Listen to the Lesson
We use the word “because” to give a reason or cause. It tells us why.
We usually use “because” in the middle of a sentence. It connects and makes two shorter sentences into one longer sentence.
Action/Result + because + reason/cause
Both parts should be full sentences. They both need a subject and a verb.
- The boy didn’t go to school last week because he was sick.
- I don’t want to buy it because it is too expensive.
- She won’t come to the party because she has a lot of work to do.
- The house doesn’t look good because the paint color is ugly.
- We will not go on a picnic because it is raining.
Note: We can mix the verb tenses. For example, the action/result can be in the present tense, but the reason/cause can be in the past tense.
It is also possible to use “because” at the beginning of a sentence.
Because + reason/cause, action/result
Use a comma to separate the reason or cause from the action or result when writing.
- Because it is cold, let’s stay home today.
- Because the jacket was too expensive, she didn’t buy it.
- Because she is always kind, I like her.
Note: Many grammar books tell us not to put “because” at the beginning of a sentence when writing. However, there are many people who do not follow this rule. Sometimes, I use “because” at the beginning of a sentence.
Sometimes, just a noun can explain why. We use this a lot when the listener can easily understand without a lot of details.
Action/Result + because of + noun
Because of + noun, action
- I don’t like school because of my teacher.
- We didn’t go hiking because of the weather.
- Because of the price, he didn’t buy the car.
- Because of her, I hate working here.
Bonus Tips and Points
1. We can use different verb tenses (present tense, past tense, future tense, etc.).
- She will go tomorrow because she didn’t have time today.
- They went today because tomorrow will be busier.
- I finished my work today because I want to go fishing tomorrow.
2. We often use short sentences to answer “why” questions. We can leave out the part that was already mentioned in the question. This is very common when speaking.
A) Why didn’t you come to work yesterday?
B) Because I was sick.
A) Why isn’t the TV working?
B) Because it is not plugged in!
A) Why will you quit your job?
B) Because I want to try something new.
Real-World English Conversations
A) I need to leave early because I have to go to the hospital.
B) Why do you need to go to the hospital?
A) Because my brother is in the hospital right now.
A) What should I get my wife for her birthday?
B) You should get her jewelry because all women love jewelry.
A) Actually, my wife doesn’t wear jewelry.
B) Well, then I have no idea what you should do.
A) We need to leave for the airport no later than 8 am.
B) Why do we need to leave so early?
A) We need to leave early because traffic is always bad at that time.
A) I don’t want to go out today because of the weather.
B) Okay. Let’s just stay in and order a pizza.
A) That sounds good, but I don’t want to order a pizza because I am on a diet.
B) No problem. We can eat something else.
Use these free English lessons to learn the most common sentence patterns in the English language. If you learn these sentences and questions, it will help you speak English well. Study the lessons thoroughly, practice making your own sentences, and come back to review often. If you do these three steps, your English speaking will improve quickly and you will be able to have natural English conversations.
English Sentence Patterns for Speaking Index
