Meaning
indicates the reason or cause for a preceding statement, used to explain why something happens or is the case
Primary Function
subordinating conjunction
Communicative Purpose
to provide a clear and explicit explanation for an event or situation
Pattern
because
Core Structure
because
Função primária
subordinating conjunction
Propósito comunicativo
to provide a clear and explicit explanation for an event or situation
Situações de gatilho
answering 'why' questions, supporting opinions, and providing everyday explanations
Contextos
universal in both speech and writing, across all registers and genres
Padrão
because
Estrutura central
because
Slots de substituição
a dependent clause of reason
Colocados típicos
- it's
- I
- there
- you
- he
- she
- we
- they
Substituições comuns
- since
- as
- due to the fact that
Erros comuns
using 'because' at the start of a sentence without a main clause; using 'the reason is because' (redundant)
Similar / contraste
since, as, owing to
Interferências
many L1s allow 'why? because...' without a preceding clause, English requires full clause linkage
Família do chunk
- reason connectors
Nuance
the most direct and common way to state a reason, implies a clear cause-effect link
Efeito pragmático
clear and explicit, slightly more emphatic than 'as'
Dica de memória
I stayed home because I was ill
Nota
This word does not need to be followed by a comma in English, unlike in some other languages.
Upgrade path
due to the fact that
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