Lesson 7

ALTERNATIVE  CONSTRUCTIONS FOR CAUSE, PURPOSE AND CONCESSION
 

CAUSE:

For the expression of cause we can use the preposition because of when a suitable noun to express the same meaning as the verb used in the causal clause exists, as in the following example. Apart from because of, it is possible to use more formal prepositions – owing to and on account of.

 

CAUSE

Because she believes in complete freedom of expression, my cousin Georgina lets her children do exactly as they like.

ALTERNATIVE

Because of (On account of/Owing to) her belief of complete freedom of expression, my cousin Georgina lets her children do exactly as they like.

 

 

PURPOSE:

For the expression of purpose it is possible to avoid a change of grammatical subject and the use of the conjunction so that by substituting verbs such as to stop, to prevent, to allow, to enable, to let, to make, or to give.

 

PURPOSE

Personally I think that some sort of discipline is absolutely necessary so that children won’t grow into hooligans.

ALTERNATIVE

Personally I think that some sort of discipline is absolutely necessary to stop/to prevent children (from) growing into hooligans.

 

CONCESSION:

For the expression of concession, instead of clauses with although, even though, it is possible to use the preposition in spite of or the less informal preposition despite. These can be followed by

1. a suitable noun (e.g. indiscipline below) or pronoun,
2. lack of + noun (e.g. indiscipline below) or pronoun,
3. the -ing form of gerund (e.g. being)

Instead of despite, it is possible to use its more formal alternative notwithstanding, which cannot be followed by the -ing form because of euphony.

 

CONCESSION

I must admit they’re quite nice youngsters although they’re so undisciplined.

ALTERNATIVE

I must admit they’re quite nice youngsters in spite of/despite their indiscipline/(their) lack of discipline/(their) being so undisciplined.