because and because of

Meanings

1. 1conjunction

   Used to introduce a clause that gives the reason for something.

   Grammar: Followed by a full clause with a subject and verb: "because she was tired."

   Patterns

   • because + clause
   • because I was late
   • just because ...

   We stayed home because it was raining.

   She left early because she had a meeting.

   He got the job because he spoke three languages.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   As a result of something or someone; used before a noun to give the reason.

   Grammar: Followed by a noun or an -ing form, never by a clause: "because of the rain," not "because of it rained."

   Patterns

   • because of something
   • because of doing something
   • because of someone

   The game was canceled because of the snow.

   He missed the flight because of a traffic jam.

   She was late because of having to wait for a bus.

Common combinations

because of the weather

The picnic was moved indoors because of the weather.

mainly because

I chose the course mainly because it was close to home.

partly because

She smiled, partly because she was relieved.

because of that

He forgot his keys, and because of that we waited outside.

just because

Don't buy it just because it's on sale.

Synonyms and how they differ

since

Also introduces a reason clause, but it often suggests the reason is already known: "Since you're here, stay for dinner."

as

A more formal way to give a reason clause, common at the start of a sentence: "As it was late, we left."

due to

Similar to because of but more formal and often used after the verb be: "The delay was due to fog."

owing to

A formal British alternative to because of, usually at the start of a clause.

Commonly confused: because and because of or because of? because and because of or why?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “because and because of”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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