Adverbs of reason and purpose are essential components of English grammar, providing clarity and depth to our sentences. They explain why an action is performed, adding crucial context and making our communication more effective. Mastering these adverbs allows you to express your thoughts and ideas with greater precision, whether you’re writing a formal essay, crafting a compelling story, or simply engaging in everyday conversation. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to adverbs of reason and purpose, covering their definitions, structures, usage rules, and common mistakes. This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced, as well as anyone looking to refine their grammar skills.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Adverbs of Reason and Purpose
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of Adverbs of Reason and Purpose
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Adverbs of Reason and Purpose
Adverbs of reason and purpose are words or phrases that explain the cause or intention behind an action. They answer the questions “Why?” or “For what purpose?”. These adverbs provide essential context, clarifying the motivation behind an action and enhancing the reader’s understanding. They are crucial for constructing clear, coherent, and persuasive arguments.
Adverbs of Reason: These adverbs explain the cause or reason for an action. They indicate why something is happening or why someone is doing something. Common adverbs of reason include: because, since, as, therefore, consequently, hence, thus, and so.
Adverbs of Purpose: These adverbs explain the intention or goal behind an action. They indicate what someone hopes to achieve by doing something. Common adverbs of purpose include: to, in order to, so that, lest.
Structural Breakdown
Adverbs of reason and purpose can appear in various positions within a sentence, affecting emphasis and flow. Understanding their structural flexibility is key to using them effectively.
While they often modify the verb, they can also modify entire clauses, providing context for the whole statement. Their placement can change the emphasis of the sentence.
Position: Adverbs of reason and purpose can typically be found at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. The choice of position depends on the desired emphasis and the flow of the sentence. At the beginning, they introduce the reason or purpose upfront. In the middle, they can interrupt the flow of the sentence, adding a layer of detail. At the end, they provide the explanation as a concluding thought.
Clauses: When used to introduce a clause, adverbs of reason and purpose connect the main clause with a subordinate clause that provides the explanation. These clauses are usually separated by a comma, especially when the adverbial clause comes first.
Types and Categories
Adverbs of reason and purpose can be broadly categorized into two main types, each serving a distinct function in conveying information.
Adverbs of Reason
Adverbs of reason explain the cause or justification for an action or event. They answer the question “Why?”. These adverbs are essential for providing context and rationale in your writing and speech. They help to establish clear cause-and-effect relationships.
Examples include: because, since, as, for, due to, owing to, in view of, on account of, seeing that, considering that, inasmuch as, therefore, consequently, hence, thus, accordingly, for this reason, on that account.
Adverbs of Purpose
Adverbs of purpose explain the aim or intention behind an action. They answer the question “For what purpose?”. These adverbs are crucial for expressing goals and objectives, adding a layer of intentionality to your sentences. They clarify what someone hopes to achieve.
Examples include: to, in order to, so as to, that, in order that, so that, lest, with the aim of, with the intention of, for the purpose of.
Examples of Adverbs of Reason and Purpose
Understanding how adverbs of reason and purpose function in sentences is crucial for mastering their usage. The following tables provide numerous examples, categorized by type, to illustrate their application in various contexts.
Examples of Adverbs of Reason
The following table provides examples of adverbs of reason used in sentences. Each example demonstrates how these adverbs explain the cause or justification for an action.
| Adverb of Reason | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Because | She stayed home because she was feeling unwell. |
| Since | Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors. |
| As | As he was the oldest, he took responsibility for the group. |
| For | He must be tired, for he has been working all day. |
| Due to | The flight was delayed due to bad weather. |
| Owing to | Owing to unforeseen circumstances, the meeting was postponed. |
| In view of | In view of the evidence, the jury reached a verdict. |
| On account of | The game was canceled on account of the storm. |
| Seeing that | Seeing that everyone was ready, we started the presentation. |
| Considering that | Considering that he’s new to the job, he’s doing well. |
| Inasmuch as | Inasmuch as he contributed significantly, he deserves recognition. |
| Therefore | He studied hard; therefore, he passed the exam. |
| Consequently | The company invested heavily; consequently, profits increased. |
| Hence | The evidence is clear; hence, the verdict is justified. |
| Thus | The data was analyzed; thus, the conclusion was reached. |
| Accordingly | The rules were explained; accordingly, everyone followed them. |
| For this reason | For this reason, we must take immediate action. |
| On that account | On that account, we decided to change our plans. |
| as a result | The heavy rain caused flooding, as a result, many roads were closed. |
| for the reason that | She declined the offer for the reason that she had already accepted another position. |
| because of this | He lost his job, because of this he is struggling financially. |
| due to the fact that | The event was successful due to the fact that it was well-organized. |
| seeing as | Seeing as it’s your birthday, we’re taking you out for dinner. |
| given that | Given that he has experience, he is the best candidate. |
| in light of | In light of recent events, we need to reconsider our strategy. |
| on the grounds that | The appeal was rejected on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence. |
| since then | He moved to a new city, since then he has been much happier. |
| that being the case | That being the case, we should proceed with caution. |
Examples of Adverbs of Purpose
The following table provides examples of adverbs of purpose used in sentences. Each example demonstrates how these adverbs explain the intention or goal behind an action.
| Adverb of Purpose | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| To | She went to the library to study. |
| In order to | He exercised regularly in order to stay healthy. |
| So as to | They saved money so as to buy a house. |
| That | She whispered that no one would hear. (archaic) |
| In order that | He spoke clearly in order that everyone could understand. |
| So that | She set an alarm so that she wouldn’t be late. |
| Lest | He ran quickly lest he should miss the train. (formal) |
| with the aim of | The company launched a new campaign with the aim of increasing sales. |
| with the intention of | He joined the club with the intention of making new friends. |
| for the purpose of | The meeting was held for the purpose of discussing the project. |
| to that end | They conducted research to that end, they collected data from various sources. |
| to achieve this | They worked hard to achieve this, they put in extra hours every day. |
| with a view to | He invested in the stock market with a view to increasing his wealth. |
| with an eye to | The company is expanding with an eye to capturing a larger market share. |
| in hopes of | She applied for the scholarship in hopes of getting financial aid. |
| so as | He arrived early so as to secure a good seat. |
| to the end that | They collaborated to the end that the project would be successful. |
| with the object of | The government introduced new policies with the object of reducing pollution. |
| for fear that | She locked the door for fear that someone might break in. |
| so that way | He explained the instructions clearly so that way nobody would make mistakes. |
| with the goal of | The organization launched a fundraising campaign with the goal of supporting local charities. |
| to make sure that | He checked the doors to make sure that they were locked. |
| in order for | He needs to study hard in order for him to pass the exam. |
| for the sake of | She sacrificed her own comfort for the sake of her children. |
| with the express purpose of | He traveled to the remote village with the express purpose of providing medical assistance. |
| to ensure that | He set reminders to ensure that he wouldn’t forget the appointment. |
| with the intent to | He approached her with the intent to apologize for his behavior. |
| for what reason | For what reason did you decide to quit your job? |
Usage Rules
Proper usage of adverbs of reason and purpose involves understanding their specific meanings and the contexts in which they are appropriate. Following these guidelines will help you use these adverbs effectively.
Clarity: Ensure that the adverb clearly indicates the relationship between the action and the reason or purpose. Avoid ambiguity by choosing the most precise adverb for the intended meaning. For example, “because” is a direct causal adverb, while “since” can also indicate time, so use “because” if the reason is the primary focus.
Punctuation: When an adverbial clause of reason or purpose begins a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma. For example: “Because it was raining, we stayed inside.” When the adverbial clause follows the main clause, a comma is generally not needed unless it adds clarity. For example: “We stayed inside because it was raining.”
Formal vs. Informal: Some adverbs, like “lest,” are more formal and less common in everyday speech. Choose adverbs that are appropriate for the context and audience. Use “so that” instead of “lest” in informal situations.
Subtleties in Meaning: Pay attention to the subtle differences in meaning between similar adverbs. For example, “in order to” and “so as to” are often interchangeable, but “in order to” is generally considered more formal and versatile.
Correct Tense Usage: Ensure that the tense in the adverbial clause agrees with the tense in the main clause. For example: “She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.” (past tense in both clauses)
Common Mistakes
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes when using adverbs of reason and purpose. Being aware of these common errors can help you avoid them in your own writing and speech.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He went to store for buy milk. | He went to the store to buy milk. | “For” is not used to express purpose with an infinitive. “To” is the correct choice. |
| Because of he was late, he missed the bus. | Because he was late, he missed the bus. | “Because of” is followed by a noun phrase, not a clause. “Because” introduces a clause. |
| So he can pass the test, he studied hard. | So that he can pass the test, he studied hard. | “So” alone is insufficient to introduce a purpose clause. “So that” is needed. |
| Due to that it rained, the game was canceled. | Due to the fact that it rained, the game was canceled. The game was cancelled because it rained. |
“Due to” should be followed by a noun. Use “due to the fact that” or replace with “because.” |
| He worked hard in order he would succeed. | He worked hard in order that he would succeed. | “In order” requires “that” to introduce a clause expressing purpose. |
| Since of the rain, we stayed home. | Because of the rain, we stayed home. | “Since” is not used with “of” to express reason. Use “because of” instead. |
| He studied hardly to pass the exam. | He studied hard to pass the exam. | “Hardly” means “barely.” “Hard” is the correct adverb of manner. |
| Lest he forgets, remind him. | Lest he forget, remind him. | The subjunctive mood is often used with “lest” in formal contexts. |
| For to get good grades, you must study. | To get good grades, you must study. | “For to” is archaic and incorrect. Use “to” alone to express purpose. |
| He ran fast so he wouldn’t be late. | He ran fast so that he wouldn’t be late. | “So” alone is often used informally, but “so that” is more grammatically correct. |
| As of the traffic, I was late. | Because of the traffic, I was late. | “As of” typically refers to a specific point in time. “Because of” is needed here. |
| He saved money for to buy a car. | He saved money to buy a car. | “For to” is an incorrect and archaic construction. |
| Due to he was sick, he didn’t come. | Due to the fact that he was sick, he didn’t come. He didn’t come because he was sick. |
“Due to” is followed by a noun or pronoun. Use “due to the fact that” or “because.” |
| He ate quickly for not be late. | He ate quickly so as not to be late. | “For not be” is grammatically incorrect. “So as not to” is the correct form. |
Practice Exercises
These exercises will help you reinforce your understanding of adverbs of reason and purpose. Complete the exercises and check your answers to assess your progress.
Exercise 1: Identifying Adverbs of Reason and Purpose
Identify the adverbs of reason and purpose in the following sentences. Indicate whether each adverb expresses reason or purpose.
| Sentence | Adverb | Reason/Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. She went to the store to buy groceries. | ||
| 2. Because it was raining, they stayed inside. | ||
| 3. He studied hard so that he could pass the exam. | ||
| 4. Since he was tired, he went to bed early. | ||
| 5. They saved money in order to buy a house. | ||
| 6. As she was the team leader, she took charge. | ||
| 7. He exercised regularly to stay healthy. | ||
| 8. Owing to the storm, the event was canceled. | ||
| 9. She whispered so that no one would hear. | ||
| 10. They collaborated to the end that the project would succeed. |
Answer Key:
| Sentence | Adverb | Reason/Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. She went to the store to buy groceries. | to | Purpose |
| 2. Because it was raining, they stayed inside. | Because | Reason |
| 3. He studied hard so that he could pass the exam. | so that | Purpose |
| 4. Since he was tired, he went to bed early. | Since | Reason |
| 5. They saved money in order to buy a house. | in order to | Purpose |
| 6. As she was the team leader, she took charge. | As | Reason |
| 7. He exercised regularly to stay healthy. | to | Purpose |
| 8. Owing to the storm, the event was canceled. | Owing to | Reason |
| 9. She whispered so that no one would hear. | so that | Purpose |
| 10. They collaborated to the end that the project would succeed. | to the end that | Purpose |
Exercise 2: Using Adverbs of Reason and Purpose in Sentences
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate adverb of reason or purpose.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She wore a coat ______ it was cold outside. | |
| 2. He went to the library ______ study for his exam. | |
| 3. ______ he was late, he missed the meeting. | |
| 4. They saved money ______ they could travel the world. | |
| 5. She spoke clearly ______ everyone could understand. | |
| 6. ______ the rain, the game was postponed. | |
| 7. He exercised regularly ______ stay in shape. | |
| 8. ______ he had a headache, he took some medicine. | |
| 9. She set an alarm ______ she wouldn’t oversleep. | |
| 10. They worked hard ______ the project would be a success. |
Answer Key:
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She wore a coat because it was cold outside. | because |
| 2. He went to the library to study for his exam. | to |
| 3. Since he was late, he missed the meeting. | Since |
| 4. They saved money so that they could travel the world. | so that |
| 5. She spoke clearly so that everyone could understand. | so that |
| 6. Due to the rain, the game was postponed. | Due to |
| 7. He exercised regularly to stay in shape. | to |
| 8. As he had a headache, he took some medicine. | As |
| 9. She set an alarm so that she wouldn’t oversleep. | so that |
| 10. They worked hard so that the project would be a success. | so that |
Exercise 3: Correcting Sentences with Misused Adverbs
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences. Each sentence contains a misused adverb of reason or purpose.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. He went to store for buy some milk. | |
| 2. Because of he was sick, he didn’t come to work. | |
| 3. So he can pass the exam, he needs to study harder. | |
| 4. Due to that it rained, the event was canceled. | |
| 5. He studied hardly to get a good grade. | |
| 6. Since of the traffic, I was late for the meeting. | |
| 7. He saved money for to buy a new car. | |
| 8. She ran fast so not to miss the bus. | |
| 9. He worked hard in order he would succeed. | |
| 10. As to the weather, we decided to stay inside. |
Answer Key:
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. He went to store for buy some milk. | He went to the store to buy some milk. |
| 2. Because of he was sick, he didn’t come to work. | Because he was sick, he didn’t come to work. |
| 3. So he can pass the exam, he needs to study harder. | So that he can pass the exam, he needs to study harder. |
| 4. Due to that it rained, the event was canceled. | Due to the fact that it rained, the event was canceled. The event was canceled because it rained. |
| 5. He studied hardly to get a good grade. | He studied hard to get a good grade. |
| 6. Since of the traffic, I was late for the meeting. | Because of the traffic, I was late for the meeting. |
| 7. He saved money for to buy a new car. | He saved money to buy a new car. |
| 8. She ran fast so not to miss the bus. | She ran fast so as not to miss the bus. |
| 9. He worked hard in order he would succeed. | He worked hard in order that he would succeed. |
| 10. As to the weather, we decided to stay inside. | Due to the weather, we decided to stay inside. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring more nuanced aspects of adverbs of reason and purpose can further refine your understanding and usage. These topics delve into the subtleties and complexities of these adverbs in different contexts.
Subjunctive Mood with “Lest”: The adverb “lest” is often used with the subjunctive mood, particularly in formal writing. The subjunctive mood expresses a hypothetical or desired situation. For example: “He ran quickly, lest he be late.” (Note the use of “be” instead of “is”).
Elliptical Clauses: Sometimes, adverbial clauses of reason or purpose can be elliptical, meaning that some words are omitted when they are understood from the context. For example: “She studied hard, so to speak.” (The full clause would be “so that I may speak accurately”).
Distinguishing Reason from Result: It’s important to distinguish adverbs of reason from adverbs of result. Adverbs of reason explain why something happened, while adverbs of result explain what happened as a consequence. For example: “Because it rained, the game was canceled” (reason). “It rained, so the game was canceled” (result).
Varying Sentence Structure for Emphasis: Experiment with different sentence structures to emphasize either the reason or the action. Placing the adverbial clause at the beginning of the sentence often gives more emphasis to the reason or purpose.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about adverbs of reason and purpose, along with detailed answers to clarify common points of confusion.
Q1: What is the difference between “because” and “since” when used as adverbs of reason?
A: While both “because” and “since” can introduce a reason, “because” is used when the reason is the primary focus of the sentence. “Since” can also indicate time, so it’s best used when the timing is relevant or already understood. For example: “She stayed home because she was sick” (emphasis on the reason). “Since you’re here, can you help me with this?” (time is implied).
Q2: Can I use “due to” and “owing to” interchangeably with “because of”?
A: Yes, “due to” and “owing to” are similar to “because of” and can often be used interchangeably. However, “due to” is traditionally considered more correct when it modifies a noun, while “because of” can modify a verb. In practice, this distinction is often blurred, but it’s good to be aware of it. For example: “The cancellation was due to the rain” (modifies “cancellation”). “We canceled the event because of the rain” (modifies “canceled”). “Owing to” is often used more formally than “because of.”
Q3: Is it correct to say “for to” when expressing purpose?
A: No, “for to” is an archaic and incorrect construction. The correct way to express purpose with an infinitive is simply “to.” For example: “He went to the store to buy milk” is correct, while “He went to the store for to buy milk” is incorrect.
Q4: How do I avoid using too many “because” clauses in my writing?
A: To avoid overuse of “because,” vary your sentence structure and use other adverbs of reason, such as “since,” “as,” “due to,” “owing to,” and “in view of.” You can also rephrase sentences to use different grammatical structures, such as participial phrases or appositives, to convey the reason indirectly. For example, instead of “Because he was tired, he went to bed early,” you could say “Being tired, he went to bed early” or “He went to bed early, tired from a long day.”
Q5: What is the difference between “so that” and “in order that”?
A: “So that” and “in order that” are both used to express purpose and are often interchangeable. However, “in order that” is generally considered more formal and is often used when the purpose clause is more complex or requires a more formal tone. For example: “She saved money so that she could travel the world” (informal). “The regulations were implemented in order that the environment might be protected” (formal).
Q6: When should I use “lest”?
A: “Lest” is a formal adverb of purpose that means “in order to prevent something from happening.” It is relatively rare in modern English and is mostly found in formal writing or literary contexts. In most cases, it’s better to use “so that…not” or “for fear that” instead. For example: “He ran quickly lest he should miss the train” (formal). “He ran quickly so that he wouldn’t miss the train” (more common).
Q7: Can I start a sentence with “so” to indicate reason?
A: Starting a sentence with “So” to indicate reason is common in informal spoken English, but it is generally discouraged in formal writing. In formal contexts, it’s better to use “therefore,” “consequently,” or “thus” to introduce a result or conclusion based on the preceding statement. For example: “It was raining, so we stayed inside” (informal). “It was raining; therefore, we stayed inside” (formal).
Q8: How do I choose the right adverb of purpose for my sentence?
A: Choosing the right adverb of purpose depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. “To” is the most common and versatile adverb of purpose. “In order to” and “so as to” are more formal alternatives. “So that” and “in order that” introduce clauses expressing purpose. “Lest” is highly formal and rare. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when making your choice.
Conclusion
Mastering adverbs of reason and purpose is crucial for expressing clear, logical, and persuasive ideas in English. By understanding their definitions, structures, and usage rules, you can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills.
Remember to pay attention to common mistakes and practice using these adverbs in various contexts. This will not only improve your grammatical accuracy but also allow you to communicate more effectively and confidently.
Continue to practice using these adverbs in your daily communication, both written and spoken. Pay attention to how native speakers use them and try to incorporate them into your own language.
With consistent effort and attention to detail, you’ll become more proficient in using adverbs of reason and purpose, adding depth and clarity to your English expression. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the process of refining your grammar skills!