Meaning & use
because vs because of
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
used to introduce a clause that gives the reason for something; because is followed by a subject and verb
Grammar: Because + clause: because it was raining.
Patterns
- because + clause
- because I was tired
We stayed home because it was raining.
She left early because she felt sick.
I like him because he is honest.
phrasefixed phrase
used before a noun or noun phrase to give the reason for something; because of is followed by a noun, not a clause
Grammar: Because of + noun: because of the rain.
Patterns
- because of + noun
- because of the weather
We stayed home because of the rain.
The flight was delayed because of bad weather.
She was late because of the traffic.
Common combinations
- because of you
- We missed the bus because of you.
- because of that
- He didn't study, and because of that, he failed.
- just because
- Just because you're older doesn't mean you're always right.
Synonyms and how they differ
- since
- Since can also give a reason, but it often suggests the reason is already known: Since it's raining, we'll stay in.
- due to
- Due to is similar to because of but is more formal and often used after the verb 'be': The delay was due to bad weather.
Commonly confused: because vs because of or because of?
because vs because of vs because of
Remember: because of is two words and takes a noun. Because is one word and takes a clause. 'Because of the rain' vs 'because it rained'.
Practice
We canceled the picnic ______ the heavy rain.
Choose one answer.
The blank is followed by a noun phrase 'the heavy rain', so we need the preposition 'because of'. 'Because' alone would need a full clause like 'because it rained'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “because vs because of”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.