Clause Types Part 1: Reason Clauses
GRAMMAR-(B1-B2)
10/23/2025
Lesson Goal:
Learn to use contrast, purpose, and reason clauses accurately to connect ideas and express differences, intentions, and causes in speech and writing.
1. Presentation (Clear Explanation)
Because / Since / As + clause
Used to give a reason.
These are followed by a full clause (subject + verb).
Because – strongest, most direct reason.
Since / As – softer, more formal, often used when the reason is already known.
Examples:
Because she was tired, she went home early.
Since it was raining, we stayed inside.
As I didn’t have my keys, I couldn’t enter.
Because of/Due to / Owing to + noun or –ing
Used to give a reason, but followed by a noun phrase or -ing form, NOT a clause.
Because of + noun / pronoun / -ing
Because of also gives a reason, but it MUST be followed by a noun phrase, NOT a clause.
It is similar in meaning to due to and owing to, but more common and more neutral.
Examples:
We cancelled the trip because of the weather.
He was late because of missing the bus.
They stayed home because of her injury.
Due to / Owing to + noun or –ing
These are more formal than “because of,” usually used in writing, reports, or official announcements.
Examples:
The train was delayed due to a technical issue.
The event was postponed owing to heavy rain.
Simplified Difference
Because = followed by a clause
Because he was tired…
Because of = followed by a noun or -ing
Because of his tiredness…
Because of feeling tired…
Due to / Owing to = same structure as “because of,” but more formal
Due to heavy traffic…
Owing to arriving late…
Easy check:
If you can say the reason is…, use because of / due to / owing to.
If you can say he/she/they did something because…, use because.
2. Controlled Practice (Rewrite)
Rewrite using the prompt in parentheses.
She stayed home because she felt ill. (due to)
Since the roads were icy, we decided not to drive. (owing to)
The flight was delayed due to a technical problem. (because)
As I overslept, I missed my bus. (owing to + -ing)
Because the shop was closed, we went somewhere else. (since)
3. Choose the Correct Option
We cancelled the picnic (because / due to) the storm.
(As / Due to) we didn’t have enough money, we postponed the holiday.
The project was delayed (owing to / because) the team working slowly.
(Since / Due to) traffic was heavy, we arrived late.
The museum was closed (because / owing to) staff illness.
4. Transform the Structure
Change the type of reason expression (clause → noun phrase or noun phrase → clause).
Because he forgot the password, he couldn’t log in.
Due to the loud noise, she couldn't sleep.
Since the weather wasn’t good, we stayed inside.
Owing to the delay, the meeting started late.
As I didn’t know anyone, I felt nervous.
5. Intensive Production – Short Answers
Answer using any reason structure, but correctly.
Why did the event start late?
Why is she working from home today?
Why did you choose another route?
Why were the guests confused?
Why didn’t the team finish on time?
6. Mini Challenge – Identify the Error
Each sentence contains a mistake. Correct it.
Due to he was tired, he went to bed early.
Because the rain, the match was cancelled.
Owing to we arrived late, we missed the opening.
Since the traffic jam, we took the train.
As being sick, she didn’t go to school.
7. Discussion (Engaging Questions – No Role Play)
Use both types of reason expressions in your answers.
What are some things you avoid doing because they waste your time?
Tell me about a time you missed something due to circumstances you couldn’t control.
What is something you have changed in your routine as it benefits your health?
What decisions have you made recently since your situation changed?
What activities do you do less of owing to having a busy schedule?
Answer Key
Exercise 2 – Rewrite
She stayed home due to feeling ill / due to her illness.
We decided not to drive owing to the icy roads.
The flight was delayed because there was a technical problem.
He missed his bus owing to oversleeping.
We went somewhere else since the shop was closed.
Exercise 3 – Choose the Correct Option
because
As
owing to
Since
owing to
Exercise 4 – Transform
Due to forgetting the password, he couldn’t log in.
Because there was loud noise, she couldn’t sleep.
We stayed inside due to the bad weather.
Because there was a delay, the meeting started late.
I felt nervous due to not knowing anyone.
Exercise 6 – Error Correction
Because he was tired, he went to bed early. / Due to his tiredness, he went…
Because of the rain, the match was cancelled.
Owing to arriving late, we missed the opening.
Because of the traffic jam, we took the train.
As she was sick, she didn’t go to school. / Owing to being sick, she didn’t…
