Langeek
VocabularyGrammarExpressionsPronunciationAppPremiumDictionary
profileSign in

Because

becausesubordinating conjunctions

In this lesson, we want to explore the word 'because' since it is very common in sentences.

How to Use "Because" in English?

'Because' is mainly used to show the reason behind something. It is mainly a conjunction, although it can informally be used as a preposition. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.

Functions of 'Because'

'Because' as a Conjunction

As was mentioned above, 'because' is mainly used as a conjunction here. Below, we are going to analyze the kind of conjunction it can be:

Use

'Because' as a Subordinating Conjunction

'Because' is a subordinating conjunction and it connects a subordinate clause to the main one. It is used when we want to give the reason behind something. Look below:

I couldn't hold on anymore because the relationship was too toxic for me.

As you can see, it is clear why she did what she did.

A : Don't you ever feel guilty for what you did to me, my so-called friend?

B : Never, because you left me alone where I needed you the most.

Position in a Sentence

We can put 'because' at the beginning of the subordinate clause, or between the two clauses. Look at the following examples:

Only because you are older than me doesn't mean you can boss around and order me.

Here, it has been put at the beginning of the subordinate clause.

She arrived on time because she wanted to have a good first impression on the manager.

As you can see, 'because' has been used between the two clauses.

Tip!

It is useful to know that we can use adverbs before this conjunction. Take a look:

Don't you think it is mainly because she was hurt by your abusive words?

Here, we are signifying the main but not the only reason behind the action.

Selena is sick partly because she didn't listen to her mom about wearing warm clothes on a cold night.

Here, we are signifying part but not all the reason behind the action.

'Because' as a Preposition

Use

As was stated above, 'because' can seldom be used as a preposition, although this can only happen in informal settings. When we humorously want to show the reason behind something, although we do not want to explain it, we use 'because' as a preposition. Take a look:

A : Why do you think they hanged such a genius?

B : Because religion.

Position in a Sentence

Since we use 'because' here humorously about something and want to avoid giving further explanations about it, we use it before that particular noun. Look:

A : Why did she make that stupid mistake?

B : Because love.

'Because' vs. 'Because of'

We mainly use 'because' at the beginning of a clause whereas, we use 'because of' before a noun. Compare:

She's sad because of all your negativity.

(Not she is sad because all...)

They are late because they had their hands full.

(Not they are late because of they...)

Comments

Loading recaptcha
  • linkedin
  • linkedin
  • facebook
  • facebook
  • email

You might also like

If

You may want to set out a few conditions. In this case, you can use the word 'if,' but you must know its rules and uses. In this lesson, we will learn more.

Since

'Since' has different functions in the English language. In this lesson, we will discover more details about this word and learn when to use it.

Unless

'Unless' is commonly used by English language speakers. In this lesson, we will learn all about this word and when and how to use it.

Due

We use 'due' on different occasions and situations to represent different meanings. In this lesson, we will learn all about it.

Before

'You have heard this before.' You may have noticed 'before' in such sentences. In this lesson, we will discover more about it.

After

The word 'after' functions as a preposition, conjunction, adverb, and adjective. In this lesson, we will discover this word in detail.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app