Cause and Effect

Definition :  

A cause is something that produces an event or condition; an effect is what results from an event or condition.

 

Signal Words :

 

 

In the following examples, the noun or noun phrase will be underlined.

The cause always comes after the cause/effect signal word or phrase.

Signal word/phrase + Cause, + Effect 

Effect + Signal word/phrase + Cause

Examples:

• When water is heated, the molecules move quickly, therefore the water boils.
• A tornado blew the roof off the house, and as a result, the family had to find another place to live.
• Because the alarm was not set, we were late for work.
• The moon has gravitational pull, consequently the oceans have tides.
• Since school was canceled, we went to the mall.
• John made a rude comment, so Elise hit him.
• When the ocean is extremely polluted, coral reefs die.
• The meal we ordered was cheaper than expected, so we ordered dessert.
• Since helium rises, a helium balloon floats.
• There has been an increase in greenhouse gases, therefore global warming is happening.
• Betty completed each task perfectly, therefore she was promoted.
• Some believe dinosaurs died out because a large meteor hit the earth.
• I had to get the mop since I spilled my juice.