Cause and Effect Language

Cause and effect language can be used to describe the relationship between actions or events that
lead to specific results. In English 9, this language should be used in your problem-solution text to
discuss the causes of a problem or the effects the problem may create.

Relationship: CAUSE → EFFECT

Noun or noun phrase Verb (shown in past tense) Noun or noun phrase
caused
resulted in
created
The heavy rain led to the flood.
contributed to
produced
was responsible for

Subordinate Conjunctions Noun or noun phrase + comma Independent Clause

Due to
As a result of
the heavy rain, there was a flood.
Because of
Owing to

Relationship: EFFECT → CAUSE

Noun or noun phrase Verb (shown in passive past tense) Noun or noun phrase
was caused by
was a result of
The flood was created by the heavy rain
was produced by
was an effect of

Independent Clause Subordinate Conjunctions Noun or noun phrase

due to
There was a flood because of the heavy rain.
as a result of
Independent Clause Subordinate Conjunctions Dependent Clause
because
There was a flood it rained.
seeing as
Task 1: Writing Sentences Using Cause and Effect Language
Match the causes to the effects. Then, write one sentence for each example using cause and effect
language. Use different language (verbs, subordinate conjunctions) for each example. You may
have to revise the language and the order of the information for the sentence to be grammatically
correct.

Causes Effects

Lack of quality public transportation options More theft and insecurity in urban areas

High unemployment rates Increased pollution in the earth’s atmosphere

Increases in the cost of student tuition Heavy traffic during rush hour

Burning of fossil fuels Protests and demonstrations at universities

1.

2.

3.

4.
Example of how to develop your “problem” by using cause and effect language.
Current Issue: Violence against community activists

Causes/Context:

1. Groups engaging in illegal economic activities, such as drug production and trafficking, not
wanting any interference in their business
2. The Colombian government not having sufficient control in rural areas of the country
3. A lack of protection for community activists and people who harm them rarely getting
caught

Effects/Problems:

1. More than 500 human rights defenders killed in Colombia since 2016
2. Community members feeling helpless and unsafe, leading to more internal displacement
as they move to other areas in the country
3. Absence of legal consequences for those committing crimes, encouraging further crimes

Three sentences with cause and effect language:

Due to the prevalence of groups engaging in illegal economic activities in rural parts of Colombia,
there has been more violence against community activists, including the murder of more than 500
human rights defenders since 2016.

Because of the violence caused by these groups, community members feel helpless and unsafe,
which leads to more internal displacement as they move to other areas in the country.

Additionally, the government not having control in these areas results in the increase of illegal
activity, such as drug production and trafficking.

Now write your own:

Current Issue:

Causes/Context:

1.
2.
3.

Effects/Problems:

1.
2.
3.

Three sentences with cause and effect language: