Because vs Since
What’s the difference between them?
Because
Meaning:
by cause of something.
Examples:
1. Because it was raining, we decided to stay inside.
2. Because he was late, he missed his train.
3. I'm so happy because I passed my exam.
Since
Meaning:
reason for something; may also indicate a specific point of time when something started.
Examples:
1. Since my arrival, I've been having a wonderful time.
2. I haven't seen him since he moved away.
3. Since I last saw her, she has changed a lot.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Because
1. Owing to
2. Due to
3. As a result of
4. On account of
5. By virtue of
1. Disregard
2. Contradict
3. Ignore
4. Refute
5. Refrain From
Since
1. As
2. Given
3. Because of
4. Due to
5. Consequent upon
1. Before
2. Precede
3. Antecede
4. Beforehand
5. Afterwards
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Because", "Since".
1. 'Because' is used primarily to introduce a reason or cause, emphasizing the direct reason behind an action or event.
2. 'Since' can introduce both reasons and time. As a reason, it's often softer or implies a more longstanding or assumed cause. As a time indicator, it denotes when a particular situation began or an action took place.
3. 'Because' is a more direct way of stating a reason and can be seen as more emphatic. It is straightforward and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
4. Using 'since' to indicate a reason can sometimes sound more formal or nuanced. It may imply that the reason is already known or somewhat evident
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should 'because' be used?
Because usually indicates a causal relationship between two statements. It should be used when wanting to explain or justify why something has happened or is the case.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'since'?
Since indicates a specific point in time or a period of time, and it is typically used in reference to an event or action that began in the past and continues up until the present.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words are not pronounced the same. The word 'because' is pronounced /biˈkɔːz/, and the word 'since' is pronounced /sɪns/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake people make when using these words is confusing their meanings. Since and because have similar meanings, but they should not be used interchangeably. Additionally, some people may make the mistake of using a comma before since. This is incorrect; since should never be preceded by a comma.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. He hasn’t been to the gym _____ he injured his leg.
2. The match was postponed _____ of heavy rainfall.
3. _____ I started eating healthier, Ive felt more energetic.
4. She didnt go to the party _____ she was feeling sick.
5. The city has changed a lot _____ I last visited.
6. They stayed indoors _____ it was too cold outside.
1. Since
Explanation: Since is used here to indicate the point in time from which he hasn’t been to the gym, i.e., the time of his injury.
2. Because
Explanation: Here, because is providing the reason for the matchs postponement, which is the heavy rainfall.
3. Since
Explanation: In this context, since is used to indicate the starting point of a time period in which a change (feeling more energetic) has been observed.
4. Because
Explanation: Because is giving the reason why she didnt go to the party, which is her feeling sick.
5. Since
Explanation: Since is used to mark the time from the last visit to the present, highlighting the changes in the city during that period.
6. Because
Explanation: The reason they stayed indoors is provided by because – the outside temperature was too cold.
Get a gift by subscribing to our newsletter!
Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.