Transition Words to Show Cause / Reason

Because & Since

Because and since are used to show a cause or reason.

We went to the beach because it was sunny.    

We stayed home **since it was raining.

(**Be careful:  Since can also be used to show time, for example:  I have lived in Miami since 2006.)

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We sometimes use as to show a cause or reason.  As is used in formal writing more often than in speech.

        We went to the beach as it was sunny.

As it was raining, I stayed home and watched a movie.

Due to & Because of

Due to and because of are followed by a noun clause or ‘the fact that’.

We were late due to the traffic.   We were late due to the fact that there was a lot of traffic.

We were late because of the traffic.   We were late because of the fact that there was a lot of traffic.

How to Use Transition Words & Commas

If the transition word comes at the beginning of the sentence, we use a comma; otherwise, we do not.

Examples:

Because it was sunny, we went to the beach.  →  We went to the beach because it was sunny.

Since it was raining, we stayed home. →  We stayed home since it was raining.

As I was late, I didn’t eat breakfast. →  I didn’t eat breakfast as I was late.

Due to the traffic, we were late. →  We were late due to the traffic.

Because of the traffic, we were late.  →    We were late because of the traffic.

Transition Words to Show Effect / Result

So & Therefore

So and therefore are used to show an effect or result.

It was raining, so we stayed home.

I woke up late; therefore, I didn’t eat breakfast.

I have a headache. Therefore, I will stay home tonight.

Thus & Hence

We sometimes use thus & hence to show an effect or reason.  Thus and hence are used in formal writing more often than in speech.

It was sunny; hence, we went to the beach.

There was a lot of traffic; thus, we were late.

As a Result Of

As a result of is a transitional phrase and can be followed by a noun phrase or an independent clause.

We were late as a result of the traffic.  (noun clause)

We were late as a result of driving through traffic.  (noun clause)

We were late; as a result, we missed the beginning of the movie. (independent clause)

Cr: https://languageonschools.com/free-english-lessons/conjunctions/transition-words-cause-and-effect/