because
conjunction OPAL S
/bɪˈkəz/, /bɪˈkɒz/
/bɪˈkəz/, /bɪˈkɔːz/
- for the reason that
- I did it because he told me to.
- Just because I don't complain, people think I'm satisfied.
- Because it was so late, he found it unacceptable to send them all away.
Word OriginMiddle English: from the phrase by cause, influenced by Old French par cause de ‘by reason of’.
Express Yourself Giving reasons, justifying a choiceGiving reasons, justifying a choiceIn various exams, you are asked to make a choice and give reasons for it. In conversation or in a meeting, you need to explain and justify your decisions:
- There are two main reasons why I think it’s the best option: first, there's the cost and second, the quality.
- I think/believe it's the right thing to do because it gives everyone a fair chance.
- I would choose the newer one on the grounds that it will last longer.
- Of the three houses, the largest one seems to me to be the best, because they need the room.
- My choice would be number 3, simply because it's the clearest design.