When we express reason, we want to give explanation. Although there are several different words/ grammatical structures to express reason in English, pre-intermediate/ intermediate students often stick to “because”. For this reason, this lesson focuses on how to express reason in different ways and, consequently, how you can improve your writing.
Because
This is the most commonly used linking word for giving reason or cause. It can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence
What’s the difference between because and because of? Because of is followed by a noun.
e.g I didn’t go to the beach because of the rain / I didn’t go to the beach because it was raining
Because can be shortened to cos /kəz/ or /kɒz/ in informal speaking and writing:
Since/ As
Used in much the same way as “because”.As and since are more formal than because
e.g As English is an international language, learning it is essential.
As everyone already knows each other, there’s no need for introductions.
Due to ( = because of)/ Due to the fact that
Due to + N
Due to+ clause
e.g: He failed his exam due to anxiety. He failed his exam due to the fact that he was very anxious.
Owing to/ Owing to the fact that
Owing to + N
Owing to (+ clause)
e.g Owing to his carelessness, the accident happened. /Owing to the fact that he was drunk, the accident happened.
Given/ Seeing that
e.g Given her age, she’s decided to retire./ We’re going to the party seeing that we’ve got the tickets
FOR PORTUGUESE SPEAKERS.
Pay attention to the difference between ‘because' and ‘because of’:
'Because', in Portuguese, means “porque”.
'Because of’ is equivalent to “por causa”.
'Since' here expresses cause and means ’visto que’, 'eis que’ . It is different from the word 'since' which expresses time and is commonly used in the Present Perfect Tense.
'As' has got several meanings, but in this lesson, it stands for “como”, “visto que”, ‘já que”. In turn, "due to" and "owing to” mean “devido a".
'Given' means “considerando".
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