Reasons and results with because and so

The idea

Because introduces the reason; so introduces the result. A starting because clause is normally followed by a comma.

Examples

• The path was muddy, so we took the road.
• I brought a lamp because the room was dark.
• Because the shop was closed, we went home.
• The kettle was empty, so I filled it.
• We stayed inside because the wind was strong.
• The bus was late, so the meeting started later.

Watch out

Do not use both words for the same link: say because it rained, we stayed in, without adding so.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct word. We went shopping ___ the fridge was empty. (because / so)

   Show answer or example answer

   because

   because: the empty fridge explains the shopping trip.

2. Choose the correct word. The train was cancelled, ___ we took a taxi. (because / so)

   Show answer or example answer

   so

   so: the result is taking a taxi.

3. Choose the correct word. We used the stairs ___ the lift was broken. (because / so)

   Show answer or example answer

   because

   because: the broken lift explains using the stairs.

Use it today

Write one reason and its result in two different orders.