Representing when, where, how and why

Representing why

page 5 of 5

Using prepositional phrases

The simplest way to express reason is to use a subordinate clause with because:

I love you because you understand me. (Song)

Care should be taken when a prepositional phrase is used to express reason, as the preposition typically needs to be followed by a noun group , a nominal -ing clause, or a nominal wh-clause, ie a clause that performs the function of a noun:

Many died due to the lack of nutritional food.(Bank of English)

300 mainly young people die as a result of using illegal drugs each year. (Bank of English)

I don't like my mum smoking because of what happened to my dad.
(Bank of English)

Prepositions commonly used in this way include:

as a result of        because of         due to     on account of           out of            owing to     thanks to           through

 Introduction
 Using adverbial clauses beginning with because
 Choosing between because and it is because
 Choosing between it is because and this is because
 Using prepositional phrases