Section 2 — The Framework Grammar focus

Session 6 Grammar: Cause and effect language

These connectors link events to their causes and consequences — essential for building analytical arguments about any current event.

Grammar Focus

[Cause] + [connector] + [effect] OR [Effect] + [connector] + [cause]

Cause and effect language creates logical connections between events. In analytical writing and speaking about current events, these connectors are essential. Different connectors imply different degrees of directness and certainty. Use "led to / resulted in / triggered / caused" for direct causation. Use "contributed to / was a factor in" for partial causation. Use "in the wake of / following" for temporal sequence (not necessarily causal). Avoid "caused" when you mean "followed."

"The collapse of the bank led to a run on several other financial institutions."

"The drought resulted in widespread food insecurity across three provinces."

"The scandal triggered a wave of resignations."

"The failure of the peace talks was a consequence of deep mistrust on both sides."

"In the wake of the election, the currency fell sharply."

"Decades of underfunding contributed to the collapse of the healthcare system."

Variations to practice

sparked prompted gave rise to as a result of owing to brought about precipitated