Cause and Effect, Opposition, and Condition Words

n this post, we are going to learn adverb clause words, transitions, conjunctions, and prepositions which express cause and effect, opposition, and condition. To make it easier for you to understand the subject, there are example sentences as well as an interactive exercise where you can practice and test your uderstanding. Happy learning.

	ADVERB CLAUSE WORDS	TRANSITIONS	CONJUNCTIONS	PREPOSITIONS
CAUSE & EFFECT	because since now that as as/so long as inasmuch as so (that)	therefore consequently	so for	because of due to
OPPOSITION / CONTRAST	even though although / though whereas while	nevertheless nonetheless however on the other hand	but (... anyway) yet (... still)	despite in spite of
CONDITION	if unless only if / even if whether or not provided (that) providing (that) in case (that) in the event (that)	otherwise	or (else)	in case of or (else)

1. He went to bed because he was sleepy. (Cause and effect)
2. Gold is expensive, whereas copper is cheap. (Opposition)
3. I’m going to the movie this evening whether or not it rains. (Condition)

1. It was hot. Therefore, he turned on the air condition. (Cause and effect)
2. It was raining. Nevertheless, he went out. (Opposition)
3. You’d better wear a jacket. Otherwise, you’ll catch cold. (Condition)

1. It was getting late, so we decided to go home. (Cause and effect)
2. It was getting late, yet we still continued working. (Opposition)
3. You should leave now, or (else) you’ll be late for school. (Condition)

1. The flight was canceled due to the heavy fog. (Cause and effect)
2. They went out despite the bad weather. (Opposition)
3. In case of fire, call 911 immediately. (Condition)

Do this exercise. Complete the sentences using one of the words listed in the above table.

1. Dina lives in the city, ... Rinda lives in the country.
2. The meeting was postponed ... the heavy rain.
3. ... I had a cold, I decided to go to school.
4. You’d better prepare for the test, ... you will fail again.
5. You forget the meaning of these words ... you never practice it.
6. Mastering English is just a matter of practice. ... you must practice a lot.
7. She kept riding her motorcycle ... the flat back tire.
8. I’m going to take my TV set ... it hasn’t been repaired.
9. Her father has told her to study. ... she is going to the movie.
10. Parents should supervise their children when watching TV. ... they may watch inappropriate programs.
11. He didn't get the job ... he didn't have enough experience.
12. He got the job ... he didn't have enough experience.
13. I'll lend you some money ... you really need it.
14. The music was loud ... you could hear it from miles away.
15. I couldn't sleep ... I was very tired.
16. ... it rained a lot, we enjoyed our vacation.
17. We went out ... the rain.
18. He passed the exam ... he was well-prepared.
19. I didn't get the job ... I had all the necessary qualifications.
20. ... fire, please leave the building as quickly as possible.