# coz

/ˈkɑz/ (US) · /kˈɒz/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Conjunction

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coz
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a short, casual way to say 'because'. You use it in texts or when talking to friends to explain a reason.

For teachers: a non-standard, phonetic shortening of 'because'. Used to introduce a subordinate clause of reason or cause.

## Examples

- I'm staying home coz I'm tired.
- I didn't call you back coz my phone died while I was on the bus.
- He didn't bother checking the weather report coz he figured it would just be sunny like yesterday, but then it poured during the picnic.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I stayed home coz of the rain." but "I stayed home because of the rain." — While 'coz' replaces 'because', it is rarely used in the compound preposition 'because of' in writing; 'coz' usually introduces a full clause.

## Usage notes

- Informal spelling; restricted to casual speech, texting, and social media. Not acceptable in academic or professional writing.

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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.