CONTRASTING CLAUSE, REASON CLAUSE AND

RESULT CLAUSE
1. CONTRASTING CLAUSE
While is a subordinating conjunction. Subordinating conjunctions are used to introduce
subordinate clauses.

It is common to use while to talk about time, but today we are going to look at
using whileto introduce a contrasting clause (a clause in which the idea it contains is
different or disagrees with the idea in the main clause of the sentence). This is the type of
complex grammar that examiners award a band 7 and up for.

Look at the example below.

While I have been to France, I haven’t been to Paris.
While highlights the contrast/surprising information that the writer has visited
France. But, the writer has not visited the capital city of France.

The use of the subordinating conjunction while means that we can join two sentences
together making our writing more concise and sophisticated. Notice how if the
subordinate clause starts the sentence, it is separated from the main clause with a
comma. If the sentence starts with a main clause, a comma is not necessary.

Exercise 1.
Re-write the following pairs of sentences so that they are just one sentence
containing a contrast clause with while.

Example:
I like the taste of shellfish. I get a bad allergic reaction to shellfish.
(subordinate clause + main clause)
 While I like shellfish, I get a bad reaction to it.

1. Many people think violence on TV should be banned. I think TV violence should only
be allowed late at night.

2. There are many environmental and health problems associated with developing
countries increasing their use of fossil fuels. Few solutions have been suggested for this
problem.

3. The overwhelming majority of climate scientist believe human industry is responsible

for the changing climate. A very small number of serious scientists disagree that human
industry is responsible for the changing climate.
4. Production of the new model increased. Overall sales of all models decreased.

5. Less people were employed at the factory. It was more productive

6. Some countries benefit from the input of skilled workers from abroad. Many people
believe that this damages the human resources of developing countries and should be
stopped

7. Many people will tell you that planning is the key to success. A few people will tell
you that good networking and good luck are the keys to success.

2. REASON CLAUSE

 The conjunction is used at the start of the subordinate clause.

 The subordinate clause can be used at the start or the end of the sentence; however,
it is more common for the main clause to be followed by the subordinate clause
of reason. This means that the first sentence in each of the examples above is more
common.
 If the subordinate clause comes before the main clause, then a comma is used to
separate the two clauses.

COMMON ERRORS:
Don’t use so in sentences with because, as or since.

 Incorrect: As the summer here is very hot, so many people like to have their holiday
at the beach. ✘
 Correct: As the summer here is very hot, many people like to have their holiday at
the beach. ✔

Exercise 2: Combine information to create a sentence with a main clause and

a subordinate clause. To do this, fill in the gaps in the sentences. The conjunction of
reason is given.

For example:

I like watching horror movies. I want to learn how to do horror movie makeup. (because)

Because I like watching horror movies, I want to learn to do horror movie makeup. ✔

1. This is an important game. There will be a big crowd. (as)

2. She joined a conversation class. She wants to improve her spoken English. (since)

3. I like dancing. I went to the annual dance festival in Berlin. (because)

4. There should be tougher punishments for law breakers. Crime levels are rising. (since)

5. People are more focused on their careers these days. People have children later in
life. (as)

6. Private vehicles are more comfortable than public transport. Private vehicles are more
popular than public transport. (because)

PREPOSITION PHRASES

Preposition phrases can also be used to give reasons. Look at the examples below
which answer example question 3-6 that we thought about at the beginning of the
class.

4. Why do you like certain movies, but not others?

Because of the style of animation, I like Japanese cartoon movies

5. Why do scientists think the climate is changing?

On account of the rising levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, scientists believe that the
climate is changing.

6. How will technology change education in the future?

Owing to greater internet connectivity, students in rural areas will be able to access the same level of
education as those in the cities.
Notice:

 After the preposition, a noun or noun phrase is used.

 The preposition and noun are separated from the main clause by a comma.
 Many students get confused about when to use because or because of.

Remember, because of is followed by a noun phrase whereas because is followed

by a clause (subject and verb)

For example:
 Because of the rain, we are not going to go out.
'the rain' is a noun phrase.

Because it is raining, we are not going to go out.

'it is raining' is a clause (subject + verb)

The meaning of these two sentences is the same, but the grammar is different.

Ex.3 Complete the sentence below:

1. Owing to the rise in housing costs,

2. Since they haven’t completed the bridge,

3. Because of my passion for painting,

4. I plan to work as marine biologist

5. Because I was an artistic student,

6. On account of rising sea levels,

7. As the people living in the highlands claim to have magical powers,

8. I sold my car last year,

Ex.4 Writing task 2

Write an essay to answer the following question.

Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems.

Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle
these problems.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.

Paragraph 1 – Introduction (briefly introduce topic)

Paragraph 2 – One problem (include examples and background ideas) and one suggested
solution with the reason why you think it would be effective.

Paragraph 3 - One problem (include examples and background ideas) and one suggested
solution with the reason why you think it would be effective.

Paragraph 4 – Conclusion (summarise main points)

3. Clauses of Result:
Clauses of Result:

A subordinate clause may express purpose or result.

Clauses of Purpose

1. These men died that we might live.

2. I will take care that you are not harmed.

3. John worked day and night that the plans might be ready in time.

4. We threw our ballast overboard, so that the airship might clear the treetops.

5. All our arrangements have been made with the utmost precision, in order that the ship
may be launched promptly and without accident.

Clauses of Result

1. He has recovered his strength, so that he can now work.

2. The town stood at the foot of the volcano, so that every building was destroyed.

3. Quentin started so suddenly that he almost dropped his weapon.

4. His rancor against the duke was so apparent that one saw it in the first half-hour’s
conversation.

5. Their minds were so much embittered that they imputed to each other nothing less
than deliberate villany.

6. You make such a noise that I cannot hear the music.

Clauses of purpose may be introduced by the subordinate conjunction that or by a

phrase containing it (so that, in order that, to the end that, etc.).

Negative clauses of purpose may be introduced by that ... not or by lest.

1. Take heed lest thou fall.

2. I feared lest I might anger thee. —Shakespeare.

Clauses of result may be introduced by the phrase so that, consisting of the adverb so
and the subordinate conjunction that; or by that alone, especially when so, such, or some
similar word stands in the main clause.

A clause of purpose or of result may be either an adverbial clause (as in § 403) or a

substantive clause.

1. I intend that you shall be elected. [Object.]

2. My intention is that you shall be appointed. [Predicate nominative.]

3. The result is that he is bankrupt. [Predicate nominative.]

4. His exertions had this effect, that the vote was unanimous. [Appositive.]

A substantive clause of purpose is often used as the object of a verb of commanding,

desiring, or the like.

1. The general ordered that the fort should be blown up.

2. The prisoner begged that his fetters might be struck off.

Purpose may be expressed by the infinitive with to or in order to, and result by the
infinitive with to or as to.

1. He abandoned his profession to [or in order to] become a missionary. [Purpose.]

2. He was kind enough to help me. [Result. Compare: He was so kind that he helped
me.]

3. He was so kind as to help me. [Result.]

Negative result is often expressed by the adverb too and the infinitive.

1. Iron is too heavy to float. [Compare: Iron is so heavy that it does not float.]

Purpose may be expressed by an infinitive clause.

2. The teacher intended us to finish the book. [Compare: The teacher intended that we
should finish the book.]

3. The foreman ordered the engine to be stopped. [Compare: The foreman ordered that
the engine should be stopped.]

4. As a result can also be used at the beginning of a new sentence.

 The lecture was boring and irrelevant. As a result, some of the students began to
fall asleep.

The following words and phrases are used in the same way.

Therefore, Thus, In consequence, Consequently, For this/that reason

Causal relations can be expressed by ing-clauses of result.

 The government increased the duty on wine. As a result, there was a fall in
demand.
 The government increased the duty on wine, resulting in a fall in demand.

Ex.5: Combine two sentences by using result clause:

1. The internet provides a huge amount of information. This makes it very easy for
students to research topics they are unfamiliar with.

2. There is a lot of crime in inner city neighbourhoods. Many people want to move out of
inner city neighbourhoods.

3. Robots are replacing people in factories. There are less manufacturing jobs.

4. The internet makes it possible for many people to work from home. This reduces
expenses and worker stress.

5. The problem is caused by a lack of training. This stops workers from completing
projects to deadline.

6. People today expect instant responses. Consequently, people’s attention spans are
shortened.

Ex.6: Writing task 2

More and more people are moving to cities.

What are the causes for this? What effects does this have?
Write 250 words.

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