français · B1 · grammar · 4 minutes
Cause and consequence
Link reasons and results with connectors that match register and structure.
Understand the choice
Connector choice adds viewpoint. Parce que answers why neutrally, puisque treats the cause as known, comme foregrounds it at the beginning, grâce à presents a positive cause, and à cause de often a negative one.
Core rule: Parce que and puisque introduce clauses; à cause de and grâce à introduce nouns; donc and c’est pourquoi introduce consequences.
Notice it in context
Comme la route était fermée, nous avons pris un autre chemin.
As the road was closed, we took another route.
Comme foregrounds the cause; the main clause records its completed consequence.
Le vol a été annulé à cause du brouillard.
The flight was cancelled because of fog.
À cause de takes the noun brouillard and contracts to du.
Elle s’est beaucoup entraînée, donc elle a progressé.
She trained a lot, so she improved.
Donc connects the stated effort to its result.
What to remember
- Grâce à can introduce a person or circumstance viewed positively.
- Car explains in written or careful speech but usually does not answer a direct pourquoi question.
Common trap: Do not put a full conjugated clause directly after à cause de. Use à cause du brouillard or parce qu’il y avait du brouillard.