What is the Difference Between Because and Since?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between "because" and "since" is that "because" only expresses reason, while "since" expresses both reason and time. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Function: "Because" is a conjunction that expresses cause and effect, and is categorized as a subordinating conjunction. "Since," on the other hand, is also a subordinating conjunction that expresses cause and effect, as well as the passage of time.
- Usage: "Because" is used to introduce a reason, cause, or explanation for something, such as in "I didn't get admission to the college because I was late to submit the application". "Since" can be used to talk about a specific time or point in the past, as in "She has been working in this company since 2014", or to give the reason for something, as in "I have gained seven kilograms since I stopped exercising".
- Frequency: In written and spoken English, "because" is more common than "since" when it comes to giving a reason.
- Position in a Sentence: Both "because" and "since" can be placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence.
To remember the difference, keep in mind that "since" can talk about time or give the reason for something, while "because" is used to state a reason, cause, or explanation for something. Additionally, "because" is more commonly used to introduce a reason compared to "since".
Comparative Table: Because vs Since
The difference between "because" and "since" can be summarized in the following table:
| Conjunction | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| because | establishes a direct causal relationship between two ideas | used by itself in a sentence to emphasize the reason for something |
| since | similar meaning to "because," but often indicates a more general or less direct relationship | can be used interchangeably with "because" due to its similar meaning, but may sometimes imply "after" |
Both "because" and "since" are conjunctions that introduce subordinate clauses and connect the result of something with its reason. However, "because" is more commonly used to stress the importance of the reason specified in the sentence. On the other hand, "since" can also be used to denote words to signify why an activity is performed and can establish true facts, but it may sometimes be read as "after". To avoid ambiguity, it is recommended to use "because" when the meaning is "because" and "since" when the meaning could be either "because" or "after".
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