Because, since, and as are followed by a full clause, as in she stayed home because she was sick, while because of and due to are followed by a noun phrase, as in he missed the flight because of the traffic. Therefore, consequently, and as a result start a new sentence with a comma to introduce a result.
Grammar Rule
Because/since/as are followed by a clause; because of/due to are followed by a noun phrase; therefore/consequently/as a result start a new sentence with a comma.
Connectors of Reason and Result: Rules and Examples
| Connector | Followed by | Example |
|---|---|---|
| because / since / as | a clause (subject + verb) | She stayed home because she was sick. Since it was raining, we canceled the picnic. |
| because of / due to | a noun phrase | He missed the flight because of the traffic. Due to the storm, the flight was canceled. |
| therefore / consequently / as a result | new sentence + comma | The prices rose. Therefore, sales dropped. He didn’t train enough. Consequently, he lost the match. |
Remember: because/since/as + clause; because of/due to + noun; therefore/consequently/as a result + comma.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the correct connector of reason or result. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Connectors of Reason and Result
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Frequently Asked Questions
What follows because, since, and as?
A full clause with a subject and verb, as in she stayed home because she was sick.
What follows because of and due to?
A noun phrase, not a clause, as in he missed the flight because of the traffic.
How do you use therefore or consequently?
Start a new sentence with them, followed by a comma, as in the prices rose, therefore, sales dropped.
Can you say because of it was raining?
No, because of needs a noun phrase, so it should be because of the rain, not because of it was raining.