Sentences with ‘Because of This’ for Better Writing
The phrase because of this is a useful connector that shows a cause-and-effect relationship between two ideas. It means “as a result of the thing just mentioned” and helps your writing flow logically from one point to the next. This guide shows you exactly how to use it correctly in sentences, when to choose it over similar phrases, and how to avoid common errors that can make your writing sound awkward or unclear.
Quick Answer: How to Use ‘Because of This’
Use because of this to link a reason (stated in the previous sentence or clause) to its result. It always refers back to something already mentioned. The structure is simple: state the cause, then begin the next sentence or clause with because of this, followed by the effect.
- Cause: The experiment failed due to contamination.
- Effect: Because of this, the team had to repeat the entire procedure.
You can also place it in the middle of a sentence: The funding was cut, and because of this, several research projects were cancelled.
Formal vs. Informal Use
Because of this works in both formal and informal writing, but its tone shifts slightly depending on context.
- Formal (academic papers, reports, business emails): It is direct and professional. Use it to explain logical consequences without emotional language. Example: The data showed a significant error margin. Because of this, the conclusions were re-evaluated.
- Informal (conversations, personal notes, casual emails): It is still acceptable but can sound slightly stiff. In casual speech, people often shorten it to so or because of that. Example: I missed the bus. Because of this, I was late for the meeting. (Natural, but in conversation you might say: I missed the bus, so I was late.)
Comparison Table: ‘Because of This’ vs. Similar Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Formality | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Because of this | Direct cause and effect | Formal / Neutral | Writing, presentations, structured speech |
| Therefore | Logical conclusion | Very formal | Academic papers, legal documents |
| As a result | Consequence | Formal | Reports, essays, professional emails |
| So | Simple result | Informal | Conversation, casual writing |
| Hence | Formal consequence | Very formal | Academic writing, formal literature |
| Thus | Formal conclusion | Very formal | Scholarly articles, technical writing |
Key difference: Because of this is more flexible than therefore or hence because it can be used in both written and spoken English without sounding overly academic. However, it is less common in very casual conversation than so.
Natural Examples in Context
Academic Writing
- The sample size was too small to draw reliable conclusions. Because of this, the study was considered preliminary.
- Several participants did not complete the survey. Because of this, the response rate dropped below the acceptable threshold.
Business Emails
- Our supplier has experienced a delay in production. Because of this, the shipment will arrive two weeks later than expected.
- The client requested additional revisions. Because of this, we have adjusted the project timeline accordingly.
Everyday Conversation
- I forgot to charge my phone last night. Because of this, I couldn’t call you this morning.
- The weather forecast predicted heavy rain. Because of this, we decided to cancel the picnic.
Writing Sentence Examples (for essays and reports)
- The government implemented new tax policies. Because of this, small businesses faced higher operational costs.
- Renewable energy sources have become more affordable. Because of this, many countries are shifting away from fossil fuels.
Common Mistakes with ‘Because of This’
Mistake 1: Using it without a clear cause
Incorrect: Because of this, the project failed. (If the cause was not stated before, the reader is confused.)
Correct: The team lacked clear direction. Because of this, the project failed.
Mistake 2: Confusing it with ‘because’
Incorrect: Because of this the delay, we missed the deadline.
Correct: Because of the delay, we missed the deadline. (Use because of + noun, not because of this + noun.)
Correct: There was a delay. Because of this, we missed the deadline.
Mistake 3: Overusing it in a single paragraph
Awkward: The budget was cut. Because of this, we hired fewer staff. Because of this, the workload increased. Because of this, employee morale dropped.
Better: The budget was cut. Because of this, we hired fewer staff, which increased the workload and lowered employee morale. (Combine ideas or use synonyms like as a result or consequently.)
Mistake 4: Using it in the wrong position
Incorrect: Because of this we, the team, decided to change the strategy. (Comma placement is wrong.)
Correct: Because of this, the team decided to change the strategy.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
While because of this is reliable, varying your language makes your writing more engaging. Here are alternatives and their best contexts:
- As a result – Use in formal reports or essays when the consequence is significant. Example: Funding was reduced. As a result, the program ended early.
- Consequently – Use in academic or professional writing to emphasize a logical outcome. Example: The error was not corrected. Consequently, the entire dataset was invalid.
- For this reason – Use when you want to stress the rationale behind a decision. Example: The policy was unpopular. For this reason, it was revised.
- That is why – Use in less formal writing or speech. Example: She studied hard. That is why she passed the exam.
- So – Use in everyday conversation or informal emails. Example: It started raining, so we went inside.
When to stick with ‘because of this’: Use it when you want a neutral, clear connector that works in most contexts without sounding too stiff or too casual. It is especially useful in emails and short reports where you need to be direct.
Mini Practice Section
Complete each sentence with because of this or an appropriate alternative. Answers follow.
- The server crashed during the update. ________, all unsaved data was lost.
- She forgot to set her alarm. ________, she missed the first class.
- The experiment produced inconsistent results. ________, the researchers decided to redesign the methodology.
- Traffic was heavy on the highway. ________, we arrived thirty minutes late.
Answers:
- Because of this (or As a result, Consequently)
- Because of this (or So, That is why)
- Because of this (or For this reason, Consequently)
- Because of this (or So, As a result)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I start a sentence with ‘because of this’?
Yes, it is perfectly correct to start a sentence with because of this. It often follows a previous sentence that states the cause. Example: The data was corrupted. Because of this, we had to restart the analysis.
2. Is ‘because of this’ the same as ‘due to this’?
Not exactly. Due to is more formal and usually modifies a noun, while because of modifies a verb. In practice, many writers use them interchangeably, but careful writers prefer because of this for actions and due to this for states. Example: The delay was due to technical issues. vs. The project was delayed because of technical issues.
3. Can I use ‘because of this’ in the middle of a sentence?
Yes. Place it after a comma or conjunction. Example: The policy changed, and because of this, many employees had to retrain. Avoid placing it between a subject and verb without commas.
4. What is the difference between ‘because of this’ and ‘therefore’?
Therefore is more formal and often used in logical arguments or academic writing. Because of this is slightly less formal and more conversational, though still appropriate in many formal contexts. Choose therefore for strict logical conclusions and because of this for general cause-and-effect.
Final Tip for Better Writing
To use because of this effectively, always ensure the cause is clearly stated in the preceding sentence or clause. Avoid overusing it—mix in alternatives like as a result or consequently to keep your writing varied. Practice by rewriting a short paragraph using different connectors, and notice how the tone shifts. With careful use, this simple phrase will make your writing more coherent and professional.
For more help with sentence structure, explore our Writing Sentence Examples section. If you have questions about other connectors, visit our FAQ page or contact us for clarification.
