# because

/bɪˈkɑz/ (US) · /bɪkˈʌz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/because
Updated: 2026-05-01

## Senses

### 1. giving a reason

conjunction · CEFR A1

you use this to explain the reason for something.

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse 'because' with 'because of'; remind them that 'because' needs a verb while 'because of' needs a noun phrase.

### 2. informal reason

preposition · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a casual way to give a reason using just one or two words.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. refusing to explain

interjection · CEFR B1 · Informal

a short answer used when you do not want to give a real reason.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.