How to Use ‘because of this’ in an Essay
The phrase ‘because of this’ is a linking expression that shows a direct cause-and-effect relationship between two ideas. In an essay, you use it to explain that something happened as a direct result of the point you just made. For example: “The experiment was conducted without proper controls. Because of this, the results were unreliable.” This phrase works best when you want to keep your writing clear and logical, but you must use it carefully to avoid sounding repetitive or informal in academic contexts.
Quick Answer: When to Use ‘because of this’
Use ‘because of this’ when you need to connect a cause to its effect in a straightforward way. It is suitable for most essay types, including argumentative, expository, and analytical essays. However, it is more common in informal and semi-formal writing than in very formal academic papers. If you are writing a research paper or a thesis, consider using alternatives like ‘consequently’ or ‘as a result’ for a more formal tone.
Understanding the Meaning and Nuance
The core meaning of ‘because of this’ is simple: it signals that what follows is a direct consequence of what was just stated. However, the nuance matters. This phrase often implies a logical or practical outcome rather than an emotional or subjective one. For example:
- Logical cause: “The data showed a clear trend. Because of this, we revised our hypothesis.”
- Practical outcome: “The budget was cut significantly. Because of this, the project had to be scaled down.”
Notice that the phrase does not carry strong emotional weight. If you want to emphasize a dramatic or surprising result, you might choose a different linking word, such as ‘therefore’ or ‘thus’.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
‘Because of this’ sits in the middle of the formality spectrum. It is more formal than ‘so’ or ‘that’s why’, but less formal than ‘consequently’ or ‘accordingly’. Here is a quick comparison:
| Formality Level | Example Phrase | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|
| Informal | “So” / “That’s why” | Conversations, personal emails, informal blog posts |
| Semi-formal | “Because of this” | Essays, business emails, reports |
| Formal | “Consequently” / “As a result” | Academic papers, legal documents, formal presentations |
For most essay writing, ‘because of this’ is perfectly acceptable. However, if your instructor or style guide requires a more formal tone, you should opt for a stronger alternative.
Comparison Table: ‘because of this’ vs. Similar Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Because of this | Direct cause and effect | Semi-formal | “The road was closed. Because of this, we took a detour.” |
| Therefore | Logical conclusion | Formal | “The evidence is clear. Therefore, the theory is correct.” |
| As a result | Outcome of an action | Formal | “He trained daily. As a result, he won the race.” |
| Consequently | Direct consequence | Very formal | “The policy changed. Consequently, profits fell.” |
| So | Simple result | Informal | “It was raining, so we stayed inside.” |
Natural Examples in Context
Here are five natural examples showing how ‘because of this’ works in different types of essays:
- Argumentative essay: “The new policy reduced carbon emissions by 20% in the first year. Because of this, many environmental groups have endorsed it.”
- Expository essay: “The ancient Romans built extensive aqueducts. Because of this, they were able to supply water to large urban populations.”
- Analytical essay: “The character’s childhood trauma shaped his worldview. Because of this, his later decisions appear driven by fear rather than logic.”
- Cause and effect essay: “Deforestation reduces the habitat of many species. Because of this, biodiversity in the region has declined sharply.”
- Business email (semi-formal): “The client requested a faster delivery schedule. Because of this, we need to adjust our production timeline.”
Common Mistakes When Using ‘because of this’
Even advanced learners make mistakes with this phrase. Here are the most frequent errors and how to fix them:
Mistake 1: Using it without a clear cause
Wrong: “The economy is growing. Because of this, I like pizza.”
Why it’s wrong: There is no logical connection between the economy and pizza.
Correct: “The economy is growing. Because of this, consumer spending has increased.”
Mistake 2: Overusing it in one paragraph
Wrong: “The experiment failed. Because of this, we had to repeat it. Because of this, we lost time. Because of this, the deadline was missed.”
Why it’s wrong: Repetition makes the writing sound clumsy.
Correct: “The experiment failed. Because of this, we had to repeat it, which caused a delay. Consequently, the deadline was missed.”
Mistake 3: Using it in very formal academic writing
Wrong: “The study revealed a significant correlation. Because of this, the null hypothesis was rejected.”
Why it’s wrong: ‘Because of this’ is too informal for a research paper.
Correct: “The study revealed a significant correlation. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected.”
Mistake 4: Confusing it with ‘because of that’
Wrong: “He missed the bus. Because of that, he was late.” (This is actually correct, but the nuance is different.)
Explanation: ‘Because of that’ often refers to something more distant or less directly connected. ‘Because of this’ refers to the immediate previous point. Use ‘because of this’ when the cause is the very last sentence.
Better Alternatives to ‘because of this’
Depending on your context, you may want to use a different phrase. Here are some strong alternatives:
- As a result – Best for formal essays and reports.
- Consequently – Best for very formal academic writing.
- Therefore – Best for logical conclusions.
- Thus – Best for concise, formal writing.
- Hence – Best for old-fashioned or very formal style.
- For this reason – Best when you want to emphasize the reason itself.
Example swap: “The data was corrupted. Because of this, we had to restart.” → “The data was corrupted. For this reason, we had to restart.”
When to Use ‘because of this’ (and When Not To)
Use ‘because of this’ when:
- You are writing a semi-formal essay or report.
- The cause is stated in the immediately preceding sentence.
- You want a clear, direct connection without sounding too stiff.
Avoid ‘because of this’ when:
- You are writing a very formal academic paper (use ‘consequently’ instead).
- You have already used it in the same paragraph (vary your linking words).
- The cause is not directly stated or is unclear.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Complete the following sentences by choosing the best linking phrase. Answers are below.
- The company lost its main supplier. __________, production had to stop for two weeks.
a) Because of this
b) So
c) Consequently - The weather was terrible. __________, we decided to cancel the picnic.
a) Because of this
b) Therefore
c) Both a and b are acceptable - The research methodology was flawed. __________, the findings cannot be trusted.
a) Because of this
b) So
c) As a result - She studied every day for a month. __________, she passed the exam with high marks.
a) Because of this
b) Hence
c) Both a and b are acceptable
Answers:
- c) Consequently (most formal and appropriate for a business context)
- c) Both a and b are acceptable (informal context allows both)
- c) As a result (formal and precise)
- c) Both a and b are acceptable (semi-formal context)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I start a sentence with ‘because of this’?
Yes, you can. It is common and grammatically correct to start a sentence with ‘Because of this’. For example: “Because of this, we changed our approach.” Just make sure the cause is clear from the previous sentence.
2. Is ‘because of this’ the same as ‘due to this’?
Not exactly. ‘Due to this’ is more formal and often used in written reports. ‘Because of this’ is slightly more conversational. In most essays, you can use either, but ‘due to this’ may sound more polished in academic writing.
3. Can I use ‘because of this’ in a conclusion paragraph?
Yes, but use it sparingly. In a conclusion, you are summarizing your main points, so ‘because of this’ can help show the overall cause-and-effect relationship of your argument. However, avoid starting your conclusion with it.
4. What is the difference between ‘because of this’ and ‘because of that’?
‘Because of this’ refers to the most recent point mentioned. ‘Because of that’ can refer to something mentioned earlier or something more distant in the text. For clarity, use ‘because of this’ when the cause is immediate.
Final Tips for Using ‘because of this’ in Your Essay
To use ‘because of this’ effectively, remember these three rules:
- Always ensure the cause is clear and directly connected to the effect.
- Do not overuse it—vary your linking words to keep your writing engaging.
- Match the formality level to your essay type. For academic papers, choose a more formal alternative.
For more help with linking words, explore our Essay Starters section or check out Transition Word Examples for additional phrases. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us. You can also review our Editorial Policy to understand how we create our guides.
