because
conjunction
UK/bɪˈkɒz/ or /bəˈkɒz/US/bɪˈkʌz/ or /bəˈkʌz/
for the reason that; used to introduce a statement of cause or reason
Example Sentences
We canceled the picnic because it started to rain.
She left early because she wasn't feeling well.
I only bought one pair of shoes because I'm on a strict budget.
Let’s leave now because the traffic might get worse later.
They hired a babysitter because they wanted to enjoy a rare night out.
He apologized because he realized how his words had hurt her feelings.
Because it's a public holiday, most offices and banks remain closed, giving everyone an extended weekend to travel or relax with their families.
They decided to hire an expert consultant because they wanted specialized insights, ensuring the project would proceed smoothly and exceed the clients’ expectations.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A conjunction used to express cause or justification“Because” serves as a coordinating or subordinating conjunction that links a reason to a statement. It helps clarify why something happens or why a person holds a particular view. For example, “I stayed home because I was feeling sick” shows the cause (feeling sick) and the outcome (staying home). When using “because,” keep your sentence structure clear to avoid confusion. You may begin with the reason—“Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic”—or conclude with it: “We canceled the picnic because it was raining.” In either construction, the clause after “because” must be a complete explanation of why something took place or what caused a situation. Be wary of “because” fragments—if you say, “I didn’t go. Because I was too busy,” you split the idea awkwardly. Instead, combine them: “I didn’t go because I was too busy.” Using “because” effectively helps your listener or reader understand the direct rationale for your statement, request, or action.
Alternatives
If you’re looking to avoid repeating “because,” a few alternatives or paraphrases can keep your text engaging and precise. “Since” or “as” can substitute for “because” in many contexts, though they may sound slightly more formal—“I stayed home since I was sick.” Similarly, “due to” functions like a prepositional phrase focusing on external reasons, as in “We canceled the picnic due to rain,” but remember it typically pairs with nouns rather than clauses. Another option is “given that,” which highlights a cause or context: “Given that the roads were blocked, we took another route.” Phrases like “on account of” or “by reason of” also emphasize cause, although they’re more common in formal or legal documents. Whether you use “since,” “as,” “because,” or another construction, the main point is clarity—letting your audience see the explicit link between cause and effect. Each alternative carries a slightly different tone, so select the one that best fits your purpose and the setting in which you’re writing or speaking. Blending synonyms judiciously throughout your text can avoid monotony while preserving coherence and meaning.
Writing
In formal or academic writing, “because” remains an essential way to anchor an argument by outlining causal connections. Whether discussing historical events—“The treaty failed because underlying tensions were unresolved”—or scientific findings—“The reaction proceeded more slowly because the temperature dropped”—this conjunction firmly indicates rationale and consequence. That clarity strengthens a paper’s logical flow and helps readers see precisely why one step follows another. However, avoid overusing “because” in every sentence; relying too heavily on one construction can become repetitive. Sprinkle in variations like “since,” “as,” or “due to” to maintain a smooth reading experience. Furthermore, verify each “because” clause adds genuinely necessary explanation. If the cause is implicit or explained previously, consider condensing the sentence. In more technical or legal contexts, you might opt for “inasmuch as,” “on account of,” or “by virtue of,” though these can come off as archaic or overly formal if misused. The key is balancing readability with precision: ensuring your writing feels consistent, purposeful, and direct in linking actions with the reasons behind them.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “because” is your go-to word when offering quick explanations or justifications. You might say, “I need to reschedule lunch because I’m swamped,” or “He left early because he wasn’t feeling well.” This straightforward approach instantly communicates the reason behind any action or situation. If you feel you’re overusing “because,” casual phrases such as “since,” “as,” or “seeing that” can loosen up your speech without sounding awkward—“I’m heading out early since I have to pick up groceries.” At times, you might hear playful uses like “Just because!” in English, which suggests no specific explanation or perhaps a refusal to elaborate. Informal contexts also allow for “’cause” as a contraction, though you should limit it to friendly chats—“I’m not going, ’cause I’m too tired.” Remember, the main purpose is to clarify the cause-effect link for the listener, so short, direct statements are often the clearest way to keep conversations flowing naturally while signaling reasons, excuses, or motivations in everyday life.
Etymology
The word “because” has Middle English roots, evolving from “by cause,” which itself came from Old French “par cause,” literally meaning “by reason of.” In earlier English usage, people often wrote “by cause” or “bycause,” later standardizing into “because.” Over centuries, it became the dominant way to express a relationship of cause and effect in clauses. This transformation mirrored the general linguistic shift from long compound expressions to more streamlined conjunctions, reflecting the way English speakers simplified syntax for efficiency. The popularity of “because” as a single-word connector spread as reading and writing became more widespread. It has also been adapted for creative and humorous uses, such as the modern trend of “because + noun,” for instance “because reasons,” to jokingly dismiss a detailed explanation. Despite such playful twists, the core purpose of “because” remains stable: to clearly state the reason behind any claim, action, or observation, reinforcing its lasting significance in everyday speech and formal writing.
