Because vs Because of: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Because" is used with a clause, while "because of" is used with a noun or noun phrase.
Memory Tip: because = sentence follows, because of = noun follows
because /bɪˈkɔːz/
conjunctionUsed to give a reason for something.
Example:
She is happy because she got a new puppy.
Common patterns:
because of
just because
because I said
because of
Example:
We stayed inside because of the rain.
Common Mistakes
She was late because the traffic.
She was late because of the traffic.
The phrase 'the traffic' is a noun phrase, so 'because of' is needed.
He succeeded because of he worked hard.
He succeeded because he worked hard.
'He worked hard' is a clause, so 'because' is appropriate.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. She is happy ____ she got a new puppy.
2. We stayed inside ____ the rain.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse because / because of again
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