because

/bɪˈkɔːz/
conjunctionBeginner
formalinformal

A conjunction used to introduce a reason or explanation for something.

I stayed home because I was sick.

She didn't attend the meeting because she had a prior commitment.

💡

Because is often followed by a subject and a verb, and it can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Collocations

because ofUsed to indicate the reason for something, often followed by a noun or noun phrase.because thatLess common and often considered informal, used to introduce a reason.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

because ofphrase
Due to

💡Pro Tip

Avoid Redundancy

Do not use 'because of' with verbs; use 'because' alone. For example, say 'I'm late because I overslept,' not 'I'm late because of I overslept.'

Gold Rule

Correct Usage

Because is a subordinating conjunction and requires a subject and verb in the clause it introduces. For example, 'I left because I was tired,' not 'I left because tired.'

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'bycause,' from Old English 'by þæs cause' (by that cause).

📝Usage Notes

Because can be used in both written and spoken English. It is often used to explain a cause or reason for an action or event.

Word Breakdown

be-
Intensifier or prefix indicating 'by' or 'through'
prefix
+
-cause
Reason or motive
root
English Dictionary