Cause and Effect Transition Words in English: List with Examples

Clear writing often depends on showing the connection between reasons and results. Cause and effect transition words make these links visible by signaling why something happened and what followed. Without them, essays and reports can feel like a series of unrelated statements.

Categories of Cause and Effect Transition Words

Cause and effect transitions can be grouped based on how they show relationships: some indicate a direct cause leading to a result, while others highlight consequences or conditional outcomes.

Direct Cause → Effect

These words show a straightforward link between one idea and its outcome.

• Therefore
• Thus
• Hence
• Accordingly
• As
• A consequence
• For this reason

Examples:

• The government invested heavily in renewable energy. Therefore, carbon emissions began to decrease.
• The study was conducted under strict conditions. Thus, the results are considered reliable.
• Demand for housing increased sharply. Hence, property prices rose across the region.
• The new safety measures were ignored. Accordingly, the company faced legal consequences.

Result Indicators

These words emphasize the effect or outcome that follows from a cause.

• As a result
• Consequently
• In consequence
• So that
• In effect

Examples:

• The school extended its library hours. As a result, more students used the facility for study sessions.
• The factory reduced waste. Consequently, the local river showed signs of recovery.
• The team trained consistently. In consequence, their performance improved in the national league.
• The medication was not stored correctly. In effect, its strength was reduced.

Conditional Cause/Effect

These words suggest that one outcome depends on a certain condition.

• If…then
• Otherwise
• In that case
• Only if
• Provided that

Examples:

• If the demand continues to rise, then new facilities will need to be built.
• You must submit your essay on time; otherwise, it will not be graded.
• The evidence was incomplete. In that case, the report required further review.
• Students may retake the test provided that they attend extra classes.

Stronger/Emphatic Links

These transitions stress the weight or importance of the cause-effect relationship.

• Due to
• Because of this
• Owing to
• Thanks to
• For this reason
• In view of

Examples:

• The event was canceled due to severe weather conditions.
• The research was delayed, because of this, the final report came out late.
• The project succeeded thanks to the team’s dedication and planning.
• For this reason, early intervention programs are considered essential.
• Enrollment dropped significantly in view of the rising tuition fees.

Example Paragraphs with Cause and Effect Transitions

Academic Essay Example

The company failed to invest in modern technology. As a result, its competitors gained a significant advantage. Therefore, analysts predict a decline in market share unless changes are made quickly.

Analytical Report Example

The city introduced stricter recycling policies. Consequently, household waste was reduced by nearly 40%. In effect, the community saved both money and natural resources.

Argumentative Essay Example

Education funding has been uneven across regions. Because of this, schools in rural areas struggle to provide adequate facilities. Hence, many students face barriers that limit future opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though cause and effect transitions are straightforward, they can weaken writing if used incorrectly. Here are mistakes to watch for:

• Overusing one transition word: Relying only on therefore or as a result makes writing repetitive. Mix in alternatives like hence, consequently, or for this reason.
• Using informal connectors in formal writing: Words like so or and so are common in speech, but essays and reports sound stronger with formal options such as thus or accordingly.
• Forcing a cause-and-effect link: Not every idea has a direct cause or result. For example: “He was late. Therefore, he wore a blue shirt.” The link doesn’t make logical sense.
• Placing transitions in awkward positions: Cause and effect transitions usually work best at the start of a sentence. Mid-sentence placement can feel unnatural if not written carefully.
• Repeating transitions in the same paragraph: Using therefore in three consecutive sentences reduces impact. Instead, vary with as a consequence or in effect.

FAQs About Cause and Effect Transition Words