Adverbs are among the eight parts of speech that help describe a verb, adjective, or another adverb in a sentence precisely with more information. They modify words with variant meanings in different contexts, in accordance to which they are divided into several units.
Adverbs of reason are one such type of adverbs. By definition, we can simply state that adverbs of reason are the type of adverbs that modify a verb by telling us why something happens. This means they basically indicate the reason behind the happening of something.
However, this group of adverbs is limited, unlike other adverbs. There are only a few and specific words that are considered as adverbs of reason. So, let us discuss them in detail and learn them thoroughly.
What are adverbs of reason?
We know that adverbs are words that change or alter the meaning of a verb, adjective, or another adverb by providing additional information in a sentence.
Several parts of adverbs describe words in different contexts with distinct intentions. When such an adverb takes up the function of telling the reason behind the occurrence of a particular action, it is said to be an adverb of reason.
In short, adverbs of reason are the words that express why something occurs. This unit of adverbs is also known as the adverbs of purpose. It means they indicate the purpose or the motive of an occurrence in a sentence.
Some examples of Adverbs of reason are therefore, hence, so that, because, since, consequently, lest, etc.
We notice that they are not long phrases or sentences. They are just individual words or short phrases that help us reach out to the reasons or purpose behind the action. Let us understand them with some sentence examples.
- I heard a weird noise; therefore, I called my mom.
- I was sleeping so that I do not feel dizzy later.
- She cried because of you.
As we see, the bolded words directly lead towards why the actor performed a particular action. Hence, the name.
Usage of adverbs of reason
As mentioned earlier, adverbs of reason have a limited word choice. So, let us try to understand some of the basic ones in detail.
Therefore: They indicate as “a result; for that reason”
Tigers are endangered animals, therefore, they are protected by the government.
Hence: This word indicates “for this reason”. It expresses the reason for the happening of an incident, which is similar to “therefore”.
Plastics are harmful. Hence, we shouldn't use them.
So that: It indicates “in order to”. It expresses a reason due to why a particular decision has arisen.
He ran fast so that he could catch the train.
Consequently: This word states “the reason as a consequence of something”.
The girl was consequently punished for her carelessness.
Because: It simply states “why something happens”.
He left because he was sick.
Lest: This word indicates “in case”.
Teach slowly lest the students don’t catch up.
Thus: It simply means “as a result of”.
Foods are quick to catch bacteria. Thus, we should always be careful.
These are some of the basic adverbs of reason that we put to use regularly in our sentences.