Language/English/Vocabulary/As,-because,-since-and-for
All four of these words can be used to refer to the reason for something. There are some differences.
Once you've mastered this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Difference between ROBBER, BURGLAR ..., Words ending with the suffix less, Best 1000 Things to Do in Paris & Asking Directions.
As and since
As and since are used when the reason is already known to the listener/reader, or when it is not the most important part of the sentence. As- and since-clauses often come at the beginning of sentences.
Examples:
As it’s raining again, we'll have to stay at home.
Since he had not paid his bill, his electricity was cut off.
As- and since-clauses are relatively formal; in an informal style, the same ideas are often expressed with so.
Example:
It’s raining again, so we'll have to stay at home.
Because
Because puts more emphasis on the reason, and most often introduces new information which is not known to the listener/reader.
Examples:
Because I was ill for six months, I lost my job.
When the reason is the most important part of the sentence, the because-clause usually comes at the end. It can also stand alone. Since and as cannot be used like this.
Examples:
Why am I leaving? I'm leaving because I ’m fed up! (not . . . I ’m leaving as/since I ’m fed up! )
‘Why are you laughing?’ ' Because you look so funny.’
A because-clause can be used to say how one knows something.
Example:
You didn't tell me the truth, because I found the money in your room. (= . . . I know because I found . . . )
For
"For" introduces new information, but suggests that the reason is given as an afterthought. A for-clause could almost be in brackets. For-clauses never come at the beginning of sentences, and cannot stand alone. For, used in this sense, is most common in a formal written style, and is becoming rare.
Example:
I decided to stop and have lunch - for I was feeling hungry.
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