because

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[conjunction] (1) shows the reason for a situation: He was late for work because he slept in. • Because they’re under five they can get in free.
(2) shows the reason for believing something to be true: There must be a strike, because the trains aren’t running on time.
because + of [preposition] shows the reason: We went outside because of the smoke. • Because of the security situation, we had to check-in two hours before the flight.

Because is sometimes spelled 'cause or cos in direct speech.

↓ Grammar patterns | Collocations | Set Phrases ↓

Grammar patterns:

1 because | + clause | + clause
clause | + because | + clause

Because the children don’t like fish, I bought some sausages.
We had to take the train because all the buses were full.

♦ to talk about the situation that is the reason for something

2 because | + of | + NP

Why couldn’t you sleep? ~ Because of the noise.
Because of the delay, we missed the connecting flight.
I gave up my job because of her.

♦ to talk about the thing or person that is the reason for something

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Collocations:

Because is commonly preceded by mainly, partly, and simply:

It’s mainly because they are cheap that people choose package holidays.
She was chosen partly because of her qualifications but mainly because of her experience.
Most people put on weight simply because they don’t get enough exercise.

Because often occurs after not:

It’s not because I’m your brother that I’m telling you this. It’s because…
They didn’t sack him because he was lazy, but because of his attitude.
She didn’t marry him because of his money.

Because often follows clauses with must, and introduces the reason for making a deduction:

Jim must be at home because his lights are on.
They must’ve been starving because look how much they ate.

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Set phrases:

• just because

Just because I’m 16, it doesn’t mean I’m a baby.

♦ to say that, because one thing is true, it’s not the case that another thing is also true.

• because/’cause/cos I want to. = commonly used to justify a decision:

Why are you leaving? ~ Cos I want to.

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