What Is Their Main difference?

The main difference between 'because' and 'cause' is in their parts of speech. 'Because' is used as a conjunctions and adverb while 'cause' is used as a noun and verb.

Because

As a Conjunction

'Because' can be used as a conjunction. To be more specific, it can be used as a subordinating conjunction. It expresses cause and effect (why an event happens or the result of an event).

Example

We can't go to the park because it is too cold.

He will cry because he liked her so much.

As an Adverb

'Because' as an adverb can modify verbs, other adverbs, or adjectives. It classifies as 'adverbs of cause and effect.' In this case, 'because' is often followed by a preposition such as 'of.' Have a look:

Example

I changed the furniture because of you.

I kept you out because of your own good.

Cause

As a Noun

'Cause' as a noun is used to express the reason for an action or event. Have a look:

Example

The cause of his death was not mentioned in the report.

We are trying to track down the cause of the technical problem.

It is also used to show a principle that is encouraged by society. For instance:

Example

These soldiers fight for a cause but I don't understand it.

We are helping this charity at the cause of disabled children.

As a Verb

'Cause' as a verb conveys the act of making something happen. Notice that usually, the event is a bad and unpleasant one. For example:

Example

No one knows what caused the sudden fire.

The IT department wants to know what was causing the error to occur.

Are They Interchangeable?

'Cause' can replace 'because' when it is used as a conjunction. It is used in informal speech form, to shorten the word 'because,' and change it into 'cause.' Compare the examples illustrated below:

Example

He is angry with me because I yelled at him.

He is angry with me cause I yelled at him.

I am speaking quietly because I don't want to wake Harry up.

I am speaking quietly cause I don't want to wake Harry up.

Tip!

'’cause' with apostrophe placed before it is also used to replace 'because' as a conjunction but this form is very uncommon. We recommend using the more common version 'cause' (without an apostrophe).

Comments

(5)
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Rob Taylor
Aug 2024
I strongly disagree that they are interchangeable -- they are two different words, as you have pointed out. If one chooses to shorten "because", then one should put the apostrophe to indicate that one knows the difference. If one is using slang, then one can use 'cos, or 'coz.
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Langeek
Aug 2024
Your statement is mostly correct. "Because" and "'cause" aren't fully interchangeable; the apostrophe shows proper shortening. "'Cos" or "'coz" are informal slang variants, but less common.
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William E. Davenport
Jan 2024
If "cause" and "because" are indeed "interchangeable as a conjunction," why are they not synonymous in your dictionary? If the "be" is removed from the beginning of "because" in informal speech, how is the apostrophe NOT necessary in print (as with all other contractions)?
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Langeek
Jan 2024
Thanks for the question! While "cause" and "because" can be used interchangeably in certain informal situations, they are not true synonyms, and their usage can depend on context and formality. The lack of an apostrophe in "cause" when used informally is a linguistic quirk that doesn't follow the standard rules for contractions but is accepted in certain informal contexts.
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Dec 2022
This app is so handy!
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