What Are Discourse Markers for Cause and Result?
Discourse markers are words or phrases that connect ideas and show relationships between sentences or clauses. Markers for cause and result specifically help you explain why something happens (cause) or what happens because of it (result). These markers make your writing clearer, more logical, and easier to follow. They are essential for academic writing, formal communication, and advanced English.
Markers for Cause: Explaining Why
Cause markers introduce the reason or explanation for something. The most common are because, since, as, and due to. You can also use more formal markers like on account of, owing to, and in view of. These markers answer the question "Why?" and help your reader understand the connection between events or ideas. In academic contexts, formal markers are preferred.
Markers for Result: Explaining What Happens
Result markers show the consequence or effect of something. Common markers include therefore, as a result, consequently, so, and thus. You can also use as a consequence, for this reason, and thereby. These markers answer questions like "What happened next?" or "What is the effect?" Result markers are often placed at the beginning of a new clause or sentence, separated by a comma or semicolon.
Cause and Result Markers at a Glance
| Marker | Signals | Register | Introduces | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| because | Cause | Neutral | Clause | She left early because she was tired. | Most common cause connector; can appear mid- or start of sentence |
| since | Cause | Neutral–Formal | Clause | Since the road was closed, we took a detour. | Implies the cause is already known; also has a time meaning — context matters |
| as | Cause | Formal | Clause | As demand fell, prices dropped. | Common in academic/written English; also has time and manner meanings |
| due to | Cause | Formal | Noun phrase | The delay was due to heavy traffic. | Follows a linking verb (be); do not use before a clause |
| owing to | Cause | Formal | Noun phrase | Owing to budget cuts, the project was cancelled. | Interchangeable with due to in modern usage; slightly more flexible position |
| because of | Cause | Neutral | Noun phrase | She stayed home because of the storm. | Preposition — use with a noun/gerund, not a full clause |
| on account of | Cause | Formal | Noun phrase | The match was postponed on account of rain. | Slightly old-fashioned; common in official/legal writing |
| so | Result | Informal–Neutral | Clause | It rained, so we stayed inside. | Coordinating conjunction — joins two main clauses; avoid in formal essays |
| therefore | Result | Formal | Clause | The sample was too small; therefore, the results are inconclusive. | Adverbial connector; use with semicolon or new sentence; ideal for academic writing |
| thus | Result | Formal | Clause | Costs rose, thus reducing profit margins. | Very formal; can precede a participle phrase (thus causing…) |
| consequently | Result | Formal | Clause | He missed the deadline; consequently, he lost the contract. | Implies a clear logical consequence; stronger than so |
| as a result | Result | Neutral–Formal | Clause | The budget was reduced; as a result, hiring was frozen. | Phrase connector; use with semicolon or new sentence; very clear signal of consequence |
Formula
✔ Positive
Cause clause
+
because/since/as
+
reason
The event was cancelled because the venue was unavailable.
✔ Positive
Result clause
+
therefore/as a result/consequently
+
consequence
The economy slowed down; therefore, the government introduced new stimulus measures.
✔ Positive
Noun phrase
+
due to/owing to/on account of
+
noun
Due to budget constraints, we had to postpone the project.
✔ Positive
Independent clause
+
so
+
result clause
The weather was bad, so we decided to stay indoors.
Examples
Because the weather was terrible, the event was postponed to next week.
Cause marker · Formal & informal · Common
The company had serious financial problems; therefore, they decided to restructure the entire department.
Result marker · Formal writing · Academic
Since you didn't submit the assignment on time, you will lose 10% of your grade.
Cause marker · Formal tone · Educational context
The experiment failed owing to faulty equipment, and as a result, the data was unreliable.
Cause & result markers · Academic writing
Due to recent technological advances, many jobs have been automated; consequently, unemployment has risen in some sectors.
Formal discourse · Mixed markers · Analysis
The stadium was full, so we couldn't find any available seats.
Result marker · Informal & conversational
When to use it
Academic Writing
Explain research findings, connect arguments, and support conclusions with formal cause and result markers like 'therefore', 'owing to', and 'consequently'.
"The study reveals that regular exercise improves mental health. As a result, health officials recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily."
Business Reports
Demonstrate logical reasoning in reports by connecting business problems to solutions using markers like 'due to', 'thus', and 'as a consequence'.
"Sales declined due to supply chain disruptions; therefore, we implemented new logistics strategies."
Everyday Conversation
Use informal markers like 'because' and 'so' when explaining decisions or reactions in casual speech.
"I'm tired because I worked late yesterday, so I'm going to rest this afternoon."
News & Commentary
Connect events to their causes or consequences in journalism and opinion pieces using accessible markers like 'since' and 'as a result'.
"Since the law was introduced, crime rates have decreased. As a result, the government is planning to expand the program."
Signal words
because
since
as
due to
owing to
on account of
in view of
therefore
as a result
consequently
so
thus
as a consequence
for this reason
thereby
hence
Common Mistakes
✕
Wrong
Because the rain, we stayed home.
✓
Correct
Because of the rain, we stayed home. OR Because it rained, we stayed home.
'Because' needs a clause (verb); 'because of' takes a noun. Here, 'rain' is a noun, so 'because of' is correct.
✕
Wrong
The train was late, therefore we missed our connection. We was upset.
✓
Correct
The train was late; therefore, we missed our connection. We were upset.
Use a semicolon or period before 'therefore', and use 'were' (not 'was') with the plural subject 'we'.
✕
Wrong
Due to he was sick, he couldn't attend the meeting.
✓
Correct
Due to his illness, he couldn't attend the meeting. OR Because he was sick, he couldn't attend the meeting.
'Due to' is a preposition and requires a noun or noun phrase, not a clause. Use 'because' for clauses.
✕
Wrong
She studied hard, so therefore she passed the exam.
✓
Correct
She studied hard, so she passed the exam. OR She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam.
Don't use 'so' and 'therefore' together. Choose one result marker.
✕
Wrong
Owing to the high demand, our product are sold out.
✓
Correct
Owing to the high demand, our product is sold out.
'Product' is singular, so use 'is', not 'are'.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What to Remember
- Use cause markers like because, since, and as to introduce reasons or explanations for actions.
- Use result markers like so, therefore, and as a result to show consequences or outcomes.
- Position cause markers before the reason and result markers before the consequence in your sentences.
- Remember that because introduces a clause, while due to and because of introduce noun phrases.
- Use semicolons or periods before result markers like therefore and however to connect independent clauses properly.