Causal Compound: (由于)...所以/因此...
（由于）……，所以/因此……
Construct formal cause-and-effect sentences using 由于...所以/因此...
The first clause introduced by 由于 states the cause, and the second clause introduced by 所以 or 因此 states the result. 由于 can sometimes be omitted when the causal relationship is clear from context.
因此 is more formal than 所以 and is commonly used in writing or formal speech. In spoken Chinese, 所以 is more natural. You can also drop 由于 and just use 所以/因此 in the result clause if the cause is obvious.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Causal Compound: (由于)...所以/因此... (（由于）……，所以/因此……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the （由于）……，所以/因此…… pattern
New here?
Understanding （由于）……，所以/因此……
In HSK 1 and 2, you learned 因为...所以... (because...therefore...) for basic cause-and-effect sentences. Now at HSK 3 level, you add 由于 and 因此 to your toolkit, which allow you to express causal relationships in a more formal and sophisticated way. 由于 functions similarly to 因为 but carries a more written, academic tone — you will encounter it frequently in news articles, business reports, and formal speeches. 因此 replaces 所以 in the result clause and likewise feels more polished and literary. The beauty of this pattern is its flexibility: you can pair 由于 with either 所以 or 因此, and you can even omit 由于 entirely when context makes the cause obvious. Mastering these connectors elevates your Chinese from conversational to professional.
Key Points
- 由于 (yóuyú) is more formal than 因为 — used in written Chinese, news, and formal speech.
- 因此 (yīncǐ) is more formal than 所以 — conveys "therefore" with a literary tone.
- Common pairings: 由于...所以..., 由于...因此..., or just ...因此...
- The 由于 clause always comes first (cause before result).
- In casual conversation, 因为...所以... is still preferred; use 由于...因此... for essays, presentations, and formal contexts.
- 由于 can be omitted: 他工作很努力，因此取得了很大的成功。
Chinese formal writing values clear logical connectors. Using 由于...因此... in an essay or presentation immediately signals that you are operating at an educated, professional level. News anchors on CCTV use these patterns constantly.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
由于身体不好，所以爸爸打算提前退休。
Because of poor health, Dad plans to retire early.
他工作很努力，因此取得了很大的成功。
He works very hard, therefore he has achieved great success.
由于天气太热，因此很多人都不想出门。
Because the weather is too hot, many people don't want to go out.
由于交通堵塞，所以我迟到了。
Because of the traffic jam, I was late.
由于价格太贵，所以很少有人买。
Because the price is too expensive, very few people buy it.
他准备得很充分，因此面试很顺利。
He prepared very thoroughly, so the interview went smoothly.
由于下雨了，所以比赛取消了。
Because it rained, the match was cancelled.
Common Mistakes
The cause (由于) must come before the result (所以/因此). You cannot reverse the order.
由于 marks the cause clause only. The result clause needs 所以 or 因此, not another 由于.
因此 introduces the result, not the cause. Use 由于 or 因为 to introduce the cause.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 由于 as the "formal cousin" of 因为 — same meaning, higher register.
When writing essays or emails in Chinese, prefer 由于...因此... over 因为...所以... to sound more professional.
In daily conversation, stick with 因为...所以... unless you are deliberately being formal.
A quick test: if you would say "due to" in English instead of "because," use 由于 in Chinese.
Homework
Write six cause-and-effect sentences: three using 由于...所以... and three using ...因此.... Topics should include work, weather, health, and daily life situations.