Clauses of Result, Reason, and Contrast
Clauses connect ideas together and they have different meanings.
We can use clauses of result, reason, contrast, time and purpose.
In this lesson, you’ll learn these different clauses and practise using them.
When to use each clause?
Clauses of result – what happens because of something
- So
- As a result
- I was tired, so I went to bed.
Clauses of contrast – opposite or different ideas
- But – something different. I like oranges, but I don’t like strawberries.
- Although – action is surprising or different – Although it was cold, we walked to school.
Clauses of reason – why something happens
- Because – answers why
- I stayed at home because I was ill.
Clauses of time – when something happens – present tense
- When – at the time – I listen to music when I study.
- Before – earlier than – I met her before work.
- After – later than – We went home after the film.
Clauses of purpose – why we do something/what is the goal
- To
- In order to
- I went to the shop to buy milk and cheese.
Examples
I study English to get a better job.
After he finishes work, he is going to the gym.
She is happy because she passed the exam.
Practise
Fill the gaps with the correct clauses.
Common mistakes learners make
- Using more than one clause in the same sentence
- Using the wrong tense with clauses of time
- Confusing the meanings
Common mistakes learners make
- Using more than one clause in the same sentence
- Using the wrong tense with clauses of time
- Confusing the meanings