× PREFACE
  CHAPTER 1
What is Academic English?
  CHAPTER 2
Academic Vocabulary
  CHAPTER 3
Useful Sentence Structures and Language for Academic Writing
  CHAPTER 4
Paraphrasing, Summarising and Quoting
  CHAPTER 5
Paragraph Structure
  CHAPTER 6
Common Academic Text Structures




PREFACE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6
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Home > Chapter 3: Useful Sentence Structures and Language for Academic Writing

Chapter 3: Useful Sentence Structures and Language for Academic Writing

3c: Noun Phrases and Clauses

(ii) Using noun phrases/clauses after cohesive devices
Noun phrases are used after some cohesive devices. Compare the following two sentences:



Some cohesive devices are followed by a clause, which is a group of words that has a subject and a verb (e.g. because – see Sentence A), while some are followed by a noun phrase (e.g. because of – see Sentence B).

The table below shows some cohesive devices of different functions:

Functions Followed by a Clause Followed by a Noun Phrase
Stating cause
and effect
relationships		 because of
due to
as a result of
as a consequence of

See examples below for verbs stating cause and effect relationships



Examples:
  • It is believed that excessive pressure at work (cause) could bring about mental illnesses (effect).
  • The failure of the project (effect) stemmed from inadequate resources (cause).
Making concession although
though
even though 		despite
in spite of
Showing
purpose/
intention		 so that with the aim of
with a view to


  3a  3b3c3d

 Activity 7

Choose the correct answer for each of the sentences below.

  • A lot of consumers still prefer shopping online despite …
    • it can be very dangerous.
    • the security risks.

  • The genetically modified (GM) salmon can produce growth hormone all year round. Therefore, …
    • they can reach maturity in a shorter time.
    • early maturity in a shorter time.

  • Improvement in health results from …
    • regular exercise and a balanced diet.
    • people exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.

  • During the Great Depression, consumer spending and investment dropped tremendously. As a result, …
    • countless workers were laid off.
    • large-scale unemployment.

  • New measures have been proposed with a view to …
    • increasing the company’s profits.
    • the company could make more profits.

  • The unpopularity of electric vehicles in Hong Kong is mainly due to …
    • there are inadequate charging spots and facilities.
    • a lack of charging spots and facilities.

  • The success of David Beckham can be attributed to …
    • his perseverance and passion for soccer.
    • he is always persevering to the end and he really loves soccer.