Causes

: A proximate cause is the immediate trigger—for example, a match lighting a fire. The ultimate cause is the deeper reason—why the oxygen, fuel, and heat were all in that place at that time.

: Reflecting on the causes of our own behaviors helps us make better choices in the future. Common "Signal Words" for Cause and Effect

: Identifying the cause of a disease is the first step toward a cure. causes

When reading or writing, certain words act as signposts for causal relationships:

The concept of "causes" is the engine of our reality, driving everything from the microscopic shift of a tectonic plate to the grand sweep of human history. Understanding what makes things happen allows us to predict the future and change the present. The Invisible Threads of Causality : A proximate cause is the immediate trigger—for

: As a result , consequently , therefore , thus , so . Cause and Effect Using Informational Text

: A necessary cause must be present for an effect to occur (you need oxygen for fire), while a sufficient cause is enough on its own to produce the effect (a lightning strike is enough to start a forest fire). Common "Signal Words" for Cause and Effect :

: To understand a revolution or an economic shift, we must look at the underlying social and political causes.