Adverbs of Reason

Adverbs of reason are words that explain why something happens or exists. They answer the questions “why?” or “for what reason?” These adverbs help us express the cause, purpose, or motivation behind actions and states.

Position in Sentences#

Adverbs of reason can appear in different positions:

1. At the beginning of a sentence (followed by a comma):

   • Therefore, we decided to cancel the event.
   • Consequently, the meeting was postponed.

2. Between clauses:

   • The roads were icy, so we stayed home.
   • He was tired, hence he left early.

3. At the end of a sentence:

   • She missed the bus because she overslept.
   • We canceled the picnic since it was raining.

Common Adverbs of Reason#

Causal Adverbs#

Words that express direct cause and effect:

• Because
• Since
• As
• Therefore
• Thus
• So

Consequential Adverbs#

Words that show the result or consequence:

• Consequently
• Hence
• Accordingly
• Subsequently
• Thereby
• Thus

Purpose Adverbs#

Words that express the intended purpose:

• Therefore
• Wherefore
• Accordingly
• Consequently
• So that
• In order that

Common Usage Patterns#

In Explanations#

Adverbs of reason are essential for explaining causation:

• I studied hard because I wanted to pass.
• She was late, so she missed the meeting.
• Since it’s raining, we’ll stay inside.

In Arguments#

They help build logical arguments:

• The evidence is clear; therefore, we must act.
• The costs are rising; consequently, prices will increase.
• Thus, we can conclude that the theory is correct.

In Sequential Explanation#

They show how one event leads to another:

• He missed practice; hence, he lost his position.
• The rain continued; subsequently, the event was canceled.
• She worked overtime; accordingly, she earned a bonus.

Practice Exercises#

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks#

Choose the most appropriate adverb of reason from the box:

because    therefore    consequently    since    so    thus

1. It was raining, _____ we canceled the picnic.
2. _____ you’re here early, you can help set up.
3. He didn’t study, _____ he failed the test.
4. The roads are icy; _____, drive carefully.
5. She worked hard; _____, she succeeded.
6. I missed the bus _____ I woke up late.

Exercise 2: Correct Placement#

Rewrite these sentences with the adverb of reason in the correct position:

1. (Therefore) the meeting was canceled (Therefore).
2. We stayed inside (because) it was raining (because).
3. (Hence) she didn’t attend the party (hence).
4. The student studied hard (consequently) passed the exam (consequently).
5. (So) we decided to take a taxi (so) it was late (so).

Exercise 3: Choose the Right Adverb#

Select the most appropriate adverb of reason based on context:

1. She was sick, (therefore/because) she missed work.
2. (Since/Hence) you’re already here, you can help me.
3. The weather is bad; (so/because) the flight is delayed.
4. He practiced daily; (consequently/since) he improved quickly.
5. (Thus/Because) we conclude that the hypothesis is correct.

Exercise 4: Identify the Error#

Find and correct the errors in these sentences:

1. Because it was raining so we stayed home.
2. Therefore I decided to study more.
3. She was tired, hence, she went home.
4. Subsequently which we moved to a new office.
5. The traffic was heavy consequently I arrived late.

Exercise 5: Combine and Complete#

Create sentences using these combinations:

1. therefore + decision
2. because + weather
3. consequently + result
4. since + time
5. thus + conclusion