Understanding Causal Connective Words

Causal connective words are used to understand why things occur (Halliday & Hasan, 1976) Sandra Duggleby, PhD sandraduggleby@gmail.com

1. Not having 1. Without his climbing buddy, he was not able to go rock climbing today. 2. Used as a function word to indicate the absence or lack of something or someone 2. Without preparing a safe route for the journey, they were disorganized and lost their way. 3. With something lacking or absent Definition Sentence

1. Since the early 1900s people began to travel more. 1. From a past time 2. From then until now 2. Ever since the little boy worked hard, he handed in excellent projects. 3. (Often preceded by the word Ever ). 3. Ever since he started exercising, he began to feel more alert in class. Definition Sentence

1. Because of his continued persistence, he finally solved the problem. 1. For the reason that 2. As a result of 2. Because he gets 10 hours of sleep every night, he is alert and ready to learn. 3. On account of 3. Because he perseveres, he is able to accomplish great things. Definition Sentence

1. Even if hours to spare for shopping, I wouldn't go out and buy a suit. Even if I had two 1. Whether or not Definition Sentence

1. So the little boy went home instead of playing in the park. 1. In a manner or way indicated or suggested. 2. So, why do you think that Terry Fox is a great Canadian hero? 2. Therefore, thus, hence 3. So then he ran upstairs and went straight to sleep. 3. Then; subsequently Definition Sentence

1. Used to introduce a clause expressing cause or reason, purpose or aim. 1. I am sure that you will like it. 2. That he will come is certain. 2. Used to introduce a clause expressing a purpose or aim. 3. That is the reason I would choose him for the presidency position. Definition Sentence

1. Therefore, we must always listen carefully to directions so we get a clear picture of what to do. 1. For that reason; so 2. Consequently; thus 2. Therefore, based on the facts, I believe that Terry Fox is a great Canadian hero. 3. As a result Definition Sentence

1. During that time 1. I will stay as long as you need me. 2. As long as you have offered, I accept. 2. Since 3. As long as I am notified on time, I will cooperate. 3. On the condition that Definition Sentence

1. Explanation 1. For this reason, I think that we should be able to chew gum in school. 2. For these reasons, I believe that Terry Fox is a Canadian Hero. 3. By reason of popular vote, Sam will be our president. 2. Justification 3. Rationale 4. The cause 5. The basis Definition Sentence

1. Something that results from a cause or consequence. As a result of her accident, she must remain in hospital. 2. As a result of the war, many families are left homeless. 2. Due to 3. Because of 3. As a result, she now has lots of friends. Definition Sentence

1. He persists. Thats why he always gets his work done on time. 1. The cause 2. He listens carefully to directions. That s why he is able to work with accuracy. 2. The reason for which 3. He treats people with respect. That s why he has lots of friends. 3. For which reason Definition Sentence

1. In the event that 1. If we get our work finished, then we can play computer games. 2. Whether 2. If only she listened to the directions, then she would know what to do. 3. Used for introducing a situation that may happen or may be real, especially when talking about its results. 3. If she used good sentence starters, her ideas would flow better. Definition Sentence

1. Therefore 1. Consequently, the hero died because of stab wounds from the sword. 2. Accordingly 3. As a result, effect, or outcome 2. Consequently, he reached the top of the mountain because he persisted when it began to storm. Definition Sentence

Halliday, M.A., & Hasan, R. (1976). Cohesion in English. London, England: Longman