Prepositions of Cause, Purpose, and Reason

Prepositions of cause, purpose, and reason are used to indicate why, what for, or because of what something happens. We usually use these prepositions when we answer the question beginning with "Why?".

Why don't you eat breakfast? - I don't eat breakfast to sleep more in the mornings

There are several commonly used prepositions of cause, purpose, and reason:

due to -- is used to express the cause of the action.

Due to her strict parents, Liz rarely went out. It was difficult for her to make friends (Her parents were the cause of her not making friends.)

to -- is used to express the purpose of the action. (usually followed by a verb)

People go to clubs to dance and to meet new people. (These two things are the purpose of people going to clubs.)

for -- is used to express the reason of the action. (usually followed by a noun/pronoun or a gerund)

He was taken to the police station for driving under influence. (DUI was the reason he was taken to the police station.)

Because of is also used to express the reason of something happening.

I need to go home earlier because of my sick cat. (My cat is sick that's why I need to go home earlier.)

Guided Practice#

Emma always has to go the shop on the outskirts of the city .................... buy soy milk .................... her dairy allergy.

My parents always give extra pocket money to my little brother .................... doing well at school. Thankfully, he is saving up the money .................... buy a computer instead of spending it on food.

Short Story using Prepositions of Cause, Purpose, and Reason#

–Why can't you go out with us tonight?

–That's all because of my parents. They are quite strict and don't want me going out that late at night.

–But you aren't going to be alone!

–I know, I know. They think that all people go to clubs only to get drunk. But I've never done anything inappropriate! There is no reason for them being so negative about it.

–You're still living with your parents so you can't really do anything about it. We'll go out some other time then, OK?

Independent Practice#

Choose the correct preposition.

We would like for/to thank you for/to your hospitality.
The kid left the room due to/to cry in his room.
Dan's mom can't drink milk because of/to her allergy.
It's all because of/to you.
We're so happy for/to have you there!
I always bring sweets for/to my little cousins when I'm visiting them.
Their shop was closed down due to/for the financial struggles.
Oh, the things we do for/due to love!
Due to/For the shortage of staff we are working overtime now.
Timothy always makes coffee because of/for his wife in the morning.