ADVERBS OF REASON/PURPOSE

Simple Definition with Examples

Adverbs of Reason are also sometimes referred to as Adverbs of Purpose. Adverbs of Reason are words used to tell the reason behind the happening of a particular occurrence. Some examples of the Adverbs of reason are - therefore, hence, because, so, etc. We will frame simple sentences using some adverbs of reason to better understand their purpose.

Because he was not feeling well, he didn’t go to school today.

It was raining heavily; therefore, we stayed in the house.

He was late hence was not allowed to attend the assembly.

I was hungry so I ate pizza.

Since it is hot, I am getting uncomfortable.

Accidentally he wrote his father’s name instead of his.

Explanation

‘Why’ is the interrogative adverb of reason used to ask a reason about something. Consider the following sentences :

Why is Rahul nit showing up for the lectures?

Why is your father not contesting in the elections?

Why didn’t you go with your friends for the movie?

Why is it so hot inside the bus?

Why don’t you listen attentively in class?

List/Examples/Words

Hence, thus, therefore, because, so, so that, since, accidentally, purposely, consequently, in order to, lest etc.

Since the list of Adverbs of reason/conjunction is limited, we will understand the Adverbs of reason individually with the help of examples.

Explanation with Examples :

Hence

‘Hence’ is to state a reason for the occurrence of an action or incident.

For example:

I was not well, hence didn’t go to school today.

There was no network; hence I switched off my phone.

Hence may also be used to state beyond this point of time.

For example:

Five year hence we might see some improvements.

The teacher hence was respected by even the backbenchers.

Therefore

It is used to state reason for a particular happening.

For example:

Radha heard a loud noise; therefore, she called the police.

Ram was never late for school; therefore, was awarded as the best student.

Please note that ‘therefore ‘used in the above sentences is also a ‘conjunctive adverb’ or ‘adverb of conjunction’. There is no strict rule in English grammar about the use of words, and sometimes a single word can serve many purposes in a clause.

So that

‘So that’ is used to tell reason because of which a particular situation/decision has arisen.

For example:

He leaves his office early, so that he could help his child with homework.

I started running so that I didn’t miss the train.

Because

‘Because’ states the reason. A sentence can also be started with ‘because’.

For example:

Because I was sick, I stayed home.

He was left because he was late.

Consequently

‘Consequently’ states as a consequence of something.

For example:

He was charged consequently for his rash driving.

The thief was consequently jailed for his crimes.

Lest

‘Lest’ means ‘in case’.

For example:

Take the umbrella lest it starts raining.

I will finish the assignment on time, lest the professor notices.