Example
since (conjunction)
Gives a reason the reader probably already accepts; + clause.
Since most jobs now require computer skills, schools should teach them early.
Written by Fizza Butool Zaidi and Ali Zaidi
12 alternatives
Gives a reason the reader probably already accepts; + clause.
Since most jobs now require computer skills, schools should teach them early.
Don't swap blindly: Since also refers to time ('since 2010'). Avoid it where the reader could take it either way.
Gives a reason; + clause. Common at the start of a sentence.
As public transport is cheap, few students in the city own a car.
Don't swap blindly: As also means 'while' and 'like', so keep the sentence clear.
+ noun phrase, not a clause.
Because of rising rents, many young adults live with their parents.
Don't swap blindly: 'Because of rents are rising' is wrong; use because + clause.
+ noun phrase. Traditionally used after 'be'.
The delay was due to heavy snow.
Don't swap blindly: 'Due to the fact that' is wordy; write 'because'.
+ noun phrase; formal and British.
Owing to a lack of funding, the project was cancelled.
+ noun phrase; stresses the result.
As a result of the new law, plastic bag use fell sharply.
+ clause; treats the reason as an accepted fact.
Given that most crime is committed by young men, prevention should target them.
+ noun phrase; formal.
In view of the evidence, a ban seems justified.
+ noun phrase; for a good cause.
Thanks to vaccination, many diseases are now rare.
Don't swap blindly: Positive in meaning. 'Thanks to pollution' sounds sarcastic.
+ noun phrase; formal and a little old-fashioned.
The match was cancelled on account of the weather.
Reverses the order: the effect comes first.
Many health problems stem from poor diet.
+ clause; literary and old-fashioned.
We must act now, for the cost of waiting is high.
Don't swap blindly: Never at the start of a sentence in this meaning, and best avoided in IELTS; it sounds dated.
Paraphrasing
Band tip: the public IELTS Writing band descriptors for Lexical Resource describe Band 7 as using “less common lexical items” with “some awareness of style and collocation”. A synonym that changes your meaning or breaks a collocation works against you, so choose the word that fits the sentence, not the rarest one you know.
In context
The rise in home working stems from two developments. Firstly, thanks to faster internet, most office tasks can now be done anywhere. Secondly, given that commuting costs have risen sharply, many employees prefer to save the money. As a result of both factors, companies have had little reason to insist on full-time office attendance.
Since, as and given that before a clause; because of, due to, owing to and thanks to before a noun phrase. You can also reverse the sentence with 'stems from' or 'is the result of'.
Because is followed by a clause (subject + verb): 'because prices rose'. Because of is followed by a noun phrase: 'because of rising prices'.
It is widely used, but traditional grammar prefers 'owing to' or 'because of' there. 'Due to' is safest after a form of be: 'The delay was due to the weather.'
It is common in speech but repeats the idea of reason. In Writing, use 'the reason is that'.
Practise
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