~て form (cause/reason)

The te-form of a verb used to link two clauses where the first is the cause or reason for the second — 'because / and so / hence.' 道に迷って遅刻した ('I got lost, so I was late'), 試験に通って嬉しかった ('I was happy because I passed'). One of the te-form's many functions, distinct from sequential 'and then,' simultaneous 'and,' and means/manner 'by V-ing.' Works only when the second clause is a non-volitional consequence.