Looking up...
because
/bɪˈkɔz/
for the reason that
I stayed home because it was raining.
The reason I stayed home was the rain.
neutral
for the reason that; since
She left because she was tired.
Her departure was due to fatigue.
He didn’t go because he was sick.
His absence was caused by illness.
Used to introduce a clause explaining the cause or reason for an action or situation. Often followed by a subject and verb.
neutral
by reason of; because of
The game was canceled because of rain.
Rain was the cause of the cancellation.
Used as a preposition to indicate the cause or reason, often followed by a noun phrase.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: 'Because of' vs 'Due to'
Use 'because' to introduce a clause with a subject and verb (e.g., 'because it rained'). Use 'because of' or 'due to' before a noun phrase (e.g., 'because of the rain').
Gold Rule
Clarity in Cause and Effect
Always ensure the clause following 'because' logically explains the reason for the main clause. Avoid ambiguity by placing 'because' close to the cause it refers to.
Word Origin
Middle English: from by cause, based on Old French par cause 'for cause'.
Usage Notes
Because is used to introduce a subordinate clause giving the reason for something. It is common in both spoken and written English. In informal contexts, 'cause' is sometimes used as a shortened form (e.g., 'I left 'cause I was tired').
Word Breakdown
be-
by
prefix-cause
reason
rootEnglish Dictionary