Because Of This in a Sentence: Simple Examples for Learners
When you want to explain a cause and its result in English, the phrase because of this is one of the most direct and useful tools. It connects a reason to an outcome, and it works in both writing and speaking. For example: The meeting was delayed. Because of this, we missed the deadline. This article gives you clear, simple examples, explains when to use the phrase, and helps you avoid common mistakes.
Quick Answer: How to Use “Because of This”
Use because of this to show that one thing happened as a direct result of something you just mentioned. It usually refers back to the previous sentence or idea. The phrase is slightly formal but common in everyday English. It is not used at the beginning of a sentence as often as some other connectors, but it is perfectly correct there.
Key points:
- It replaces “because of that” when the cause is close in the text.
- It is followed by a comma when it starts a sentence.
- It can appear in the middle of a sentence without a comma.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
Because of this sits in a neutral-to-formal zone. In casual conversation, people often say “so” or “that’s why.” In academic or professional writing, “because of this” is a safe choice. Compare:
| Context | Example | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Casual conversation | “It rained all day, so we stayed home.” | Informal |
| Email to a colleague | “The server went down. Because of this, we lost two hours of work.” | Neutral / Professional |
| Academic essay | “The sample size was small. Because of this, the results are not generalizable.” | Formal |
Natural Examples in Different Contexts
In Emails and Workplace Writing
- “The client changed the requirements. Because of this, we need to revise the proposal.”
- “Our internet connection was unstable. Because of this, I could not join the video call.”
- “The budget was cut. Because of this, we cannot hire a new assistant this quarter.”
In Everyday Conversation
- “I forgot to set my alarm. Because of this, I was late for work.”
- “The store was closed. Because of this, we had to eat at home.”
- “She missed the bus. Because of this, she arrived after the exam started.”
In Academic or Study Contexts
- “The experiment failed. Because of this, the hypothesis was rejected.”
- “Many students did not understand the instructions. Because of this, the teacher repeated them.”
- “The data was incomplete. Because of this, the conclusion is tentative.”
Common Mistakes with “Because of This”
Mistake 1: Using it without a clear cause
Wrong: Because of this, we need to act. (The reader does not know what “this” refers to.)
Correct: The report shows a decline in sales. Because of this, we need to act.
Mistake 2: Confusing it with “because of that”
“Because of this” refers to something close or just mentioned. “Because of that” refers to something farther away or already known. Use “this” for the most recent cause.
Mistake 3: Overusing it in one paragraph
Using “because of this” three times in a short text sounds repetitive. Vary with “therefore,” “as a result,” or “consequently.”
Mistake 4: Forgetting the comma when it starts a sentence
Correct: Because of this, we changed the plan.
Incorrect: Because of this we changed the plan.
Better Alternatives to “Because of This”
Sometimes you want a different word or phrase to avoid repetition or to match the tone. Here are strong alternatives:
| Phrase | Tone | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Therefore | Formal | “The data was corrupted. Therefore, we repeated the test.” |
| As a result | Neutral / Formal | “The flight was canceled. As a result, we missed the conference.” |
| Consequently | Very formal | “The policy changed. Consequently, all applications must be resubmitted.” |
| So | Informal | “It started raining, so we went inside.” |
| That’s why | Informal | “He didn’t study. That’s why he failed.” |
When to Use “Because of This”
Use it when you want to:
- Show a clear cause-effect relationship.
- Write in a neutral or slightly formal tone.
- Refer back to the immediately previous idea.
- Avoid the very informal “so” in writing.
Avoid it when:
- The cause is unclear or far back in the text.
- You need a very formal connector like “consequently.”
- You are writing a very short text where “so” is fine.
Mini Practice: Test Yourself
Complete each sentence with the correct phrase: because of this, therefore, or so.
- The power went out. __________, the computers shut down.
- She practiced every day, __________ she won the competition.
- The instructions were unclear. __________, many students made errors.
- He forgot his wallet, __________ he could not pay for lunch.
Answers:
- Because of this (or Therefore)
- so
- Because of this (or Therefore)
- so
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I start a sentence with “because of this”?
Yes, it is grammatically correct. Just add a comma after the phrase: Because of this, we changed the schedule.
2. Is “because of this” formal or informal?
It is neutral. It works in most professional and academic writing, and it is also used in everyday speech. It is less formal than “consequently” but more formal than “so.”
3. What is the difference between “because of this” and “because of that”?
“Because of this” refers to something just mentioned or very close. “Because of that” refers to something farther away in the text or conversation. Example: I missed the bus. Because of this, I was late. (The bus is the recent cause.) vs. I missed the bus. Because of that, I missed the meeting. (The lateness is the cause.)
4. Can I use “because of this” in the middle of a sentence?
Yes. Example: We lost the contract because of this mistake. In this case, no comma is needed.
Final Tip for Learners
Practice using because of this in your own writing. Start with one clear cause, then add the result. Read your sentence aloud. If it sounds natural, you are using it correctly. Over time, you will also learn when to switch to alternatives like “therefore” or “as a result.” This small phrase will make your English explanations much clearer.
For more help with sentence structure, visit our Simple Sentence Examples section. If you want to improve your everyday English, check out our Daily English Sentences category. For questions about this guide, see our FAQ page or read our Editorial Policy to understand how we create content.
