In academic writing, the phrase “because of this” is often misused as a vague connector that weakens arguments and confuses readers. The most common mistake is using it to introduce a new idea or a conclusion that does not logically follow from the previous statement, or using it in place of more precise linking words like “therefore,” “consequently,” or “as a result.” This guide explains the specific errors, shows you how to fix them, and provides better alternatives for formal writing.
Quick Answer: When ‘Because of This’ Works and When It Doesn’t
“Because of this” is a causal connector. It should only be used when the sentence that follows is a direct result of the sentence before it. If you are adding a reason, a consequence, or a conclusion that is not a clear cause-and-effect, choose a different word. In academic writing, overusing “because of this” makes your work sound informal and imprecise.
Why ‘Because of This’ Causes Problems in Academic Writing
The main issue is that “because of this” is a phrase that points backward. It refers to the entire previous idea. In academic writing, you often need to be more specific about which part of the previous idea caused the result. Using “because of this” can make your reasoning feel lazy or incomplete.
Mistake 1: Using It for Non-Causal Connections
Writers often use “because of this” to simply move to the next point, even when there is no clear cause. This creates a logical gap.
Incorrect: The experiment required a sterile environment. Because of this, the lab was painted white.
Why it is wrong: The sterile environment is not the direct cause of the paint color. The paint color is a requirement of the sterile environment, but the cause is the need for cleanliness, not the environment itself.
Correct: The experiment required a sterile environment. For this reason, the lab was painted with non-porous, easy-to-clean white paint.
Mistake 2: Overuse in Formal Essays
In a formal essay, “because of this” can sound conversational. Academic readers expect precise logical connectors. Using it too often makes your writing feel like spoken English.
Informal (avoid in essays): The data showed a clear trend. Because of this, we changed our hypothesis.
Formal (preferred): The data showed a clear trend. Consequently, we revised our hypothesis.
Mistake 3: Creating a Run-On Sentence
Some writers try to connect two long sentences with “because of this” without a period or semicolon, creating a confusing structure.
Incorrect: The company faced budget cuts because of this they had to lay off staff.
Correct: The company faced budget cuts. Because of this, they had to lay off staff.
Comparison Table: ‘Because of This’ vs. Better Alternatives
| Phrase | Meaning | Best Used In | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Because of this | General cause-and-effect | Informal writing, conversation | The test was hard. Because of this, many students failed. |
| Therefore | Logical conclusion | Formal essays, reports | The evidence was conclusive. Therefore, the theory was accepted. |
| Consequently | Direct result | Academic papers, research | The policy changed. Consequently, enrollment dropped. |
| As a result | Outcome of an action | Business writing, analysis | Sales increased. As a result, profits rose. |
| For this reason | Justification | Argumentative essays | The method was flawed. For this reason, we rejected it. |
| Thus | Formal conclusion | Scientific writing | The reaction was complete. Thus, the compound formed. |
Natural Examples of ‘Because of This’ in Context
Here are examples where “because of this” works naturally, especially in less formal academic writing like discussion posts or personal reflections.
- In a lab report discussion: “The sample was contaminated. Because of this, the results were unreliable.”
- In a reflective essay: “I struggled with the first assignment. Because of this, I changed my study habits.”
- In an email to a professor: “I missed the deadline due to illness. Because of this, I am requesting an extension.”
Common Mistakes with ‘Because of This’
Here are the most frequent errors English learners make, with corrections.
Mistake 1: Confusing Cause and Effect
Wrong: The sun was shining. Because of this, we stayed inside.
Why: The sun shining usually makes people go outside, not stay inside. The cause and effect are reversed or unrelated.
Correct: The sun was shining. Because of this, we went to the park.
Mistake 2: Using It After a List
Wrong: The study examined age, income, and education. Because of this, the results were complex.
Why: The list of variables does not directly cause complexity. The complexity comes from how they interact.
Correct: The study examined age, income, and education. Because these variables interact, the results were complex.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the Comma
Wrong: The economy slowed because of this unemployment rose.
Correct: The economy slowed. Because of this, unemployment rose.
Better Alternatives to ‘Because of This’
When you want to sound more formal or precise, replace “because of this” with one of these options.
- Therefore: Use for a logical conclusion. “The hypothesis was supported. Therefore, we can accept it.”
- Consequently: Use for a direct, often negative, result. “Funding was cut. Consequently, the project ended.”
- As a result: Use for a clear outcome. “The team worked overtime. As a result, the deadline was met.”
- For this reason: Use to justify a decision. “The data was unreliable. For this reason, we discarded it.”
- Hence: Use in very formal or old-fashioned writing. “The argument is flawed. Hence, it is invalid.”
When to Use ‘Because of This’ (And When to Avoid It)
Use “because of this” when you are writing informally, such as in a personal journal, an email to a friend, or a discussion board post. Avoid it in formal essays, research papers, reports, and any writing where precision is important. In those contexts, choose a more specific linking word.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence. Answers are below.
1. The experiment failed due to equipment malfunction. __________, the data was unusable.
A. Because of this
B. For example
C. In addition
2. The author presented three main arguments. __________, the conclusion was well-supported.
A. Because of this
B. Consequently
C. However
3. The survey had a low response rate. __________, the results may not be representative.
A. Because of this
B. Similarly
C. On the other hand
4. The company invested in new technology. __________, productivity increased by 20%.
A. Because of this
B. Nevertheless
C. In contrast
Answers: 1. A, 2. B, 3. A, 4. A
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ‘because of this’ at the beginning of a paragraph?
Yes, but only if the previous paragraph clearly establishes the cause. It is better to use a transition like “Consequently” or “As a result” to start a new paragraph in academic writing.
Is ‘because of this’ the same as ‘due to this’?
They are similar, but “due to this” is slightly more formal. Both can be used, but “due to” is often preferred in written English. For example: “The delay was due to this issue.”
What is the difference between ‘because of this’ and ‘because of that’?
“Because of this” refers to something just mentioned, while “because of that” refers to something mentioned earlier or further away. In academic writing, “because of this” is more common because it keeps the reference close.
How do I avoid overusing ‘because of this’?
Vary your linking words. Use “therefore,” “consequently,” “as a result,” “for this reason,” and “thus” to keep your writing interesting and precise. Also, consider rewriting the sentence to show the cause directly without a connector.
For more help with academic transitions, explore our guides on Essay Starters and Linking Words by Purpose. If you have questions about your own writing, visit our FAQ or contact us.
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