Clauses of purpose/reason and result

Hello, guys! Welcome to Grammar Zone!

In this lesson we’re having an interview at the Gold Radio. And we need to hurry up to get in time ….

DJ: And hello from Gold Radio… A report today says that families spend less time together because they are always on their phones or tablets. In the studio I’ve got Max, Charlie and Bella… Now you live with your parents and brothers or sisters…

So, tell me, is this true in your house?

Max: Technology is very important to me. It’s useful because I can go online and chat with my friends. In school I use to take pictures of the teacher’s notes on the board as I can’t see them very well.

My dad says that he can’t imagine his life without smartphone, since it helps him to organize everything in his busy life. Due to numerous helpful apps, he’s able to plan his week, to store phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

DJ: Thanks, Max. And in a few minutes’ break will know what role gadgets play in Bella’s life….

He can’t imagine his life without smartphone, is the main clause.

since it helps him to organize everything in his busy life. is the subordinate clause of REASON.

When we want to explain the reason why something happened or why someone did something, we use a clause of reason introduced by a conjunction (as, since, because) or a noun phrase introduced by because of, due to, owing to, or on account of.

because

We use because before a clause (subject + verb).

It can be used at the beginning or at the end of a sentence (at the end is more common).

Families spend less time together because they are always on their phones or tablets.

It’s useful because I can go online and chat with my friends.

A comma is used when the clause of reason is at the beginning of the sentence.

Because the event was cancelled, they lost their deposits.

as/since + clause

We use as and since in a very similar way to because. However, as and since are more formal expressions, and more common in written than in spoken English.

He can’t imagine his life without smartphone, since it helps him to organize everything in his busy life.

In school I use to take pictures of the teacher’s notes on the board as I can’t see them very well.

because of

We use because of before a noun.

The concert was postponed because of the heavy rain.

due to/owing to/on account of + noun

They mean because of but are more formal.

Due to numerous helpful apps, he’s able to plan his week, to store phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

The event was cancelled owing to lack of interest.

I couldn’t enjoy the meal on account of their constant arguing.

DJ: What about you, Charlie?

Charlie: My family have all got smartphones. Even my younger brother who is only five. He gets so well-behaved with the phone in his hands that my mum can’t imagine her life without it.

On a schoolday, I use the alarm on my phone. Yesterday the battery was dead and I forgot to charge it and as a result I was late to school. So the minute I wake up I see my phone and er… I check my messages. Then I get up. I’ve got such a lot of music that my phone goes everywhere with me!

I forgot to charge it is the clause of the result.

and as a result I was late to school is the clause of the result.

The clauses of result are used to express the result of a situation or an action.

They are introduced by: that (after such / so…), (and) as a result, therefore.

such a(an) + (adjective) + singular countable noun

He gets so well-behaved with the phone in his hands that my mum can’t imagine her life without it.

Helen was such a kind person that I was sad when she moved to another town.

It was such a long and boring lesson that I started yawning.

such a(an) + (adjective) + uncountable or plural noun

It is such exciting news that I can’t keep it to myself.

Katie always gets such good marks that she doesn’t understand what it feels like to fail.

They were such well-behaved children that everyone loved them.

so + adjective / adverb

Last year I was so nervous when my exam results arrived that I didn’t want to open the envelope.

I’m so hungry that I could eat a horse.

The film was so good that I saw it twice.

so + adjective + a(an) + noun

It was so nice a day that we went to the beach. (not usual)

Such is also used with a lot of:

I’ve got such a lot of music that my phone goes everywhere with me!

I’ve got such a lot of friends that I don’t have time to see them all.

So is also used with much/many/few or little:

We have so many pets that sometimes it’s really noisy.

He’s got so little patience with children that he can’t be a teacher.

So and Such can be used without that.

As a result / therefore / consequently + clause

I forgot to charge it and as a result I was late to school.

They were very cheap shoes. Therefore, she bought three pairs.

Henry doesn’t listen. Consequently, he makes mistakes.

Clauses of result follow the rule of the sequence of tenses.

DJ: Well, Bella, how is life in your family?

Bella: Well, I think we’re the same as most other families. We love our screens and all enjoy using our smartphones at home.

I use my phone to get instant advice on shopping trips. If I’m shopping for a new sweater, and my friends aren’t with me, I take a few pictures, send them, and ask, “Which one?”

DJ: And what about your mum?

Bella: Mum prefers her tablet. She often reads the news on it. She’s also training for a race and she uses the app on her phone in order to show her how fast she runs.

Now we’re going to look at another type of clauses – clauses of purpose.

I use my phone is the main clause.

to get instant advice on shopping trips is the clause of purpose.

The clauses of purpose are used to express the purpose of an action in the main clause; that is, they explain why something is done.

The clauses of purpose are introduced by: to-infinitive, so that, so as (not) to, with the aim of, in order to, to avoid.

Let’s start with TO-infinitive. It’s often used to express purpose:

I use my phone to get instant advice on shopping trips.

He has to go to the shop to get new trainers.

She took a camera with her to take some photos.

so as to / in order to + to-infinitive. (Used in formal situations)

She uses the app on her phone in order to show her how fast she runs.

You have to be 18 years old so as to apply for a driving license.

He left early so as not to miss the train.

so that + can/will (for present or future reference)

Grandad’s learning how to send emails so that he can write to his grandchildren.

I’ll leave early so that I won’t need to rush.

He chained the dog up so that it won’t run away.

so that + could/would (for past reference)

I gave Mary my sweater so that she could keep warm.

She finished her homework quickly so that she could watch her favourite show.

He got a taxi so that he wouldn’t be late.

with a view to / with the aim of + -ing form (used in formal situations)

He saved money with a view to buy a car.

He went to Oxford university with the aim of obtaining a degree in Medicine.

in case + present (present or future reference)

I’ll take some sandwiches in case I get hungry. (NOT in case I’ll get hungry)

in case + past (past reference)

I took some water in case I got thirsty.

Clauses of purpose follow the rule of the sequence of tenses.