because
gb/bɪkˈʌz/ us/bɪkˈʌz/
A1
English
~ 100
mert
A1
1
mert
A1
Usage pattern:
[main clause] because [reason clause]
I stayed home because it was raining.
Otthon maradtam, mert esett az eső.
She left early because she felt sick.
Korán elment, mert rosszul érezte magát.
We can’t go swimming because the pool is closed.
He’s upset because he lost his wallet.
Learner examples
I am happy because it is sunny.
Boldog vagyok, mert süt a nap.
She is tired because she worked hard.
Fáradt, mert keményen dolgozott.
We cannot play because it is dark.
He is late because the bus was slow.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'because' without a full clause after it, when 'because of' is needed before a noun phrase.
Meaning
Introduces the reason for something
Collocations
because of you
|because it’s raining
|because I said so
Synonyms
since (Often interchangeable, but 'since' can sound slightly more formal in this sense.)
|
as (Can also mean 'because', but often used in more formal or written contexts.)
Antonyms
although (Introduces a contrast rather than a reason.)
|
despite (Indicates opposition to the situation, not a cause.)
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to say why something happens or why someone does something.
Used to introduce the reason or cause for something mentioned earlier.
Grammar
Dictionary form
because
IPA
GB/bɪkˈʌz/
US/bɪkˈʌz/
Syllables & stress
be - cause (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cause)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: because
- Plural: becauses
Word family
Expressions
because I said so
1/bɪkˈʌz ˈaɪ sˈɛd sˈoʊ/
fixed phrase
informal
Authority given as the reason
Used to say that the reason is simply that the speaker has decided it.
Examples
- You can’t go out tonight because I said so.
- Why do I have to clean my room? Because I said so!
just because
1/d͡ʒˈʌst bɪkˈʌz/
fixed phrase
informal
No special reason given
Used to say there is no special reason for something.
Examples
- Why did you buy that? Just because.
- I called you, just because I wanted to hear your voice.
because of
1/bɪkˈʌz əv/
fixed phrase
Shows the reason for something
Used before a noun to show the reason for something.
Examples
- The game was canceled because of rain.
- The flight was delayed because of bad weather.
- She was late because of traffic.
- She missed the meeting because of traffic.