Word
because
Phoneticsbe·cause, stress on the second syllable
US/bɪˈkɑz/
UK/bɪkˈʌz/
Definitions
01giving a reason
A1 · Beginner
conj. you use this to explain the reason for something.
conj. introduces a subordinate clause that provides the reason or cause for the action in the main clause.
“We stayed inside because it was raining heavily all afternoon.”
“The project was delayed because the primary contractor failed to secure the necessary permits before the winter freeze began.”
Usage
Always followed by a full clause containing a subject and a verb.
Pitfall
I stayed home because of I was sick.
I stayed home because I was sick.
Use 'because' before a subject and a verb. Use 'because of' before a noun or pronoun.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse 'because' with 'because of'; remind them that 'because' needs a verb while 'because of' needs a noun phrase.
02informal reason
C1 · Advanced Informal · Slang
prep. a casual way to give a reason using just one or two words.
prep. used as a preposition followed by a noun, adjective, or other part of speech to provide a succinct, often humorous reason.
“I'm not going out tonight because internet.”
“The meeting was cancelled because reasons, though nobody would specify exactly what those reasons were.”
Usage
Followed directly by a noun or adjective without 'of' or a full clause.
Teaching tip
This is a modern 'Internet' usage; it sounds very informal and should be avoided in academic or professional writing.
Synonyms
03refusing to explain
B1 · Intermediate Informal
interj. a short answer used when you do not want to give a real reason.
interj. used as a standalone response to a 'why' question to indicate a refusal to provide further explanation.
“Why do I have to eat my vegetables? Because.”
“When asked why the policy had changed so abruptly, the manager simply replied, 'Because,' and walked out of the room.”
Usage
Typically used as a one-word answer or followed by 'I said so'.
Teaching tip
Often used by parents with children; it can sound dismissive or rude in a professional context.
Synonyms
Confusables
Because introduces a clause with a subject and a verb, while because of is a preposition that precedes a noun or noun phrase.
RememberBecause + Clause; Because of + Noun.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₁ep-der. Proto-Indo-European *h₁epsder. Proto-Indo-European *h₁epider. Proto-Indo-European *h₁pi Proto-Germanic *bi Proto-West Germanic *bī Old English bī Middle English by Proto-Italic *kaussā Old Latin caussa Latin causabor. Old French causebor. Middle English cause Middle English bi cause English because From Middle English bi cause, from bi (“by”) + cause, modelled on Old French par cause.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
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