Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English: Grammar Rules, Usage & Examples

Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English

Prepositions play a crucial role in English grammar as they help establish relationships between different elements in a sentence. Among them, prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose clarify why something happens, the reason behind an event, or the intention behind an action. Understanding their usage correctly enhances fluency and accuracy in writing and speaking.

Usage of Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose

1. Prepositions of Cause

Prepositions of cause explain why something happens. They indicate the factor that caused a particular outcome.

Common Prepositions of Cause:

• Because of
• Due to
• On account of
• Owing to

Examples:

1. The match was postponed because of the heavy rain.
2. She failed the test due to a lack of preparation.

2. Prepositions of Reason

Prepositions of reason indicate the reason behind an action. They explain why a particular situation exists.

Common Prepositions of Reason:

• For
• From
• Out of

Examples:

1. He was praised for his honesty.
2. She started crying out of frustration.

3. Prepositions of Purpose

Prepositions of purpose express the goal or aim of an action.

Common Prepositions of Purpose:

• For
• To
• With a view to

Examples:

1. She studies hard for a better future.
2. He left early to catch the train.

Situations Where Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose Are Used

1. Explaining consequences (e.g., “The flight was delayed because of bad weather.”)
2. Stating reasons behind actions (e.g., “She apologized for her mistake.”)
3. Indicating an emotional or physical reaction (e.g., “He shivered from cold.”)
4. Expressing motivations and intentions (e.g., “He works hard for success.”)
5. Providing justifications (e.g., “She was fined on account of reckless driving.”)

List of Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose with Example Sentences

More Example Sentences

1. She couldn’t attend the meeting because of an emergency.
2. The project was unsuccessful due to insufficient funding.
3. They were punished for breaking the rules.
4. He retired early on account of health issues.
5. She screamed out of fear.
6. The campaign was launched with a view to raising awareness.
7. He is respected for his contributions to science.
8. The doctor prescribed medicine for flu symptoms.
9. She skipped lunch owing to her busy schedule.
10. He studied abroad to gain international exposure.

Fill in the Blanks

1. The match was canceled ___ heavy rain.
2. He was awarded a medal ___ his bravery.
3. She left early ___ pick up her kids.
4. The school was closed ___ bad weather.
5. He donated money ___ kindness.
6. She was fined ___ reckless driving.
7. He started crying ___ frustration.
8. She took this job ___ a better future.
9. He trained hard ___ winning the championship.
10. The company shut down ___ financial losses.

Answers:

1. Because of
2. For
3. To
4. Due to
5. Out of
6. On account of
7. Out of
8. For
9. With a view to
10. Owing to

Things to Keep in Mind

• “Because of” vs. “Due to”: “Due to” is often followed by a noun, while “because of” is more flexible.
• “For” can indicate both reason and purpose, so its meaning depends on context.
• “Owing to” and “on account of” are formal and commonly used in written English.
• “To” always indicates purpose, while “from” often signifies the origin of a reason.
• Double-check preposition usage in formal writing, as incorrect usage can alter meaning.

Conclusion

Mastering prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose is essential for effective communication. These prepositions help clarify why actions happen and the intent behind them. By understanding their nuances and practicing their use, learners can improve their fluency and accuracy in English. Keep practicing with different examples to develop confidence in using these prepositions correctly!

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vikas kumar

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Vikas Kumar is a dedicated language educator, content creator, and digital entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of My Language Classes and The Curious Mind. With a strong focus on helping learners achieve fluency in English, Spanish, and Japanese, he has guided audiences worldwide through a diverse range of resources, including in-depth blog articles, engaging YouTube tutorials, and comprehensive Books.

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Driven by a mission to make high-quality education accessible to all, Vikas continues to expand his reach across multiple platforms, including YouTube, blogs, eBooks, and social media communities, inspiring thousands to learn, grow, and embrace lifelong learning.

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