The linking phrase because of this is used to show a direct cause-and-effect relationship between two ideas. It tells the reader that the second statement is a direct result of the first. You should use it when you want to explain why something happened, and the reason is clearly stated in the previous sentence or clause. It is a practical, everyday connector that works in both formal and informal writing, but it requires careful placement to avoid sounding repetitive or vague.
Quick Answer: When to Use ‘because of this’
Use because of this when you need to link a result back to its cause. It is most effective in the following situations:
- To explain a consequence: “The software crashed. Because of this, we lost all unsaved work.”
- To show a logical conclusion: “The data was incomplete. Because of this, the report was delayed.”
- To connect a reason to an action: “The price of materials increased. Because of this, the company raised its prices.”
Avoid using it when the cause is already obvious or when a simpler word like so or therefore would be more natural.
Understanding the Meaning and Nuance
The phrase because of this is a prepositional phrase that functions as a linking adverbial. It points backward to the previous statement and introduces the result. The key nuance is that it emphasizes the reason for the result, not just the sequence of events. Compare these two sentences:
- “It rained all day. Because of this, the picnic was cancelled.” (The rain is the direct cause.)
- “It rained all day. After this, the picnic was cancelled.” (The rain happened first, but the cancellation might be for another reason.)
The first sentence clearly states causation. The second only states time order. This distinction is important for clear writing.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
Because of this sits comfortably in the middle of the formality scale. It is less formal than consequently or as a result, but more formal than so or that’s why. Here is how it fits into different contexts:
| Context | Example | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Academic essay | “The experiment failed to control for temperature. Because of this, the results were inconclusive.” | Formal but acceptable |
| Business email | “The client requested changes late in the project. Because of this, we need to extend the deadline.” | Professional and clear |
| Casual conversation | “I missed the bus. Because of this, I was late for work.” | Slightly stiff; so is more natural |
In very formal writing, consider using therefore or consequently. In very casual speech, so or that’s why sounds more natural. Because of this is best for neutral to moderately formal writing, such as reports, emails, and structured essays.
Comparison Table: ‘because of this’ vs. Similar Linking Phrases
| Linking Phrase | Meaning | Formality | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Because of this | Direct cause and effect | Neutral to formal | Essays, reports, emails |
| Therefore | Logical conclusion | Formal | Academic writing, legal documents |
| So | Simple result | Informal | Conversation, casual writing |
| As a result | Consequence | Formal | Reports, research papers |
| Consequently | Direct result | Very formal | Academic and professional writing |
| That’s why | Explanatory result | Informal | Everyday speech, personal notes |
Natural Examples
Here are examples that show how because of this works in different types of writing and speech:
In an Email
“The server maintenance was scheduled for Friday. Because of this, all online systems will be unavailable from 10 PM to 2 AM. Please plan your work accordingly.”
In an Essay
“The industrial revolution led to rapid urbanization. Because of this, cities grew faster than infrastructure could support, resulting in overcrowded housing.”
In a Conversation
“I forgot to charge my phone last night. Because of this, I couldn’t call you when I arrived.” (Note: In real conversation, most people would say “So I couldn’t call you.”)
In a Report
“Sales dropped by 15% in the third quarter. Because of this, the marketing team revised their strategy for the final quarter.”
Common Mistakes
English learners often misuse because of this in a few predictable ways. Avoid these errors:
Mistake 1: Using it when the cause is unclear
Wrong: “The meeting was long. Because of this, I need a coffee.” (The connection is weak. A long meeting does not directly cause a need for coffee.)
Better: “The meeting was long and exhausting. Because of this, I need a short break.”
Mistake 2: Overusing it in a single paragraph
Wrong: “The budget was cut. Because of this, we hired fewer staff. Because of this, the workload increased. Because of this, employees felt stressed.”
Better: “The budget was cut, so we hired fewer staff. Because of this, the workload increased, and employees felt stressed.”
Mistake 3: Confusing it with ‘because of’
Wrong: “Because of this the rain, we stayed inside.” (This is a grammar error. Because of this is a complete phrase; because of is followed by a noun.)
Correct: “Because of the rain, we stayed inside.” OR “It rained. Because of this, we stayed inside.”
Mistake 4: Using it in the middle of a sentence without a comma
Wrong: “The project failed because of this we lost funding.”
Correct: “The project failed. Because of this, we lost funding.” OR “The project failed; because of this, we lost funding.”
Better Alternatives to ‘because of this’
Sometimes because of this is not the best choice. Here are alternatives for specific situations:
- For a more formal tone: Use therefore or consequently. Example: “The data was corrupted. Therefore, the analysis had to be repeated.”
- For a more conversational tone: Use so or that’s why. Example: “I missed the train, so I took a taxi.”
- To emphasize the result strongly: Use as a result. Example: “The policy changed. As a result, all applications must be resubmitted.”
- To avoid repetition: Use for this reason. Example: “The bridge was unsafe. For this reason, it was closed to traffic.”
When to Use ‘because of this’ (and When Not To)
Use because of this when:
- You need a clear, neutral linking phrase for cause and effect.
- You are writing a structured paragraph or email.
- The cause is stated in the previous sentence.
- You want to avoid the informality of so.
Avoid it when:
- The cause is obvious from context (e.g., “It was raining. Because of this, I took an umbrella.” is redundant).
- You are writing very formal academic papers (use therefore instead).
- You are having a casual conversation (use so).
- You have already used it in the same paragraph.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Complete each sentence with because of this or a better alternative. Answers are below.
- The internet connection was unstable. ____________, the video call kept dropping.
- She studied hard for the exam. ____________, she passed with a high score.
- The restaurant received a health violation. ____________, it was closed for a week.
- I woke up late. ____________, I skipped breakfast.
Answers:
- Because of this (or As a result) – Clear cause and effect.
- Because of this (or Therefore) – Logical result.
- Because of this (or Consequently) – Direct consequence.
- So (or That’s why) – Casual context, because of this sounds too formal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I start a sentence with ‘because of this’?
Yes, you can. It is common and correct to start a sentence with because of this when it refers back to the previous sentence. For example: “The company lost its main supplier. Because of this, production was delayed.”
2. Is ‘because of this’ the same as ‘due to this’?
They are similar, but due to this is slightly more formal and often used in written reports. Because of this is more common in everyday writing and speech. Both show cause and effect.
3. Can I use ‘because of this’ in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, but you need a semicolon before it or a period. You cannot use a comma alone. Correct: “The system failed; because of this, we lost data.” Incorrect: “The system failed, because of this we lost data.”
4. What is the difference between ‘because of this’ and ‘because of that’?
Because of this refers to a cause that was just mentioned (close in the text). Because of that refers to a cause that is further away or less immediate. In practice, many native speakers use them interchangeably, but this is more direct and immediate.
For more help with connecting your ideas, explore our guides on Linking Words by Purpose or check out Transition Word Examples for additional practice. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
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