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Grammar

How to Use Adverb Clause of Reason/ Cause?

There are several types of adverb clauses in English. We studied about the adverb clause of contrast, and in this lesson we are going to learn how to use adverb clause of reason or cause.

How to Use Adverb Clause of Reason/ Cause?

An adverb clause of cause or reason tells the cause or reason for which the action of the verb in the main clause is taken. An adverb clause of reason or cause is introduced by the subordinating conjunctions because, as, since and that.

  • Because I was satisfied, I didn’t complain. (In this sentence, why I didn’t complain has been answered by the adverb clause” because I was satisfied”.)
  • As she didn’t accept my request, I left the office immediately. (In this sentence, why I left the office immediately has been answered by the adverb clause of reason” as she didn’t accept my request”.)
  • Since I have not seen PK yet, I will try to get a video of it.
    I am glad that you are my English teacher.
  • My parents were disappointed that I didn’t get the scholarship.

IMPORTANT:

1) The conjunction “that” is often omitted.

  • I am glad you like it. OR I am glad that you like it.
  • They were disappointed you weren’t in. OR They were disappointed that you weren’t in.

2) As and since are used when the reason is not already known to the listener.

  • As it is raining again, we will have to cancel the match.

3) Because-clauses are used to give information which is already known to the reader or listener.

  • Because he had not paid the bill, his electricity was cut off.

4) As and since-clauses are relatively formal. In an informal style, the same idea can be expressed with so. And they express less important reason rather than because.

  • It is raining again so we will have to cancel the match. (Less important reason)
  • They missed the flight because they were late. (Important reason)

5) Note that a because-clause can stand alone. As and since-clauses cannot be used like this.

  • ‘Why are you looking at them like that?’
  • ‘Because they laughed at me.’
  • (NOT As they laughed at me.)
  • (NOT Since they laughed at me.)

Note: You can use the conjunctions: on account of and due to in adverb clauses of reason and they give the same meaning as because of.

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