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

(0)
Loading Recaptcha...
Share on :
Share on :
books
Learn English VocabularyStart learning categorized English vocabulary on Langeek.
Click to start

Recommended

Had Better vs. Would Rather

bookmark
'Had better' and 'would rather' are often confused by learners. In this lesson, we will explore the reasons behind this confusion.

Had Better vs. Would Better

bookmark
'Had better' and 'would better' are confused by learners. In this lesson, we will discover which one is correct and when to use them.

Had Better vs. Should vs. Ought To

bookmark
'Had better,' 'should,' and 'ought to' are used to give advice. In this lesson, we will learn their uses, similarities, and differences.

Because vs. Because Of

bookmark
'Because' and 'because of' are confused by learners. They both talk about causes and effects. In this lesson, we will learn their differences and similarities.

Because vs. Since

bookmark
'Because' and 'since' express causes and effect but there is a distinction between them. In this lesson, we will learn their differences and similarities.

Because vs. So

bookmark
'Because' and 'so' may confuse learners as they are both conjunctions. In this lesson, we will learn their differences.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app