Preposition of Cause, Reason, Purpose

Before we dive into the Preposition of Cause, let’s take one step back to see what Prepositions are- Prepositions are words that link either the noun or the pronoun with another word in the sentence so as to form a relationship between them. To define it: A preposition is a word usually placed before a Noun(or a pronoun) to show it’s relation to another element in the sentence. This element could be another noun, adjective or verb.

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So what is a Preposition of Cause or Reason or Purpose or Motive or Destination or Target(all of these words snowballed into a broader term, Cause)? These are the prepositions that in general show the reason of a happening or being in a sentence. They generally answer the question of  why. They basically show the cause of something happening or the purpose of an action. As the name suggests, these show the reason in a sentence.

Browse more Topics under Prepositions

• Introduction to Prepositions
• Kinds of Preposition
• Preposition of Agency, Instrumentality
• Preposition of Contrast, Concession
• Preposition of Inference, Motive, Source, or Origin
• Preposition of Manner
• Preposition of Measure, Standard, Rate, Value
• Preposition of Place
• Preposition of Possession
• Prepositions of Time

For example:

• A train is used for travelling to different places. ( Why is a train used? The purpose of a train is to travel. The preposition for is the preposition of cause in this sentence as it is showing the purpose of a train.)
• Virat Kohli received a Padma Shri for his exceptional performance in the field of cricket. (Why was Virat Kohli given Padma Shri? The award was given because of his exceptional performance. The reason of the Padma Shri award is being indicated by the preposition for.)

Let’s see some Prepositions of Cause:

1. To: Usually used to show the purpose of the noun. This preposition joins a noun with a verb.

• We use coal in hydraulic plants to make electricity.
• She ran to deliver the mail before the bus left.
• My baby sister always goes to our father to ask for sweets.

2. For: This is also used to show the purpose of the noun. This preposition joins a noun with usually another noun or an adjective. If it joins the noun with a verb, usually the verb is in it’s gerund form.

• I need a fine profile for getting a job at the Wall street.
• Thank you for bringing us a casserole while our mom is out of town.
• My cat goes out in the garden for emptying her bowels.

3. Because of/ on account of : Joining a verb with the noun, this preposition is pretty straight up. It shows the reason of the happening.

• I need to stay home because of my naughty brother.
• The moon shines because of the sun.
• On account of the flight delay caused, the Prime minister will reach the office later than expected.

4. Owing to: Shows a cause

• Owing to the brilliant example set by Ellen Degeneres, she received a Medal of Freedom by President Obama.

Alternatively, you can use words like due to, by courtesy of, by reason of, by virtue of, for the benefit of, in favour of, in honour of, in the light of, on behalf of, thanks to, or towards. All these words are Prepositions of Cause and can do the job well. You know, a lot of them can pretty much be used substitutionally. Try using them in your essay writing to notch up the quality of your writing. Hope this article helped you!