Question

What transition word or phrase signals the cause in a cause and effect relationship?

Answer 1

Common transition words/phrases that signal the cause include:

- because
- since
- due to / owing to / on account of
- as / inasmuch as
- for
- caused by / resulting from
- thanks to (often implies a positive cause)
- as a result of (can introduce cause or effect depending on placement)

Examples:
- "She stayed home because she was sick." (because introduces the cause)
- "Due to heavy rain, the game was canceled." (due to signals the cause)
- "The power outage was caused by a fallen tree." (caused by identifies the cause)

If you want, I can give more examples or separate cause vs. effect signal words.