO_FOR_PURPOSEw5Use to or in order to to express purpose
Use to or in order to before a base verb to say why someone does something. They answer What for? and point to an intended action.
USE_SO_THAT_FOR_PURPOSE_WITH_CLAUSEw4Use so that when purpose needs its own subject or modal
Use so that before a full clause when the purpose part has its own subject or uses can, could, will, or would. This is common when the speaker focuses on the intended effect.
USE_THEREFORE_FOR_FORMAL_RESULTw3Use therefore for a formal result link
Use therefore to present a conclusion or result in a more formal style. It often appears after a period or semicolon, or between commas.
CHOOSE_REASON_PURPOSE_OR_RESULTw5Choose the connector that matches reason, purpose, or result
First decide the meaning: cause, intention, or consequence. Then choose because, so, so that, to, in order to, or therefore.