Owing to the delay…: cause and result in formal writing
Explain causes and results: owing to, given that, consequently, hence, thereby
What you'll be able to do
Explain causes and results clearly in reports, emails and essays.
The idea
| Followed by | Cause | Result or purpose |
|---|---|---|
| a noun or -ing | due to, owing to, because of, as a result of | |
| a clause | because, as, since, given that | so, so that (purpose) |
| a new sentence | Consequently, As a result, Therefore | |
| a noun phrase | hence | |
| -ing | thereby, thus |
- Owing to the strike, all flights were cancelled.owing to + noun
- Given that sales are falling, we need a new plan.given that + clause
- Prices rose sharply; consequently, demand fell.a new clause after a semicolon
- The company cut costs, thereby avoiding job losses.thereby + -ing
- due to is safest after be: The delay was due to fog. At the start of a sentence, owing to or because of is the careful choice; some writers object to Due to the fog, ….
- hence + noun phrase is formal: The road was closed, hence the delay.
Common mistakes
Owing to it was raining, …→ Owing to the rain, … or Because it was raining, …Consequently of the strike, …→ As a result of the strike, …due the fog→ due to the fog
Practice
- The match was cancelled _____ the heavy rain.Options: because of · because · consequently
Show the answer
because of — A noun after it: because of.
- _____ the economy is slowing, we should be careful.Options: Given that · Owing to · Due to
Show the answer
Given that — A full clause after it: given that.
- The road was closed, _____ the long delay.Options: hence · therefore · consequently
Show the answer
hence — Hence + noun phrase: formal.
- The delay was due _____ a technical fault.
Show the answer
to — Due to + noun.
- Sales fell sharply. As a _____, several shops closed.
Show the answer
result — As a result: a new sentence.
In the app, this lesson is taught one idea at a time with the examples read aloud, then practised with questions you answer by choosing or typing. It comes back for review on later days, until you can use it without help.
More on this topic: Linking words: although, despite, however, whereas