Linking Words of Reason and Result

because, since, as, therefore, consequently.

Examples

• It was late, so we left.

Key rules

• Because, since and as give a reason (as and since are formal)
• So, therefore and consequently show result
• So joins two clauses (It was late, so we left)
• Therefore and consequently are more formal and often start a sentence

Common mistakes

• Because it was late, so we left → Because it was late, we left
• It was late, because we left → It was late, so we left