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Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English Grammar – Rules, Examples and Exercises
Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English
Have you ever wondered why we say “because of the rain” instead of just “the rain”? Or why we use “for the sake of” when we talk about purpose? These small but powerful words are called prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose in English. They help us show the why behind an action, event, or situation.
If you’ve ever asked yourself:
- “What are prepositions of cause and reason in English?”
- “How do I use them correctly in sentences?”
- “Can you give me simple examples of prepositions of purpose?”
…then you are in the right place. This guide will explain everything in clear, simple steps.
Why This Topic Matters for Learners
Prepositions may look like short, simple words, but they carry a lot of meaning. Using the right preposition changes the clarity of your sentence. For example:
- She was absent because of illness. (cause)
- He succeeded through hard work. (reason)
- This gift is for you. (purpose)
Without these prepositions, sentences often sound broken, unclear, or incomplete. According to Cambridge Dictionary and Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, prepositions are essential because they connect words and explain relationships. Here, the relationship is about cause, reason, and purpose.
What You Will Learn in This Blog
By the end of this blog, you will:
- Understand the meaning of prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose in English.
- See real-life examples that make learning easy.
- Learn when and how to use them in daily conversations, writing, and exams.
- Practice with fill-in-the-blank exercises and check your answers.
- Clear up common mistakes most learners make.
So, let’s begin our journey into one of the most practical and useful grammar topics in English. Once you master these prepositions, your sentences will sound more natural, logical, and confident.
Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English – Explanation and Overview
To understand English deeply, we must know why things happen (cause), what motivates them (reason), and what they are meant for (purpose). Prepositions help us show these connections clearly.
What Are Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose?
A preposition of cause, reason, or purpose is a short word or phrase that links an action or situation to its explanation. It answers questions like:
- Why did this happen? (cause)
- What was the reason for it? (reason)
- What is the purpose of it? (purpose)
These prepositions create logical flow in sentences. Without them, communication becomes unclear.
For example:
- Cause: The match was canceled because of the heavy rain.
- Reason: She was praised for her honesty.
- Purpose: He works hard in order to support his family.
Notice how each preposition connects the action to the “why.”
Prepositions of Cause in English
Cause explains the direct reason something happens. Common prepositions of cause include:
- because of
- due to
- on account of
- owing to
- from
Examples:
- The streets were flooded because of heavy rainfall.
- His delay was due to traffic.
- Many accidents happen from carelessness.
These prepositions point to the cause that triggers an event.
Prepositions of Reason in English
Reason explains the grounds or justification for an action. Common prepositions of reason include:
- for
- through
- with
- out of
Examples:
- She was fined for breaking the rules.
- He succeeded through determination.
- They acted out of kindness.
These show the reason or motivation behind an action.
Prepositions of Purpose in English
Purpose explains the goal or aim behind something. Common prepositions of purpose include:
- for
- for the sake of
- for the purpose of
- in order to
- with a view to
Examples:
- This room is reserved for meetings.
- He left early for the sake of his health.
- She studies hard in order to achieve success.
These prepositions focus on the intention or objective.
Why These Three Are Often Confused
Many learners mix up cause, reason, and purpose because they all answer the question “why.” However, their focus is slightly different:
- Cause = What makes something happen (external factor).
- Reason = Why someone does something (justification).
- Purpose = What goal the action is aiming at (future intention).
Think of it like this:
- Cause → past or present situation (The noise was canceled because of complaints.)
- Reason → explanation of behavior (She was rewarded for her efforts.)
- Purpose → future aim (He joined the class to improve English.)
Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English – 10 Common Real-Life Examples
Learning grammar is easier when we connect it to real life situations. Prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose appear everywhere—in classrooms, workplaces, conversations, and even on social media. Let’s explore 10 practical examples that show how these prepositions are used naturally.
1. Cause – Because of
The school was closed because of heavy snowfall.
👉 Here, “because of” explains the direct cause of the closure.
2. Cause – Due to
Her success was due to her hard work and discipline.
👉 “Due to” highlights the cause behind her success.
3. Cause – Owing to
The flight was delayed owing to bad weather conditions.
👉 “Owing to” works the same way as “because of.”
4. Reason – For
He was admired for his honesty and courage.
👉 “For” introduces the reason someone is admired.
5. Reason – Through
They achieved victory through teamwork and cooperation.
👉 “Through” explains the reason or means for success.
6. Reason – Out of
She donated money out of kindness.
👉 “Out of” shows the reason behind her action.
7. Reason – With
He acted with good intentions.
👉 “With” expresses the reason or attitude in which the action was carried out.
8. Purpose – For
This bag is designed for carrying books.
👉 “For” here explains the purpose of the bag.
9. Purpose – For the sake of
He quit smoking for the sake of his children.
👉 “For the sake of” expresses a purpose connected to benefit.
10. Purpose – In order to
She studies every night in order to improve her English skills.
👉 “In order to” shows the goal or purpose of her study.
Quick Recap Table
| Type | Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | because of | The game was canceled because of rain. |
| Cause | due to | His failure was due to carelessness. |
| Cause | owing to | The delay was owing to heavy traffic. |
| Reason | for | She was punished for being late. |
| Reason | through | He achieved success through effort. |
| Reason | out of | She smiled out of joy. |
| Reason | with | He spoke with confidence. |
| Purpose | for | This tool is used for cutting wood. |
| Purpose | for the sake of | She worked hard for the sake of her family. |
| Purpose | in order to | He studied in order to pass the test. |
👉 As you can see, these examples are not only about grammar—they’re about everyday life. When you master these prepositions, your English will sound clearer, more natural, and more professional.
When to Use Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English – All the Key Situations
Prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose in English are not just random words. They appear in specific contexts. Understanding these contexts will help you decide which preposition fits best in your sentence. Let’s look at all the key situations one by one.
✅ When to Use Prepositions of Cause
You use prepositions of cause when you want to show the direct factor or condition that led to something.
Situations include:
- Explaining natural events:
- The match was canceled because of rain.
- Talking about delays, problems, or accidents:
- The train was late due to technical issues.
- Describing health conditions:
- She couldn’t attend class owing to illness.
- Giving the cause of feelings or reactions:
- He trembled from fear.
✅ When to Use Prepositions of Reason
You use prepositions of reason when you want to explain the justification or grounds for an action.
Situations include:
- Explaining why someone is rewarded or punished:
- She was rewarded for her honesty.
- He was fined for speeding.
- Showing the method or means:
- He succeeded through determination.
- Describing motivations:
- They acted out of kindness.
- Showing emotional or mental states:
- He worked with passion.
✅ When to Use Prepositions of Purpose
You use prepositions of purpose when you want to show the goal or aim of an action.
Situations include:
- Explaining why something is made or used:
- This knife is used for cutting vegetables.
- Showing the aim of a decision or action:
- He left early for the sake of his health.
- Expressing future intentions:
- She studies hard in order to get a scholarship.
- Highlighting a goal in professional or academic contexts:
- The campaign was launched for the purpose of spreading awareness.
- Talking about planning or long-term goals:
- He saved money with a view to buying a house.
Quick Visual Guide
- Cause = the external factor (past or present): The accident happened because of fog.
- Reason = the justification (often linked to a person’s choice): She was praised for her courage.
- Purpose = the goal (future aim or intention): He joined the course to improve English.
👉 By identifying whether you are talking about what happened, why it happened, or what it aims to achieve, you’ll know whether to use a cause, reason, or purpose preposition.
Conjugation Rules for Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English
Many learners get confused about what verb form should follow a preposition. The rule is simple:
- After most prepositions, we use a noun, pronoun, or gerund (verb + ing).
- After certain purpose expressions like “in order to” or “to”, we use the base form of the verb (infinitive).
Let’s see the rules clearly.
🔹 Rule 1: Prepositions of Cause + Noun / Gerund
- because of + noun / gerund
- due to + noun / gerund
- owing to + noun / gerund
✅ Examples:
- The concert was canceled because of rain. (noun)
- The flight was delayed due to heavy traffic. (noun)
- He was absent owing to feeling sick. (gerund)
👉 Always remember: we do not use a full clause (subject + verb) directly after these prepositions.
❌ Wrong: The match was canceled because of it rained.
✅ Correct: The match was canceled because it rained.
✅ Correct: The match was canceled because of rain.
🔹 Rule 2: Prepositions of Reason + Noun / Gerund
- for + noun / gerund
- through + noun / gerund
- out of + noun
- with + noun
✅ Examples:
- She was punished for lying. (gerund)
- He succeeded through working hard. (gerund)
- She donated money out of kindness. (noun)
- He acted with courage. (noun)
🔹 Rule 3: Prepositions of Purpose + Noun / Infinitive
Purpose prepositions are a little different because they can use both nouns and infinitives.
- for + noun / gerund
- for the sake of + noun / gerund
- for the purpose of + gerund
- in order to + base verb
- to + base verb
- with a view to + gerund
✅ Examples:
- This room is reserved for meetings. (noun)
- He quit smoking for the sake of his health. (noun)
- The campaign was launched for the purpose of raising awareness. (gerund)
- She studied hard in order to pass the exam. (base verb)
- He worked overtime to finish the project. (base verb)
- He saved money with a view to buying a house. (gerund)
🔹 Rule 4: Matching Verb Forms for Tense Consistency
When using these prepositions, the verb tense in the main clause should match the context:
| Context | Main Clause Verb | Preposition + Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Past cause | Past tense | Preposition + noun/gerund | The meeting was canceled because of a strike. |
| Present reason | Present tense | Preposition + noun/gerund | She is admired for being honest. |
| Future purpose | Future tense / modal + infinitive | Preposition + infinitive | He will study in order to succeed. |
🔹 Rule 5: Avoiding Redundancy
Do not mix a cause preposition with a full clause.
❌ Wrong: She was late due to she missed the bus.
✅ Correct: She was late due to missing the bus.
✅ Correct: She was late because she missed the bus.
Quick Reference Table
| Type | Prepositions | Verb Form Used | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | because of, due to, owing to | noun / gerund | The delay was due to rain. |
| Reason | for, through, out of, with | noun / gerund | He was fined for speeding. |
| Purpose | for, for the sake of, for the purpose of | noun / gerund | This tool is used for cutting. |
| Purpose | in order to, to | base verb (infinitive) | She studied to pass. |
| Purpose | with a view to | gerund | He trained with a view to winning. |
👉 These rules show that while prepositions themselves do not conjugate, the verb forms that follow them matter a lot. Knowing which form to use makes your English sound smooth and accurate.
Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English – Grammar Rules You Need to Know
Prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose in English may look simple, but many learners use them incorrectly. To avoid mistakes, you must know some clear grammar rules.
🔹 Rule 1: Prepositions Always Link to a Noun or Gerund
A preposition must always be followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing form).
- ✅ Correct: She stayed home because of the rain. (noun)
- ✅ Correct: She stayed home because of feeling unwell. (gerund)
- ❌ Wrong: She stayed home because of she was sick.
👉 If you want to use a full sentence, drop the preposition and use “because + clause.”
🔹 Rule 2: “Because of,” “Due to,” and “Owing to” Are Formal Alternatives
These three expressions are used to introduce causes.
- The train was late because of traffic.
- The train was late due to traffic.
- The train was late owing to traffic.
👉 All three are correct, but “because of” is more common in everyday English, while “due to” and “owing to” sound slightly more formal.
🔹 Rule 3: Use “For” to Show Reason or Purpose – Context Decides
The preposition for can show both reason and purpose.
- Reason: He was praised for his honesty.
- Purpose: This bottle is used for water.
👉 Pay attention to the context. If it explains why, it’s reason. If it explains what for, it’s purpose.
🔹 Rule 4: Use Infinitives with “to” or “in order to” for Purpose
When expressing purpose, English often uses the infinitive form of the verb.
- He studies hard to pass his exam.
- She works two jobs in order to support her family.
👉 Remember: in order to is more formal and emphasizes the goal more clearly.
🔹 Rule 5: “Out of” Shows Emotional or Natural Motivation
The phrase out of + noun explains the natural reason behind an action.
- She helped him out of kindness.
- He shouted out of fear.
👉 This structure is often linked with emotions and feelings.
🔹 Rule 6: “With” Expresses Attitude or Quality
When followed by a noun, with shows the quality or manner in which something is done.
- He spoke with confidence.
- She acted with kindness.
👉 Think of it as describing the “reason mood” behind the action.
🔹 Rule 7: Formal Purpose Expressions Use Gerunds
Expressions like for the sake of, for the purpose of, and with a view to are followed by gerunds.
- He moved to the countryside for the sake of living peacefully.
- The seminar was organized for the purpose of educating students.
- She enrolled in a course with a view to improving her skills.
🔹 Rule 8: Don’t Confuse Cause, Reason, and Purpose
Although they all answer why, their meanings differ:
- Cause = external event → The game was canceled because of rain.
- Reason = explanation or motivation → She was punished for breaking rules.
- Purpose = intended goal → He left early to catch the train.
👉 A quick check: If it explains a past event → cause. If it explains behavior → reason. If it explains a goal → purpose.
🔹 Rule 9: Place the Preposition Carefully in Sentences
Prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose usually appear before the noun phrase or gerund. Do not split them awkwardly.
- ✅ Correct: The accident happened because of speeding.
- ❌ Wrong: The accident happened speeding because of.
🔹 Rule 10: Be Consistent with Formality in Writing
- Use because of and for in everyday speech and writing.
- Use due to, owing to, for the sake of, or for the purpose of in formal contexts (academic writing, reports, professional communication).
👉 These grammar rules may feel small, but they make a big difference in clarity, accuracy, and natural flow when speaking or writing English.
Important Tips for Using Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English Correctly
Prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose in English may look simple, but many learners struggle with them. A single wrong choice can confuse the meaning of your sentence. Here are some practical tips and insights that will help you use them like a native speaker.
🔹 Tip 1: Don’t Mix “Because” and “Because of”
- Because → followed by a clause (subject + verb).
- Because of → followed by a noun or gerund.
✅ Correct: He was absent because he was sick.
✅ Correct: He was absent because of illness.
❌ Wrong: He was absent because of he was sick.
🔹 Tip 2: Use “Due to” and “Owing to” in Formal Contexts
While because of works everywhere, due to and owing to sound slightly more formal. They are common in business writing, academic papers, and news reports.
✅ The flight was delayed due to technical problems.
✅ The event was canceled owing to heavy rain.
🔹 Tip 3: Check If It’s a Reason or a Purpose
Learners often confuse these two:
- Reason: Explains why something happened.
- She was fined for breaking the rules.
- Purpose: Explains the aim of an action.
- She saved money for a new phone.
👉 Quick check: If it looks back at what caused it → Reason. If it looks forward to what will happen → Purpose.
🔹 Tip 4: Remember the Emotional Side of “Out of”
The phrase out of often links to emotions or natural motivations.
- She smiled out of happiness.
- He helped his friend out of pity.
👉 If you want to show someone’s inner motivation, “out of” is your go-to choice.
🔹 Tip 5: Use “With” for Manner and Attitude
The preposition with highlights the manner, quality, or feeling behind an action.
- She spoke with confidence.
- He fought with courage.
👉 This adds depth to your expression, showing not just what happened, but how.
🔹 Tip 6: Infinitive = Purpose
When you want to express purpose in English, the infinitive (to + verb) is the simplest and most natural choice.
- He studied hard to pass the exam.
- She left early to meet her friend.
👉 If you need to sound more formal, you can use “in order to.”
🔹 Tip 7: Watch Out for Common Collocations
Some prepositions are used naturally with certain nouns. For example:
- Due to circumstances (not “because of circumstances” in formal writing).
- For the sake of peace (not “because of peace”).
- With a view to improving (not “to improving”).
👉 Reading examples in dictionaries like Cambridge or Merriam-Webster will help you notice these collocations.
🔹 Tip 8: Keep Sentences Clear and Concise
Avoid overloading your sentence with too many prepositions.
❌ Wrong: He left early because of for the sake of his job.
✅ Correct: He left early for the sake of his job.
🔹 Tip 9: Practice by Replacing Prepositions
To avoid confusion, practice switching between alternatives:
- The match was canceled because of rain.
- The match was canceled due to rain.
- The match was canceled owing to rain.
👉 Same meaning, different styles.
🔹 Tip 10: Learn by Listening and Reading
Native speakers use these prepositions naturally in daily speech, books, news, and movies. Pay attention to patterns like:
- “Schools were shut down owing to the storm.” (BBC News)
- “She worked hard to achieve her dream.” (novels, films, daily conversation)
👉 Exposure builds instinct, making grammar automatic instead of forced.
✅ These expert tips will help you use prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose correctly, without hesitation.
Common Mistakes with Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English and How to Fix Them
Even advanced learners often make errors with prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose in English. These mistakes happen because many prepositions sound similar or because translations from other languages do not match English usage. Let’s look at the most frequent errors and how to correct them.
❌ Mistake 1: Using “because of” with a full sentence
- Wrong: She was late because of she missed the bus.
- Correct: She was late because she missed the bus.
- Correct: She was late because of missing the bus.
👉 Fix: Use “because” before a clause (subject + verb). Use “because of” before a noun or gerund.
❌ Mistake 2: Mixing “for” as reason and purpose incorrectly
- Wrong: She was punished for to break the rule.
- Correct: She was punished for breaking the rule. (reason)
- Correct: This box is used for storing clothes. (purpose)
👉 Fix: Use for + noun/gerund correctly. Do not mix it with infinitives.
❌ Mistake 3: Adding extra prepositions
- Wrong: The match was canceled because of due to rain.
- Correct: The match was canceled because of rain.
- Correct: The match was canceled due to rain.
👉 Fix: Choose one preposition, not two.
❌ Mistake 4: Using infinitive after “with a view to”
- Wrong: She joined a course with a view to improve English.
- Correct: She joined a course with a view to improving English.
👉 Fix: After “with a view to,” always use a gerund (-ing).
❌ Mistake 5: Using “because” instead of “because of” for nouns
- Wrong: The school was closed because rain.
- Correct: The school was closed because of rain.
👉 Fix: Remember, “because” needs a subject + verb, while “because of” needs a noun/gerund.
❌ Mistake 6: Using “due to” without a linking verb
- Wrong: Due to the rain, the match canceled.
- Correct: The match was canceled due to the rain.
👉 Fix: “Due to” often follows a linking verb like be, seem, appear.
❌ Mistake 7: Confusing reason and purpose with “for”
- Wrong: He left early for catch the bus.
- Correct: He left early to catch the bus. (purpose)
- Correct: He was punished for being late. (reason)
👉 Fix: For purpose, use to + verb. For reason, use for + gerund/noun.
❌ Mistake 8: Overusing “in order to” in casual speech
- Wrong (too heavy): I woke up early in order to go jogging.
- Correct (natural): I woke up early to go jogging.
👉 Fix: Use “in order to” for formal situations. Use “to” in daily conversation.
❌ Mistake 9: Translating directly from native language
Many learners directly translate structures from their own language, which creates unnatural sentences. For example:
- Wrong: She did this because love.
- Correct: She did this out of love.
👉 Fix: Learn set expressions like out of love, out of fear, for the sake of, etc.
❌ Mistake 10: Forgetting that some prepositions require nouns only
- Wrong: She spoke confidently with she believed in herself.
- Correct: She spoke confidently with belief in herself.
👉 Fix: Prepositions cannot be followed by a full clause. Always use a noun, pronoun, or gerund.
✅ By noticing and fixing these mistakes, you’ll avoid the most common errors learners make and your sentences will sound smoother and more professional.
Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English Example Sentences
🔹 10 Example Sentences with Prepositions of Cause
- The flight was delayed because of heavy rain.
- He failed the exam due to lack of preparation.
- The road was closed owing to construction work.
- The baby cried because of hunger.
- The electricity went off due to a power failure.
- His hands were shaking from nervousness.
- Many trees fell because of strong winds.
- She was absent from school owing to illness.
- The game was canceled due to storm warnings.
- He lost his job because of repeated mistakes.
🔹 10 Example Sentences with Prepositions of Reason
- She was praised for her honesty.
- He was fined for breaking the traffic rules.
- They won the match through teamwork.
- She donated money out of kindness.
- He shouted loudly with anger.
- The company succeeded through strong leadership.
- The teacher scolded him for being late.
- She cried out of frustration.
- He acted with confidence.
- The workers were rewarded for completing the project early.
🔹 10 Example Sentences with Prepositions of Purpose
- This tool is used for cutting wood.
- She studied hard to pass the exam.
- He went abroad in order to continue his studies.
- The campaign was launched for the purpose of spreading awareness.
- He sacrificed his comfort for the sake of his family.
- They met to discuss the new project.
- She took notes in order to remember the lecture.
- This hall is reserved for meetings.
- He trained daily with a view to winning the competition.
- The medicine was prescribed for reducing pain.
👉 Together, these 30 sentences show exactly how prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose in English work in daily life, academic writing, and professional contexts.
Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise- Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English
Instructions: Fill each blank with the correct preposition from the list below.
Preposition List: because of, due to, owing to, from, for, through, out of, with, for the sake of, for the purpose of, in order to, to, with a view to
- The flight was canceled _______ heavy fog.
- He lost his balance _______ the slippery floor.
- The shop was closed _______ staff shortage.
- The baby cried loudly _______ hunger.
- The picnic was postponed _______ rain.
- The accident happened _______ careless driving.
- She was praised _______ her honesty.
- He achieved success _______ hard work.
- She donated food to the NGO _______ compassion.
- The teacher punished him _______ being late.
- He smiled warmly _______ joy.
- The team won the competition _______ their unity.
- She acted _______ courage and strength.
- This knife is used _______ cutting bread.
- She studied every night _______ pass the exam.
- He went abroad _______ continue his education.
- They launched a campaign _______ spreading awareness.
- He quit smoking _______ his children’s health.
- She joined the course _______ improving her English.
- He saved money _______ buy a new house.
Check Your Answers – Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English
- The flight was canceled because of heavy fog.
- He lost his balance owing to the slippery floor.
- The shop was closed due to staff shortage.
- The baby cried loudly from hunger.
- The picnic was postponed because of rain.
- The accident happened from careless driving.
- She was praised for her honesty.
- He achieved success through hard work.
- She donated food to the poor out of compassion.
- The teacher punished him for being late.
- He smiled warmly out of joy.
- The team won the competition through their unity.
- She acted with courage and strength.
- This knife is used for cutting bread.
- She studied every night to pass the exam.
- He went abroad in order to continue his education.
- They launched a campaign for the purpose of spreading awareness.
- He quit smoking for the sake of his children’s health.
- She joined the course with a view to improving her English.
- He saved money to buy a new house.
Frequently Asked Questions- Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English
1. What is a preposition of cause, reason, or purpose?
Answer:
A preposition of cause, reason, or purpose is a word or phrase that links an action or event to why it happened (cause/reason) or what idea or goal it serves (purpose). In English, these prepositions help explain why something occurs, what motivates someone, or what goal an action intends.
- Cause / Reason describes what brings about the event.
Example: The concert was canceled because of rain. - Purpose describes the aim or goal behind an action.
Example: She studies hard in order to succeed.
These prepositions answer questions like “Why?” or “What for?”
They are common in both spoken and written English, helping speakers connect ideas logically and clearly.
2. Which prepositions are used for cause, which for reason, and which for purpose?
Answer:
Here are common prepositions in each category, with usage notes:
| Type | Common Prepositions | Notes / Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | because of, due to, owing to, from | These point to the external factor or situation that triggered something. |
| Reason | for, through, out of, with | These explain why someone does something (motivation or justification). |
| Purpose | for, for the sake of, for the purpose of, in order to, to, with a view to | These express what the action aims to do. |
Examples:
- Cause: The project failed because of budget cuts.
- Reason: He was admired for his integrity.
- Purpose: She attended the seminar to learn new skills.
Note: Some prepositions overlap (e.g. “for” can be reason or purpose—context determines meaning).
3. How do I know whether to use “because of,” “due to,” or “owing to”?
Answer:
These three are often used almost interchangeably, but there are small differences in tone and structure:
- because of — most common in both spoken and written English
They canceled the picnic because of the storm. - due to — more formal, often used in writing or formal reports
The delay was due to technical problems. - owing to — formal and somewhat literary, less common in casual speech
The event was postponed owing to unforeseen circumstances.
Structure tip:
- “because of” can follow any verb.
- “due to” and “owing to” often follow linking verbs (e.g. be, seem).
The cancellation was due to rain.
His absence was owing to illness.
In many casual contexts, “because of” is safest and most natural.
4. Can “for” show both reason and purpose? How do I tell the difference?
Answer:
Yes—“for” is flexible and can show either reason or purpose. The meaning depends on context and what comes after it (noun/gerund or infinitive).
As reason:
- It answers “why?”
- Usually followed by a noun or gerund.
- Example: She was praised for her honesty.
- Example: He was punished for being late.
As purpose:
- It answers “what for?”
- Often followed by a noun or gerund, especially for objects or actions.
- Example: This cup is for tea.
- Example: The class is for learning grammar.
Comparison:
- He works for money. (reason)
- He bought this notebook for writing notes. (purpose)
If you see “for + noun/gerund,” decide whether it describes motivation (reason) or goal (purpose) from the meaning of the sentence.
5. When should I use “in order to” vs. “to” for purpose?
Answer:
Both “in order to” and “to” are used to express purpose, but their tone and strength differ.
- in order to — more formal, emphasises the goal
She practiced daily in order to become fluent. - to — simpler, more commonly used in speech
She practiced daily to become fluent.
You can use them almost interchangeably in many cases, but in formal writing or to emphasize intention, “in order to” adds clarity.
Example comparison:
- He studied to improve his grades.
- He studied in order to improve his grades.
If your sentence already has adverbs or modifiers, “in order to” can help keep clarity.
6. Why do we say “out of kindness,” “out of fear,” or “out of curiosity”?
Answer:
The phrase “out of + noun” is used to show emotional motivation or natural impulse—why someone feels compelled to act, rather than logical or external causes.
- She helped him out of kindness.
- He spoke loudly out of frustration.
- They explored the forest out of curiosity.
In these sentences, the motivation is internal—driven by feeling or impulse. “Out of” suits these emotional, less logical motivations.
It’s different from “because of,” which refers to external cause.
- Wrong: She helped him because of kindness.
- Better: She helped him out of kindness.
7. Can I place these prepositions at the end of a sentence (preposition stranding)? Is it correct?
Answer:
Yes—English allows preposition stranding, meaning a preposition may appear at the end of a clause or question. This is common and natural in many spoken and written English forms. (This is discussed in linguistics under preposition stranding). Wikipedia
Examples:
- What did she leave because of?
- Who did you help out of?
While formal grammar advice sometimes discourages ending with a preposition, in modern English it’s not wrong, especially in conversational or informal writing. Choose clarity and natural flow over forcing a structure.
8. Why is “due to” sometimes considered incorrect when used like “because of”?
Answer:
“Due to” is sometimes criticized when it’s used in a place where a noun-based clause should follow (because “due to” was historically tied to linking verbs). In such cases, grammar purists argue that “because of” is more appropriate.
For example:
- ❌ Due to heavy rain, the match was canceled.
- ✅ The match was canceled because of heavy rain.
- ✅ The cancellation was due to heavy rain.
In the second correct “due to” sentence, the preposition follows the linking verb “was.”
In casual modern use, many speakers and writers use “due to” more freely.
When in doubt, use “because of”—it’s safer and more widely accepted.
9. Are “for the sake of,” “for the purpose of,” and “with a view to” the same?
Answer:
They are similar in meaning—they all express purpose or intention—but they differ slightly in tone and idiomatic usage.
- for the sake of — to benefit someone or something or achieve a positive outcome
She moved to the countryside for the sake of her health. - for the purpose of — more formal, used in formal writing
The workshop was organized for the purpose of educating youth. - with a view to — often used in planning or long-term goals
They invested in training with a view to expanding the business.
Though they overlap, your choice depends on formality, emphasis, or idiomatic habit.
10. Can we say “because to” or “due to to” for purpose?
Answer:
No—those forms are incorrect. You cannot combine cause prepositions (like “because of,” “due to”) with infinitive “to” to express purpose.
- ❌ He left early because to avoid traffic.
- ❌ They postponed the event due to to weather conditions.
Instead, use a correct purpose structure:
- He left early to avoid traffic. (infinitive for purpose)
- They postponed the event because of weather conditions. (cause)
Mixing these forms leads to confusion and grammatical error.
11. When do we use a gerund (-ing form) after these prepositions?
Answer:
Gerunds are very common after prepositions of cause, reason, and some purpose expressions. After a preposition, English requires a noun or noun-equivalent (gerund acts as a noun).
Examples:
- The best plan failed because of failing to prepare.
- He was punished for arriving late.
- They practiced for winning the competition.
- She volunteered with a view to improving the community.
But when using pure infinitives in purpose (e.g. “to do something” or “in order to do something”), the infinitive form is correct, not gerund.
12. Can we drop “in order” and just say “to” in all cases?
Answer:
In most casual and formal English, yes—you often can drop “in order” and just use “to + verb” to express purpose. It’s shorter, natural, and correct:
- She left early to catch the bus.
- He studies to improve his skills.
Use “in order to” when you want to emphasize the intention or in more formal contexts:
- He exercises in order to maintain good health.
So, while both are correct, “to + verb” is more common and lighter.
13. How do we express negative purpose or intention (i.e. “in order not to”)?
Answer:
To express that someone does not want or intend something, we use “in order not to” or the negative infinitive “not to”:
- She arrived early in order not to miss the meeting.
- He studied hard not to fail the exam.
- They lowered prices in order not to lose customers.
You can often also say:
- She arrived early so as not to miss the meeting.
- He studied hard so as not to fail.
Note: “for not to” or “because not to” are incorrect.
14. Are “because,” “because of,” and “due to” interchangeable with clauses?
Answer:
They are related but follow different grammar patterns:
- because — used with a clause (subject + verb)
She stayed home because it was raining. - because of — used with a noun or gerund
She stayed home because of the rain. - due to — often used after linking verbs, sometimes interchangeable with “because of”
The delay was due to rain.
You cannot freely swap them without adjusting the structure.
Wrong: She stayed home because of it was raining.
Better: She stayed home because it was raining.
15. Does every “why” question correspond to cause, reason, or purpose?
Answer:
Mostly yes—but with a nuance:
- If the answer describes what made something happen, it’s about cause.
Why was the dinner canceled? → It was canceled because of a power outage. - If the answer describes motivation or justification, it’s about reason.
Why did she help him? → She helped him out of compassion. - If the answer describes the goal or intention, it’s about purpose.
Why is he saving money? → He is saving money in order to buy a house.
Sometimes a “why” answer can include both reason and purpose:
She worked overtime for extra pay in order to support her family.
So yes, “why” is the umbrella question, but your answer category depends on the nuance.
16. Can I use “through” to express cause, reason, or purpose?
Answer:
Yes—though it’s more often used to show means or reason (how something is achieved):
Reason / Means:
- He succeeded through persistence.
- They learned the language through practice.
It is not commonly used to express purpose. For purpose, “to,” “in order to,” or “for the purpose of” are more natural.
Use “through” when showing how something happens or the mechanism behind an outcome.
17. Why is “with” used in sentences like “with courage,” “with hope,” etc.?
Answer:
In those sentences, “with” shows the attitude, manner, or quality accompanying an action—often aligned with reason or emotional context.
- She faced danger with bravery.
- He spoke with confidence.
- They acted with kindness.
It doesn’t usually express purpose or strict cause, but it shows how or why someone does something emotionally or in spirit.
18. Can I stack prepositions (combine more than one) for nuance?
Answer:
Yes—but carefully. You can sometimes use cause + purpose combinations or reason + purpose in one sentence. Use them only when clarity demands nuance.
Examples:
- They saved money for emergencies as well as for the purpose of traveling.
- He studied hard because of peer pressure and in order to gain approval.
But avoid awkward stacking like:
❌ He left due to to avoid traffic.
Always ensure each prepositional phrase has its object and meaning is clear.
19. How do prepositions of purpose change in negative or question forms?
Answer:
They usually remain the same form, with small changes in verb forms or word order.
For negative:
- She paused in order not to make a mistake.
- He left early so as not to be late.
- They acted to not offend anyone.
For questions:
- Why did you come to help us?
- What did she study in order to achieve?
- Why did they invest for the sake of community growth?
The preposition stays; only the verb or structure around it may shift for question or negative form.
20. How can I practice using these prepositions correctly?
Answer:
Here are effective strategies:
- Read widely — Newspapers, blogs, stories often use varied prepositions. Noting how writers use “because of,” “in order to,” etc., helps build instinct.
- Write daily — Try writing a few sentences each day using one or two target prepositions.
- Do fill-in-the-blank and transformation exercises like the ones in this blog.
- Speak or think out loud — When speaking English, consciously pick a preposition (cause vs reason vs purpose).
- Use authentic resources — Grammar guides (such as Cambridge, Oxford) and trusted ESL sites often show common usage patterns.
(For example, Cambridge and Oxford learner’s dictionaries offer example sentences for each preposition.)
Over time, with repeated exposure and usage, choosing the correct preposition will become automatic.
Key Takeaways: Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English
- Prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose in English explain why something happens or what goal it serves.
- Cause shows the factor that triggered an event.
- Common: because of, due to, owing to, from
- Example: The train was late because of traffic.
- Reason explains motivation, grounds, or justification.
- Common: for, through, out of, with
- Example: He was praised for his honesty.
- Purpose expresses the goal or intention of an action.
- Common: for, for the sake of, for the purpose of, in order to, to, with a view to
- Example: She studied hard in order to pass the exam.
- After prepositions, use a noun or gerund (verb + ing).
- Example: He was fined for breaking the rule.
- For purpose, use to + verb or in order to + verb.
- Example: He left early to catch the bus.
- Avoid mixing forms:
- ❌ Because of he was sick
- ✅ Because he was sick OR Because of illness
- “Out of” is used for emotional motivations.
- Example: She helped him out of kindness.
- Formality matters:
- Use because of, for in everyday speech.
- Use due to, owing to, for the purpose of in formal writing.
- Quick checks:
- If it describes a past event → Cause
- If it explains motivation → Reason
- If it shows a future aim → Purpose
👉 Mastering these prepositions will make your English sound clearer, more logical, and more natural in both speaking and writing.
Conclusion: Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose in English Grammar
Prepositions of cause, reason, and purpose in English are small but powerful words. They help us explain why something happens, what motivates an action, and what goal it serves. When used correctly, they make sentences clear, logical, and natural.
- Cause prepositions like because of, due to, and owing to connect actions to the events that triggered them.
- Reason prepositions like for, through, out of, and with explain the motivation or justification behind actions.
- Purpose prepositions like for, for the sake of, in order to, to, and with a view to highlight future aims and goals.
By practicing with real-life examples, exercises, and correcting common mistakes, you’ll be able to use these prepositions confidently in conversations, academic writing, and professional communication.
👉 Keep practicing daily. Notice how these prepositions appear in books, news, movies, and everyday speech. The more exposure you get, the more natural your English will sound.
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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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