oleh sebab itu
Therefore with Oleh Sebab Itu
Oleh sebab itu is a formal transition phrase used at the start of a sentence to introduce a logical result or conclusion based on the information in the preceding sentence.
How It Works
Oleh sebab itu is a standard sentence connector (penanda wacana) essential for formal writing, such as essays, reports, and speeches.
1. Sentence Placement:
It almost always appears at the beginning of a new sentence. In standard punctuation, it must be followed by a comma before the rest of the sentence continues.
2. Grammatical Structure:
The phrase literally translates to 'Because of that reason.' Unlike the word kerana (because), which is a conjunction used within a sentence to link a cause to an effect, oleh sebab itu is used to transition between sentences.
3. Register:
This is a high-register, formal expression. In casual conversation, speakers are more likely to use jadi (so) or the shortened sebab itu. In very formal contexts, it is interchangeable with oleh itu.
4. The 'Oleh Kerana' Controversy:
A very common error is using oleh kerana itu. According to formal Malay grammar (Tatabahasa Dewan), this is incorrect because oleh is a preposition that must be followed by a noun (sebab), not a conjunction (kerana).
Examples (3)
- Dia tidak mengulang kaji pelajaran. Oleh sebab itu, dia gagal dalam peperiksaan.
He did not revise his lessons. Therefore, he failed the exam.
Word by Word: He not repeat study lesson. By cause that, he fail in examination.
The first sentence provides the reason for the failure mentioned in the second sentence.
- Hujan turun dengan lebatnya pagi tadi. Oleh sebab itu, jalan raya menjadi licin.
It rained heavily this morning. Consequently, the roads became slippery.
Word by Word: Rain fall with heavy-its morning just-now. By cause that, road become slippery.
Note the use of the comma after the phrase at the start of the second sentence.
- Syarikat itu mengalami kerugian besar. Oleh sebab itu, beberapa orang pekerja terpaksa diberhentikan.
The company suffered heavy losses. For that reason, several employees had to be laid off.
Word by Word: Company that experience loss big. By cause that, several person worker forced be-stopped.
This demonstrates the formal register of the phrase in a business context.
Common Mistakes
Using 'Oleh kerana itu' instead of 'Oleh sebab itu'.
Oleh kerana itu, kami tidak hadir.Oleh sebab itu, kami tidak hadir.In formal Malay, 'oleh' (preposition) cannot be followed by 'kerana' (conjunction). It must be followed by the noun 'sebab'.
Omitting the comma after the phrase.
Oleh sebab itu dia menang.Oleh sebab itu, dia menang.When starting a sentence with a connector like 'oleh sebab itu', a comma is required to separate the transition from the main clause.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'oleh sebab itu', learners need to be familiar with the formal use of 'oleh' (by/due to), the concept of 'sebab' (reason/cause), and how 'itu' (that) functions as a pronoun to refer to a preceding statement. It is a formal transition phrase that builds upon basic causal logic found in patterns like 'kerana'.
- olehPassive Agent with Oleh
The word 'oleh' is used here in its formal capacity to indicate agency or cause, similar to its role in passive constructions.
Level 2 - keranaReason Clause with Kerana
Understanding the basic causal conjunction 'kerana' (because) is necessary before learning the more formal and complex 'oleh sebab itu' (therefore).
Level 1 - ituItu Meaning That
The pattern uses 'itu' as a demonstrative pronoun referring back to the previously mentioned evidence or situation.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- jadiResult or Transition with Jadi
'Jadi' is the informal/conversational equivalent of 'oleh sebab itu' to express 'so' or 'therefore'.
Level 1 - makaFormal Result with Maka
'Maka' is another formal resultative connector, often used to introduce the 'then' part of a logical sequence.
Level 2 - sehinggaResult with Sehingga
'Sehingga' is used to show a result or extent ('until' or 'so that') within a sentence.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice oleh sebab itu in Bubblegum
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