Beyond “Due To”: Diverse Ways to Express Causation

Mastering various ways to express causation is essential for clear and effective communication in English. While phrases like “due to the fact that” are common, overuse can make writing sound repetitive and cumbersome.

This article explores a wide range of alternative expressions, enhancing your ability to convey cause-and-effect relationships with nuance and precision. Whether you’re an ESL learner, a student aiming for higher grades, or a professional seeking to improve your writing, this guide will equip you with the tools to express causation elegantly and effectively.

By understanding and utilizing these alternatives, you can diversify your writing, making it more engaging and sophisticated. This article covers definitions, structural breakdowns, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises to ensure a thorough understanding of the topic.

Table of Contents

• Definition: Understanding Causation
• Structural Breakdown of Causal Expressions
• Types and Categories of Causal Expressions
• Examples of Alternative Expressions
• Usage Rules for Causal Expressions
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics in Expressing Causation
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion

Definition: Understanding Causation

Causation, in the context of grammar, refers to the relationship between two events or situations where one event (the cause) makes the other event (the effect) happen. Expressing causation accurately is crucial for conveying precise meaning and avoiding ambiguity.

Phrases like “due to the fact that” are used to explicitly state this cause-and-effect relationship. However, a variety of other expressions can achieve the same goal, often with greater clarity and stylistic flair.

Understanding the nuances of different causal expressions allows writers and speakers to choose the most appropriate phrase for the specific context. This involves considering factors such as formality, emphasis, and desired level of detail.

While “due to the fact that” is grammatically correct, it can often be replaced with simpler and more direct alternatives.

Structural Breakdown of Causal Expressions

Causal expressions typically consist of two main parts: the cause and the effect. These parts are connected by a causal marker, which indicates the relationship between them.

The causal marker can be a conjunction (e.g., because, since, as), a prepositional phrase (e.g., due to, owing to), or an adverbial phrase (e.g., as a result, consequently).

The order of the cause and effect can vary. Sometimes the cause comes first, followed by the effect.

Other times, the effect comes first, followed by the cause. The choice of order can affect the emphasis of the sentence.

Cause-Effect Order

In this structure, the cause is presented first, followed by the effect. This order is often used when the cause is already known or is the main focus of the sentence.

For example: “Because it was raining, the game was cancelled.” Here, the rain (cause) led to the cancellation of the game (effect).

Effect-Cause Order

In this structure, the effect is presented first, followed by the cause. This order is often used when the effect is surprising or unexpected, and the speaker wants to highlight the reason behind it.

For example: “The game was cancelled because it was raining.” Here, the cancellation of the game (effect) is explained by the rain (cause).

Types and Categories of Causal Expressions

There are several categories of expressions that can be used to indicate causation. These categories differ in terms of formality, directness, and grammatical structure.

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that connect clauses or sentences. Common causal conjunctions include because, since, and as. These conjunctions introduce a subordinate clause that explains the reason for the main clause.

Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition followed by a noun phrase. Common causal prepositional phrases include due to, owing to, because of, and on account of. These phrases introduce the cause as a noun phrase.

Adverbial Phrases

Adverbial phrases modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Common causal adverbial phrases include as a result, consequently, therefore, and hence. These phrases typically connect two independent clauses.

Verbs

Certain verbs inherently express causation. For instance, verbs like cause, lead to, result in, and trigger directly indicate that one event produces another. Using these verbs can create more concise and impactful sentences.

Examples of Alternative Expressions

This section provides a variety of alternative expressions to “due to the fact that,” categorized by type, along with example sentences demonstrating their usage.

Examples Using Conjunctions

The following table provides examples of using conjunctions such as ‘because’, ‘since’ and ‘as’ to replace “due to the fact that”.

Original Sentence (Using “Due to the Fact That”)	Revised Sentence (Using Conjunctions)
Due to the fact that it was snowing heavily, the roads were closed.	Because it was snowing heavily, the roads were closed.
Due to the fact that he studied hard, he passed the exam.	Since he studied hard, he passed the exam.
Due to the fact that the demand was high, the prices increased.	As the demand was high, the prices increased.
Due to the fact that she practiced every day, she improved her skills.	Because she practiced every day, she improved her skills.
Due to the fact that the sun was shining, we went for a walk.	Since the sun was shining, we went for a walk.
Due to the fact that the team worked together, they won the game.	As the team worked together, they won the game.
Due to the fact that the company invested in new technology, its productivity increased.	Because the company invested in new technology, its productivity increased.
Due to the fact that the economy was growing, more jobs were created.	Since the economy was growing, more jobs were created.
Due to the fact that the project was well-planned, it was completed on time.	As the project was well-planned, it was completed on time.
Due to the fact that he had a good education, he got a well-paying job.	Because he had a good education, he got a well-paying job.
Due to the fact that she followed the recipe carefully, the cake turned out perfectly.	Because she followed the recipe carefully, the cake turned out perfectly.
Due to the fact that the weather was unpredictable, we packed extra clothes.	Since the weather was unpredictable, we packed extra clothes.
Due to the fact that the research was thorough, the results were reliable.	As the research was thorough, the results were reliable.
Due to the fact that the store offered a discount, many people shopped there.	Because the store offered a discount, many people shopped there.
Due to the fact that the roads were icy, the traffic was slow.	Since the roads were icy, the traffic was slow.
Due to the fact that the speaker was engaging, the audience listened attentively.	As the speaker was engaging, the audience listened attentively.
Due to the fact that the course was interesting, students attended regularly.	Because the course was interesting, students attended regularly.
Due to the fact that the plant received enough sunlight, it grew quickly.	Because the plant received enough sunlight, it grew quickly.
Due to the fact that the agreement was signed, the project commenced.	Since the agreement was signed, the project commenced.
Due to the fact that the system was efficient, it saved a lot of time.	As the system was efficient, it saved a lot of time.

Examples Using Prepositional Phrases

The following table provides examples of using prepositional phrases such as ‘due to’, ‘owing to’, ‘because of’ and ‘on account of’ to replace “due to the fact that”.

Original Sentence (Using “Due to the Fact That”)	Revised Sentence (Using Prepositional Phrases)
Due to the fact that the rain, the event was postponed.	Due to the rain, the event was postponed.
Due to the fact that the storm, the power went out.	Owing to the storm, the power went out.
Due to the fact that his illness, he was unable to attend the meeting.	Because of his illness, he was unable to attend the meeting.
Due to the fact that the accident, traffic was delayed.	On account of the accident, traffic was delayed.
Due to the fact that the high demand, the product sold out quickly.	Due to the high demand, the product sold out quickly.
Due to the fact that the economic downturn, many businesses closed.	Owing to the economic downturn, many businesses closed.
Due to the fact that her hard work, she achieved great success.	Because of her hard work, she achieved great success.
Due to the fact that the road closures, we had to take a detour.	On account of the road closures, we had to take a detour.
Due to the fact that the lack of funding, the project was cancelled.	Due to the lack of funding, the project was cancelled.
Due to the fact that the unexpected cost, we re-evaluated the budget.	Owing to the unexpected cost, we re-evaluated the budget.
Due to the fact that their collaboration, the team achieved its goals.	Because of their collaboration, the team achieved its goals.
Due to the fact that the unforeseen circumstances, the plan was changed.	On account of the unforeseen circumstances, the plan was changed.
Due to the fact that the strong winds, the ship was delayed.	Due to the strong winds, the ship was delayed.
Due to the fact that the global pandemic, travel plans were disrupted.	Owing to the global pandemic, travel plans were disrupted.
Due to the fact that her dedication, she excelled in her career.	Because of her dedication, she excelled in her career.
Due to the fact that the heavy snowfall, schools were closed.	On account of the heavy snowfall, schools were closed.
Due to the fact that the increased competition, profits declined.	Due to the increased competition, profits declined.
Due to the fact that the limited resources, we had to prioritize tasks.	Owing to the limited resources, we had to prioritize tasks.
Due to the fact that their innovation, they gained a competitive advantage.	Because of their innovation, they gained a competitive advantage.
Due to the fact that the unforeseen delays, the project timeline was extended.	On account of the unforeseen delays, the project timeline was extended.

Examples Using Adverbial Phrases

The following table provides examples of using adverbial phrases such as ‘as a result’, ‘consequently’, ‘therefore’, and ‘hence’ to replace “due to the fact that”.

Original Sentence (Using “Due to the Fact That”)	Revised Sentence (Using Adverbial Phrases)
Due to the fact that the company had a successful year; they gave bonuses to all employees.	The company had a successful year; as a result, they gave bonuses to all employees.
Due to the fact that the prices increased; demand decreased.	The prices increased; consequently, demand decreased.
Due to the fact that he missed the deadline; he failed the course.	He missed the deadline; therefore, he failed the course.
Due to the fact that the system crashed; we lost all the data.	The system crashed; hence, we lost all the data.
Due to the fact that the team worked hard; they achieved their goals.	The team worked hard; as a result, they achieved their goals.
Due to the fact that the project was well-managed; it was completed on time.	The project was well-managed; consequently, it was completed on time.
Due to the fact that she studied diligently; she got a high score.	She studied diligently; therefore, she got a high score.
Due to the fact that the resources were limited; we had to make compromises.	The resources were limited; hence, we had to make compromises.
Due to the fact that the weather was bad; we cancelled the trip.	The weather was bad; as a result, we cancelled the trip.
Due to the fact that the demand exceeded the supply; prices soared.	The demand exceeded the supply; consequently, prices soared.
Due to the fact that the economy improved; employment rates increased.	The economy improved; therefore, employment rates increased.
Due to the fact that the technology advanced; efficiency improved.	The technology advanced; hence, efficiency improved.
Due to the fact that the company innovated; it gained a competitive edge.	The company innovated; as a result, it gained a competitive edge.
Due to the fact that the government invested in infrastructure; the economy grew.	The government invested in infrastructure; consequently, the economy grew.
Due to the fact that he followed the instructions carefully; he succeeded.	He followed the instructions carefully; therefore, he succeeded.
Due to the fact that the market changed; we had to adapt.	The market changed; hence, we had to adapt.
Due to the fact that the policy was implemented; improvements were seen.	The policy was implemented; as a result, improvements were seen.
Due to the fact that the team collaborated effectively; the project was successful.	The team collaborated effectively; consequently, the project was successful.
Due to the fact that she persevered; she achieved her goals.	She persevered; therefore, she achieved her goals.
Due to the fact that the system was upgraded; performance improved.	The system was upgraded; hence, performance improved.

Examples Using Verbs

The following table provides examples of using verbs such as ’cause’, ‘lead to’, ‘result in’, and ‘trigger’ to replace “due to the fact that”.

Original Sentence (Using “Due to the Fact That”)	Revised Sentence (Using Verbs)
Due to the fact that the accident, there was a delay.	The accident caused a delay.
Due to the fact that the heavy rain, the river flooded.	The heavy rain led to the river flooding.
Due to the fact that the fire, significant damage occurred.	The fire resulted in significant damage.
Due to the fact that the new policy, there were major changes.	The new policy triggered major changes.
Due to the fact that the economic crisis, unemployment increased.	The economic crisis caused unemployment to increase.
Due to the fact that the new regulations, business operations changed.	The new regulations led to changes in business operations.
Due to the fact that the increased demand, production expanded.	The increased demand resulted in expanded production.
Due to the fact that the new software, efficiency improved.	The new software triggered improved efficiency.
Due to the fact that the lack of investment, the company struggled.	The lack of investment caused the company to struggle.
Due to the fact that the new technology, the industry evolved.	The new technology led to the evolution of the industry.
Due to the fact that the price increase, sales declined.	The price increase resulted in a decline in sales.
Due to the fact that the new law, significant reforms were enacted.	The new law triggered significant reforms.
Due to the fact that the stress, he developed health problems.	The stress caused him to develop health problems.
Due to the fact that the innovation, the company prospered.	The innovation led to the company prospering.
Due to the fact that the change, the market shifted.	The change resulted in a market shift.
Due to the fact that the event, public awareness increased.	The event triggered increased public awareness.
Due to the fact that the mistake, the project failed.	The mistake caused the project to fail.
Due to the fact that the new system, productivity improved.	The new system led to improved productivity.
Due to the fact that the policy change, employee morale declined.	The policy change resulted in a decline in employee morale.
Due to the fact that the discovery, new research began.	The discovery triggered new research.

Usage Rules for Causal Expressions

While there are many ways to express causation, it’s important to use each expression correctly. Here are some guidelines:

Using Conjunctions

When using conjunctions like because, since, and as, ensure that the subordinate clause contains a subject and a verb. The subordinate clause can come before or after the main clause, but if it comes first, it should be followed by a comma.

Using Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases like due to, owing to, and because of should be followed by a noun phrase. Avoid using a full clause after these phrases. For example, use “due to the rain” instead of “due to it was raining.”

Using Adverbial Phrases

Adverbial phrases like as a result, consequently, and therefore typically connect two independent clauses. They are often preceded by a semicolon or followed by a comma.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

Some causal expressions are more formal than others. For example, “owing to” and “hence” are generally considered more formal than “because of” and “so”.

Choose your expression based on the context and audience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when expressing causation:

Incorrect Use of “Due to”

A common mistake is to use “due to” to modify a verb. “Due to” should only modify nouns.

For example:

• Incorrect: The game was cancelled due to rain.
• Correct: The game’s cancellation was due to rain.
• Correct: The game was cancelled because of the rain.

Misusing “Because Of” vs “Because”

“Because of” is followed by a noun phrase, while “because” is followed by a clause. For example:

• Incorrect: Because of it was raining, we stayed inside.
• Correct: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
• Correct: Because of the rain, we stayed inside.

Redundancy

Avoid using redundant phrases like “due to the fact that because.” Choose one expression to convey the causal relationship.

Incorrect	Correct
Due to the fact that because it rained, the event was cancelled.	Because it rained, the event was cancelled.
Due to the fact that since there was a storm, we stayed home.	Since there was a storm, we stayed home.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of causal expressions with these practice exercises. Choose the best alternative to “due to the fact that” in each sentence.

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice

Choose the best alternative to “due to the fact that” in each sentence.

Question	Options	Answer
Due to the fact that the weather was bad, the flight was delayed.	a) Because of, b) As a result, c) Therefore, d) Despite	a) Because of
Due to the fact that he studied hard, he got a good grade.	a) Since, b) In spite of, c) However, d) Although	a) Since
Due to the fact that the demand was high, the prices increased.	a) Consequently, b) Although, c) Despite, d) Unless	a) Consequently
Due to the fact that the company innovated, it gained a competitive edge.	a) As, b) Even though, c) Regardless, d) Conversely	a) As
Due to the fact that the road was closed, we had to take a detour.	a) Owing to, b) Nevertheless, c) Yet, d) Conversely	a) Owing to
Due to the fact that the system crashed, we lost all our data.	a) Hence, b) However, c) Nonetheless, d) Whereas	a) Hence
Due to the fact that the event was successful, we planned another one.	a) Because, b) In contrast, c) Despite, d) Unless	a) Because
Due to the fact that the economy improved, employment rates rose.	a) Therefore, b) Although, c) Even so, d) Nevertheless	a) Therefore
Due to the fact that the market changed, we adjusted our strategy.	a) As a result, b) Even if, c) Despite this, d) Conversely	a) As a result
Due to the fact that the policy was implemented, improvements were observed.	a) Since, b) In spite of, c) Conversely, d) Unless	a) Since

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete each sentence using an appropriate causal expression from the list: because, since, as a result, owing to, due to, therefore.

Question	Answer
_______ the rain, the picnic was cancelled.	Due to
He couldn’t come to the party _______ he was sick.	because
_______ the traffic, we were late for the meeting.	Owing to
The company had a successful year; _______, they gave bonuses to all employees.	therefore
_______ she studied hard, she passed the exam with flying colors.	Since
The demand was high; _______, the prices increased.	As a result
_______ the lack of funding, the project was postponed.	Due to
He couldn’t attend the conference _______ his busy schedule.	because of
_______ the storm, the power went out.	Owing to
_______ the new policy, employees were more productive.	As a result of

Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences

Rewrite each sentence, replacing “due to the fact that” with a different causal expression.

1. Due to the fact that the car broke down, we missed our appointment.
2. Due to the fact that she practiced every day, she became a skilled musician.
3. Due to the fact that the company invested in new technology, its productivity increased.
4. Due to the fact that the economy was growing, more jobs were created.
5. Due to the fact that the project was well-planned, it was completed on time.
6. Due to the fact that the store offered a discount, many people shopped there.
7. Due to the fact that the roads were icy, the traffic was slow.
8. Due to the fact that the speaker was engaging, the audience listened attentively.
9. Due to the fact that the course was interesting, students attended regularly.
10. Due to the fact that the plant received enough sunlight, it grew quickly.

Answers:

1. Because the car broke down, we missed our appointment.
2. Since she practiced every day, she became a skilled musician.
3. As the company invested in new technology, its productivity increased.
4. Because the economy was growing, more jobs were created.
5. Since the project was well-planned, it was completed on time.
6. As the store offered a discount, many people shopped there.
7. Because the roads were icy, the traffic was slow.
8. Since the speaker was engaging, the audience listened attentively.
9. As the course was interesting, students attended regularly.
10. Because the plant received enough sunlight, it grew quickly.

Advanced Topics in Expressing Causation

For advanced learners, consider exploring more nuanced ways of expressing causation.

Implied Causation

Sometimes, causation is implied rather than explicitly stated. For example, “The rain ruined our picnic” implies that the rain caused the picnic to be ruined.

Multiple Causes

An effect may have multiple causes. In such cases, use expressions like “not only…but also” or “both…and” to indicate the multiple factors involved.

Chain Reactions

One event can cause another, which in turn causes another, creating a chain reaction. Use a series of causal expressions to describe these complex relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is “due to the fact that” always incorrect?
   While grammatically correct, “due to the fact that” is often considered wordy and can be replaced with simpler alternatives for better clarity and conciseness.
2. What is the difference between “due to” and “because of”?
   Both phrases express causation, but “due to” should technically only be used when it modifies a noun. “Because of” can be used more broadly.
3. Can I start a sentence with “because”?
   Yes, starting a sentence with “because” is grammatically correct and can be effective for emphasis.
4. When should I use “since” to indicate causation?
   Use “since” when the causal relationship is already known or is less important than the main point of the sentence.
5. Are there any formal alternatives to “due to the fact that”?
   Yes, “owing to” and “inasmuch as” are more formal alternatives.
6. How can I avoid being repetitive when expressing causation?
   Vary your vocabulary by using different conjunctions, prepositional phrases, and verbs that express causation.
7. Is it okay to use “as a result” at the beginning of a sentence?
   Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to use “as a result” at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a consequence.
8. Can “cause” be used as a noun and a verb?
   Yes, “cause” can be used as both a noun (e.g., “The cause of the fire was unknown.”) and a verb (e.g., “The fire caused extensive damage.”).

Conclusion

Diversifying your vocabulary beyond “due to the fact that” enhances your writing and speaking skills, allowing you to express causation with greater precision and style. By understanding the nuances of different causal expressions, you can choose the most appropriate phrase for any given context, making your communication more effective and engaging.

Remember to practice using these alternatives in your writing and speaking to solidify your understanding and improve your fluency.

Mastering these alternative expressions will not only make your writing more sophisticated but also demonstrate a deeper understanding of English grammar. Keep practicing, and you’ll find yourself using these expressions naturally and confidently.