Common Mistakes with ‘because of this’ in Academic Writing
The most common mistake with “because of this” in academic writing is using it as a sentence connector when a more precise or formal linking word is needed. While “because of this” is grammatically correct, it often sounds too casual for academic papers, can create vague cause-and-effect relationships, and is frequently overused where a single word like “therefore,” “consequently,” or “thus” would be clearer and more professional.
Quick Answer: When to Avoid “because of this”
In academic writing, avoid “because of this” when you need a formal transition between sentences. Instead, use “therefore,” “consequently,” “as a result,” or “for this reason.” Keep “because of this” for informal notes, emails to colleagues, or conversational explanations. The key difference is that “because of this” introduces a noun phrase, while “therefore” connects entire clauses more smoothly.
Understanding the Core Problem
“Because of this” is a prepositional phrase that means “due to this fact” or “as a consequence of this.” The problem in academic writing is not that it is wrong, but that it often creates a weak or unclear connection between ideas. Academic readers expect precise logical links, and “because of this” can feel like a shortcut that does not fully explain the relationship.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
Consider these two versions of the same idea:
- Informal: The experiment failed. Because of this, we had to repeat it.
- Formal: The experiment failed. Consequently, we had to repeat it.
The second version sounds more direct and professional. In academic writing, “consequently” or “therefore” signals a clear logical conclusion without the extra words.
Comparison Table: “because of this” vs. Alternatives
| Phrase | Formality Level | Best Used In | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| because of this | Informal to neutral | Conversation, personal notes, informal emails | The data was corrupted. Because of this, we started again. |
| therefore | Formal | Academic papers, reports, essays | The data was corrupted. Therefore, we started again. |
| consequently | Formal | Academic writing, formal reports | The data was corrupted. Consequently, we started again. |
| as a result | Formal to neutral | Academic writing, business writing | The data was corrupted. As a result, we started again. |
| for this reason | Formal | Academic essays, logical arguments | The data was corrupted. For this reason, we started again. |
Natural Examples in Context
Here are examples showing how “because of this” sounds in different situations:
In a Conversation
“I missed the bus. Because of this, I was late for the meeting.” – This sounds natural and clear in spoken English.
In an Academic Essay
“The sample size was insufficient. Because of this, the results cannot be generalized.” – This is grammatically correct but sounds slightly informal. A better version: “The sample size was insufficient. Therefore, the results cannot be generalized.”
In a Formal Email
“The deadline has been moved forward. Because of this, please submit your report by Friday.” – This is acceptable in workplace emails but could be improved: “The deadline has been moved forward. For this reason, please submit your report by Friday.”
Common Mistakes with “because of this”
Mistake 1: Using it as a sentence starter in formal writing
Incorrect: The economy slowed down. Because of this, unemployment rose.
Correct: The economy slowed down. Consequently, unemployment rose.
Mistake 2: Creating a dangling modifier
Incorrect: Because of this, the study was flawed. (Unclear what “this” refers to if the previous sentence is long.)
Correct: The researchers failed to control for temperature. Because of this, the study was flawed. (Now “this” clearly refers to the temperature issue.)
Mistake 3: Overusing it in a single paragraph
Incorrect: The first test failed. Because of this, we adjusted the method. The second test also failed. Because of this, we changed the materials. The third test worked. Because of this, we concluded the approach was valid.
Correct: The first test failed. Consequently, we adjusted the method. The second test also failed. As a result, we changed the materials. The third test worked. Therefore, we concluded the approach was valid.
Mistake 4: Using it when the cause is obvious
Incorrect: It rained heavily. Because of this, the ground was wet.
Better: It rained heavily. The ground was wet. (No connector needed when the relationship is obvious.)
Better Alternatives to “because of this”
When you want to show a cause-and-effect relationship in academic writing, choose from these options:
- Therefore – Best for logical conclusions: “The hypothesis was supported. Therefore, the theory is valid.”
- Consequently – Best for direct results: “The funding was cut. Consequently, the project ended.”
- As a result – Best for clear outcomes: “The temperature rose. As a result, the ice melted.”
- For this reason – Best for explanations: “The data was inconsistent. For this reason, we repeated the experiment.”
- Thus – Best for formal, concise writing: “The evidence was clear. Thus, the conclusion was inevitable.”
When to Use “because of this”
Keep “because of this” for these situations:
- Informal emails to colleagues you know well
- Notes to yourself or study partners
- Spoken explanations or classroom discussions
- Personal journal entries or brainstorming notes
- When you want to sound conversational on purpose
In all other academic contexts, choose a more precise alternative.
Mini Practice: Choose the Best Connector
Rewrite each sentence using a better alternative to “because of this.” Answers are below.
- The survey had a low response rate. Because of this, the results may not be representative.
- The software crashed twice. Because of this, we lost all our data.
- The patient did not respond to the first treatment. Because of this, a second approach was tried.
- The budget was approved late. Because of this, the project started behind schedule.
Answers
- The survey had a low response rate. Therefore, the results may not be representative.
- The software crashed twice. Consequently, we lost all our data.
- The patient did not respond to the first treatment. As a result, a second approach was tried.
- The budget was approved late. For this reason, the project started behind schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “because of this” ever correct in academic writing?
Yes, but only in specific contexts. It can be used inside a sentence (not as a sentence starter) when the cause is a noun phrase. For example: “The delay was because of this error.” However, even then, “due to this error” or “attributable to this error” is often more formal.
2. What is the difference between “because of this” and “due to this”?
“Due to this” is slightly more formal and is preferred in academic writing. “Because of this” is more common in everyday speech. For example: “The cancellation was due to this issue” sounds more formal than “The cancellation was because of this issue.”
3. Can I use “because of this” in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, and this is often better than starting a sentence with it. For example: “The experiment failed because of this calibration error.” This is grammatically correct and clearer than starting a new sentence with “Because of this.”
4. How do I avoid overusing “because of this” in a long essay?
Vary your transition words. Use “therefore,” “consequently,” “as a result,” “for this reason,” “thus,” and “hence” throughout your essay. Also, sometimes you can remove the connector entirely if the cause-and-effect relationship is obvious from context.
Final Advice for Academic Writers
The best way to improve your use of “because of this” is to read your writing aloud. If “because of this” sounds too casual for the tone you want, replace it with a more formal alternative. Keep a list of cause-and-effect transitions near your desk: therefore, consequently, as a result, for this reason, thus, hence, accordingly. Practice using each one in different sentences until they feel natural. For more help with academic transitions, explore our Essay Starters and Transition Word Examples sections. If you have questions about this or other writing issues, visit our FAQ page or contact us for support.
