Conversational patterns – 4
Cause-and-Effect Professional Phrases
These phrases allow you to explain why things happen — this is the core of intelligent, professional communication.
Native speakers constantly explain cause and effect, especially in discussions about:
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work
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psychology
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business
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leadership
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films and characters
The 5 Most Powerful Cause-and-Effect Phrases
Learn these first. They give maximum return.
1. “This leads to…”
Meaning: creates a result
Example:
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This leads to professional failure.
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This leads to misunderstandings.
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This leads to better performance.
Maisel example:
Her emotional impulsiveness leads to poor professional decisions.
This sounds immediately C1+.
2. “This results in…”
More formal and professional version of “leads to”
Example:
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This results in missed opportunities.
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This results in conflict.
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This results in career growth.
Maisel example:
Her lack of discipline results in career setbacks.
Very strong professional phrasing.
3. “This causes…”
Very clear, direct cause-effect
Example:
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This causes problems.
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This causes confusion.
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This causes tension.
Maisel example:
Her ego causes professional instability.
Simple, powerful, native-like.
4. “As a result,…”
Extremely common in educated speech
Structure:
Cause. As a result, effect.
Example:
She acted emotionally. As a result, she lost the opportunity.
Native speakers use this constantly.
5. “This prevents…”
Very important professional concept
Example:
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This prevents success.
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This prevents progress.
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This prevents effective communication.
Maisel example:
Her emotional reactions prevent her from thinking strategically.
This sounds highly professional.
Why these phrases are so powerful
Most B2 speakers describe events:
She lost the job.
C1 speakers explain causes:
Her emotional impulsiveness led to her losing the job.
This makes you sound analytical, intelligent, and professional.
The Core 20 Professional English Phrases (C1 Toolkit)
Group 1: Giving professional opinions (MOST IMPORTANT)
These are your foundation.
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From my perspective,…
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What stands out to me is…
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I would argue that…
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It seems to me that…
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I tend to think that…
Example:
What stands out to me is her lack of professional discipline.
Group 2: Explaining cause and effect (CRITICAL for intelligent speech)
These immediately make your English sound analytical.
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This leads to…
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This results in…
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This causes…
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As a result,…
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This prevents…
Example:
Her emotional impulsiveness leads to professional problems.
Group 3: Professional analysis verbs (EXTREMELY powerful)
These verbs upgrade your speaking instantly.
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This demonstrates…
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This suggests…
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This reflects…
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This reveals…
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This undermines…
Example:
This demonstrates her lack of emotional control.
Group 4: Contrast and balanced thinking (C1/C2 marker)
These show intellectual maturity.
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However,…
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At the same time,…
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That said,…
Example:
She is very talented. However, she lacks discipline.
Group 5: Professional evaluation (very high value)
These are extremely useful in work and discussion.
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She lacks…
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She is capable of…
Example:
She is capable of great success, but she lacks consistency.
Your realistic expectation
If you become comfortable using just these 20 phrases over the next 2–3 months, your speaking will naturally reach solid C1 level.
Not through memorization — but through repeated natural use.