What Is Their Main Difference?

The main difference between 'because' and 'so' is in their parts of speech. 'Because' is subordinating conjunction while 'so' is a coordinating conjunction.

Differences

Parts of Speech

As mentioned above, 'because' and 'so' are conjunction however they are classified in different conjunction types:

'Because' is classified as a subordinating conjunction as it connects a subordinating clause to a main clause:

Example

I ordered groceries online because we were out of them.

'So' is classified as a coordinating conjunction as it connects two independent clauses:

Example

We were out of groceries, so I ordered them online.

Usage

'Because' and 'so' convey different meanings therefore they are used in different contexts.

'Because' expresses the cause of an action or event:

Example

Harry didn't come to the party because he was not invited.

'So' expresses the result of an action or event:

Example

Harry wasn't invited, so he didn't come to the party.

Position in a Sentence

'Because' can be placed at the beginning and at the middle of the sentence:

Example

She is here because she wants to defend herself.

Because she wants to defend herself, she is here.

'So,' however, cannot be place at the beginning of the sentence and must be placed between the two independent clauses:

Example

✓ Be careful when you run, so you don't fall.

So you don't fall, be careful when you run.

Comments

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

Recommended

Because vs. Cause

bookmark
'Because' and 'cause' can be used interchangeably. In this lesson, we will discover their differences and when to use them.

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. Due To

bookmark
'Because' and 'due to' talk about results, but they have differences. In this lesson, we will learn their similarities and differences.

Since vs. Ever Since

bookmark
'Since' and 'ever since' are used interchangeably when talking about a period of time. In this lesson, we will learn all about them.

Since vs. After

bookmark
'Since' and 'after' are used to express time. In this lesson, we will learn their similarities and differences.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app