Because, As and Since

Because, As and Since – Linking Words for Giving Reasons (B2–C1 Level)

Hello, dear English learners! Today we’re looking at three very useful linking words — because, as and since. All three help us explain why something happens, but they aren’t always used in the same way. Let’s explore their differences, their similarities, and how to use them confidently in both spoken and written English.

At My Lingua Academy, we believe that clear explanations and natural examples make grammar much easier to master, so let’s dive right in.

Because

Because is the most common and direct way to give a reason. It answers the simple question: Why?

Examples:

• The boy cried because he hurt his knee.
• The prisoner was released early because his behaviour had improved.
• I can’t close the suitcase because it’s completely full.

Because vs. Because of

This is a classic point of confusion for many learners:

• because + clause (subject + verb)
• because of + noun / noun phrase

Examples:

• We stayed at home because it was raining.
• We stayed at home because of the rain.
• She missed the flight because she overslept.
• She missed the flight because of her oversleeping.

As

Although as is often used for comparisons, it can also introduce a reason. In this meaning, as sounds more polite and slightly more formal than because. It often goes at the beginning of the sentence, creating a softer, more elegant tone.

Examples:

• As a few children were ill, the teacher postponed the test.
• As the firefighters have arrived, we should step back and let them work.
• As Mark knew the way, Tom asked him for a lift to the airport.

Using as shifts attention away from the reason and onto the main action or result.

Since

Like as, the word since has more than one use. It often refers to time (“since 2010”), but it can also mean because. In this meaning, since is also formal and is commonly used in writing.

Examples:

• Since Maria didn’t want to discuss it, we decided to drop the subject.
• They couldn’t hear us since they were too far away.
• Anna felt miserable since her husband had left her.

So, what’s the difference?

The three linking words all express reasons, but they don’t do exactly the same job.

Formality:

• Because → neutral and most common
• As / Since → more formal, often used in written English

Focus:

• Because focuses on the reason.
• As / Since focus more on the result, with the reason being understood.

Examples:

They decided to go home because the party was dying. → The focus is on why (the party was boring).

As/Since it’s raining heavily, we should stay at home. → The focus is on what we should do (stay at home), and the reason is simply background information.

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